Meet the coaches behind SGA
At Salazar Golf Academy, coaching starts with the student. Every golfer learns differently, so our approach is built around clear communication, practical progress, and a stronger connection between practice and play.
Whether the goal is helping a junior build confidence, giving a beginner a more welcoming way into the game, or guiding an adult toward better performance, our coaching team is here to help golfers improve with purpose.
Established coaching. Practical player development.
For nearly 30 years, Salazar Golf Academy has helped juniors, beginners, and adult players grow through structured coaching, real golf experience, and a learning environment that builds confidence.
We believe progress should not stay on the lesson tee. It should carry onto the course, into competition, and into the enjoyment of the game.
A founder who understands the full golf experience
Greg Salazar’s work has always been grounded in how golfers actually learn, play, and grow in the game. That same golfer-first perspective also led to the launch of Dragonfly Travel, a separate golf travel brand focused on curated golf vacations, hosted trips, and destination golf experiences. Together, the two brands reflect a broader vision: helping golfers improve close to home, then experience the game more fully beyond it.
Our coaching team
Each coach brings a different strength to the academy, but all share the same commitment to clear instruction, player development, and helping students build confidence through the game.
Greg Salazar
Founder | Director of Instruction
Greg Salazar founded Salazar Golf Academy to help golfers improve in a way that is clear, practical, and built to hold up on the course. Over nearly three decades, he has coached juniors, beginners, and adult players with a focus on building confidence, stronger fundamentals, and long-term performance. The academy’s student-first approach reflects that belief: good coaching should match the player in front of you, not force every golfer into the same method.
Greg’s experience spans junior development, adult instruction, and competitive player coaching, but his focus remains consistent: create a structured path that helps golfers improve with purpose. His credentials and recognition support that track record, but what matters most to families and players is how that experience translates into better learning, better habits, and stronger performance over time.
Highlights
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WGTF Top 50 Teacher
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CGTF Top 50 Teacher
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PGA International member
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USGTF Master Teaching Professional
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GGTF Master Teaching Professional
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U.S. Kids Certified Coach
Ray Byrne
Camp Director | Coach
Ray Byrne plays a key role in shaping the academy’s junior camp experience. As Camp Director, he helps create a program that is organized, engaging, and built around the kind of real golf development families are looking for. His coaching style is practical and supportive, with a strong focus on helping students build confidence, understand the game more clearly, and carry what they learn into play.
Ray is a strong fit for juniors and developing players who benefit from structure, clear communication, and steady coaching support.
Highlights
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CGTF Certified Master Teaching Professional
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TPI Certified Coach
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U.S. Kids Golf Certified Coach
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IGPA Sport Psychology Consultant
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20 years of on-course golf experience
Kevin Pullen
Coach | Camp Operations
Kevin Pullen helps bring consistency, warmth, and day-to-day support to the student experience at Salazar Golf Academy. As both a coach and part of camp operations, he contributes to the kind of learning environment that keeps students engaged, comfortable, and motivated to keep improving. His approach reflects the academy’s belief that good coaching should be both developmental and enjoyable.
Kevin works well with students who benefit from encouragement, structure, and a positive atmosphere while they learn. He believes golf should help build not only skill, but also confidence, patience, and respect for the game. That makes him a strong part of the academy’s beginner-friendly and junior-focused environment.
Highlights
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Certified Golf Instructor, Canadian Golf Teachers Federation
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John Evelyn Golf Club Junior Club Champion
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Meadowbrook Golf Club Junior Club Champion
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Cedarhurst Golf Club Junior Invitational Champion
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Sleepy Hollow Golf Club Champion
