Michael LaBella is an award-winning golf coach who has built his academy into one of the “Best Schools and Academies” rated by Golf Digest in 2022. Most recently he was named the 2024 TriState PGA Teacher and Coach of the year as well as a 2025-2026 Best Young Teacher by Golf Digest!!!  He has advanced certifications in the art of coaching, ground reaction forces, golf functional movement/golf biomechanics, skill acquisition, routine development as well as mental game training.

Mike currently teaches players of all levels, from beginners to professionals. He has taught students who have gone on to play at the collegiate level, mini tours, and the LPGA. Several players have risen to be highly ranked in Golfweek Junior Rankings, AJGA Polo Rankings and the Junior Golf Scoreboard Rankings.

 

Mike states “Let’s swing YOUR swing, there is no time for wasted movement, let’s be efficient,” through proper assessments, and understanding how to use the ground we can develop a swing that is specific to the player, is more efficient and yields more consistency in strike, ball flight, and clubhead speed.

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Mike’s programs have a focus on the following:

1. Through assessments our goal is to gain an understanding of what the players can and cannot do to allow us to build a swing with the proper matchups and movements.

   1. BioSwing Dynamics Assessment

   2. TPI Assessment

   3. Smart2Move Force Plate Ground Forces Assessment/kinematic Sequencing Assessment

2. Build a more efficient swing with no wasted movements... The less inefficiently moving parts, the less we need to add additional movements as compensators. From here we can be more consistent with strike and speed generation.

3. Have Dynamic Rhythm – maximize the sequencing and flow of your swing.

4. Maximize Strike

5. Developing a strong short game

6. Scoring – understanding how to master your way around the course.

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Notable Learning Experiences:
Butch Harmon, Randy Smith, Chuck Cook, Hank Hankey, Mike Adams, Warren Bottke, Martin Chuck, David Lapour, Scott Cowx, Lou Guzzi, Mike Bender, Craig Harmon, Megan Padua, James Sieckmann, Kirsta Dunton, Andrew Rice, Dr. Kwon – TWU, Eric Handley – PSU, IJGA
 

Awards:

• 2024 Tristate PGA Teacher and Coach of the Year

• 2024 Western PA Golf Choice Awards - Best Instruction 

• 2025 - 2026 Best Young Teachers in America by Golf Digest

• 2023-2024 Best Young Teachers in America by Golf Digest

• 2021-2022 Best Young Teachers in America by Golf Digest

• 2021-2022 Golf Digest Editors’ Choice Best Schools & Academies

• 2019 Top 50 Coach Award - Operation 36

• 2015 US Kids Top 50 Honorable Mention