When it comes to golf instruction, few names resonate as strongly as Mike LaBella. As the director of instruction at The Nemacolin Golf Academy, LaBella’s reputation precedes him, and rightfully so.
Recently, he was honoured as the 2024 Tri-State PGA Section Teacher and Coach of the Year, a testament to his prowess on the teaching tee and the impact he’s made on countless students.
In the world of golf, the respect of one’s peers is golden, and in LaBella’s case, he’s hit the motherlode.
Not only do his students sing his praises, but his nomination for this prestigious award came from none other than one of his students, Steve Kusenko, head professional at Mon Valley Country Club.
Kusenko, himself a seasoned player and teacher, sought LaBella’s guidance to refine his game, recognising in him a unique blend of communication and technical know-how.
“Mike LaBella is a great young teacher,” Kusenko remarks, emphasising LaBella’s knack for tailoring his instruction to each student’s needs, a rare skill in an industry where many talk the talk but can’t walk the walk.
LaBella’s expertise isn’t just in his words but in his mastery of modern golf technology.
At Nemacolin, he’s armed with an arsenal of the latest gadgets—Trackman launch monitors, Foresight Sports’ GCQuad™, and Swing Catalyst’s Balance and Dual Force Plates, to name a few.
But it’s not just about having these tools; it’s about knowing how to use them to unlock each golfer’s potential.
“Part of being a good teacher is knowing how to utilize the gadgets,” says Kusenko. And this is where LaBella truly shines.
At just 35, LaBella has already been named to Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers list twice.
His journey into golf instruction began in high school, where he started by helping out at junior camps.
A Penn State graduate, his passion for teaching was ignited during a college internship at Catawba Island Club in Ohio, leading him to start a junior academy at St. David’s Golf near Philadelphia.
Along the way, he’s been mentored by some of the best in the business, including Brian Jacobs and the legendary Craig Harmon of Oak Hill Country Club.
LaBella’s teaching philosophy revolves around building a “360” relationship with his students, understanding not just their physical capabilities but also their mental approach to the game.
“I love the interaction between me and my students,” he says, noting that the joy of teaching comes from seeing his students grow, not just as players but as individuals.
Whether they’re juniors, adults, or highly competitive players, LaBella’s approach is personalised and comprehensive, ensuring that each golfer can achieve their goals, whether that’s shaving strokes off their score or simply hitting the ball with a little more confidence.
For those who seek long-term coaching, LaBella’s process starts with a thorough assessment—covering everything from swing mechanics to mental readiness.
“I’m getting a full 360 of what’s going on,” he explains. This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of a player’s game is addressed, from the technical to the mental.
In recent years, LaBella has delved into the biomechanics of the golf swing, using technology to tailor his instruction to each student’s body type and movement patterns.
“Everybody’s body is different,” he says, emphasizing the importance of working with each individual’s natural tendencies rather than forcing them into a one-size-fits-all swing model.
LaBella is also at the forefront of mental game coaching, using tools like the FocusCalm EEG headband, which helps players train their minds to stay calm under pressure—a crucial skill for any golfer, especially those looking to compete at higher levels.
Beyond his regular duties at Nemacolin, LaBella is a go-to instructor for resort guests, many of whom return time and again for his expert guidance.
He also runs “Premier Schools” at the resort, featuring guest instructors of high repute, further cementing Nemacolin’s status as a premier golf destination.
For more information about The Nemacolin Golf Academy and the resort’s offerings, visit Nemacolin.com.
