I WAS MADE TO DO THIS
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and attended the University of Miami. I grew up playing golf at Valley Brook Country Club with my father and best friends, and knew in my bones that my future would involve the game of golf. My golf talents on the course got me recruited by the University of Miami on a golf scholarship, and later led me to medalist honors at the NCAA Championship.
NATIONAL SUCCESS ON THE GREEN
My natural talent, coupled with my dedication, earned me a tour card to the (LPGA) Ladies Professional Golf Association, on my first attempt. In 1993, I recorded my first victory winning the Ping Welch’s Classic in Boston, MA. During the course of my 14 years on tour, my career earnings exceeded $1 million dollars.
A PASSION FOR TEACHING…
I elected to leave the tour after 14 years, choosing instead to focus on children; my own young child and the love of teaching, mentoring and developing the mindsets of other young golfers. I blend my experience of the tour, and the education I received from the finest golf coaches, along with study of yoga, fitness and golf psychology. With the influences of people like Dr. Bob Rotella, Fred Shoemaker, Mike Adams, Bob Ford, Dr. Debra Graham, John Elliot, Tom Patri, Molly Baney, Ed Oldfield, Mike Labauve, Ray Gafford, and childhood instructors John Rech, Chuck Scally and Jim Ferree, I have a wide base of knowledge that I consider to be some of the very best.
As a golf instructor, I continue to improve my skills by attending seminars and participating in professional associations such as the LPGA Teaching Division and The Proponent Group. I am a Certified Yoga Instructor, received my National Certification in Therapeutic Massage, received my certification as a Titleist Performance Institute Golf Fitness Instructor, was certified by Dr. Rick Jensen as a Certified Mental Golf Coach,and recieved the rating of Level 1- Associate Lynn Blake Instructor. And in the performance realm separate from golf, I spent 6 years coaching individuals on personal development in an international leadership development company.
…AND FOR SPEAKING
I am a member of Toastmasters (an educational organization that helps members improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills) as well as a member of the National Speakers Association as I continue to professionally develop myself in this area. The end game? Giving myself the tools to most eloquently and efficiently impart my knowledge to you.
I have been lucky enough to have been invited regularly to speak at LPGA Pro-Ams and address goups such as the Southpointe CEO Association, Mylan Classic Golf Clinic, and the Washington Hospital Foundation.
Other Coaching Titles
In August 2013, I was named as the first ever Women’s Varsity Golf Coach at the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University. I successfully developed a women’s golf team to add to the university’s athletic program.
Also, I am pleased to see I’m getting peer recognition! In November 2013, I was voted as one of the top 10 golf instructors in the State of Pennsylvania! That is quite an honor -I’m inexplicably thankful to my students for their drive and dedication.
Professionally, Missie continues to add to her commitment to coaching women – Thus, in 2015, she and her business partner, a retired, successful CEO, Sue McMurdy founded the Business Golf Academy. Missie and Sue are advocates for women! They coach women on how to advance their business careers through using the great game of golf! How lucky we are to be affiliated with Golf, The Preferred Sport of American Business!
……The latest Expansion of her Career
In December 2016 Missie expanded her career by transitioning into the Financial Industry by receiving her license as a Financial Representative. Missie’s son had moved on to his college years and at this juncture, Missie decided to transition into her chosen field of study from the University of Miami. Missie intends to blend both her worlds; golf and finance. She will always teach and play the game she loves and is now excited she can assist new clients in the financial world by also being a coach in this arena. Missie is affiliated with the Luttner Financial Group located in Pittsburgh, Pa.
