As the head golf professional at Montauk Downs for the last 20 years, Kevin has dedicated himself to elevating the stature of “The Downs” and golfing public she serves. As one of the “Crown Jewel” of the NYS park system, “The Downs” as a municipal course, has a very private feel due to the instillation of innovate programs and the placement of a very attentive and professional staff under Kevin's direction. Kevin has been the driving force behind the public-private partnership with NYS parks which began in 2002 and has raised over $700,000 towards the renovation and restoration of Montauk Downs. Kevin also works very closely with the FOMD board in their efforts to accomplish the same. As a highly sought after teacher, Kevin began his golf career at the Tam'o Shanter Club on Long Island in 1976 and quickly attained full PGA class “A” status in 1982. Highlights of Kevin's career include being named merchandiser of the year in 1998 of the Metropolitan Section of the PGA of America and 2 hole-in-one’s at Montauk during the 2002 season.
ERIC SCHULTZEL
Eric was a member of the Brevard College Golf Team in Coca Beach Florida and has been teaching at Montauk Downs since 2001. Eric achieved his PGA America Class A-8 status in March 2008. In addition to conducting private, semi-private and playing lessons, Eric has been instrumental in developing Tee Too Green’s Junior Golf Program in effect since 2001. A great deal of the success of the program is a credit to his energy, enthusiasm, appreciation of the kids and love of the game. He has also done his part to support the fund raising activities which have made so many of the renovation and restoration projects possible at Montauk Downs. FOMD is grateful for those fund raising efforts and pleased to have him as a part of Montauk Downs.
TOM LUPINACCI
Tom is a PGA of America Life Member with over 33 years of teaching experience in every facet of golf-related subjects such as rules of golf, merchandising, golf psychology, and swing techniques. Successfully instructing thousands of golfers from youth beginners to advanced adults and seniors.
Tom has been a teaching professional at Montauk Downs since 2000. Prior to Montauk, Tom spent two years at Pound Ridge Golf Club, Pound Ridge, NY and twenty two years as head golf professional at Sterling Farms Golf Club, Stamford, CT.
Tom achieved low professional 1997,1998 at the CT Senior Open. He is record holder at Sterling Farms with a 64, and at Broken Sound Golf Club, Boca Raton, FL with a 64.
Tom is a dealer in high quality golf memorabilia and was awarded merchandiser of the year metropolitan section, 1980,1985,1993 and a current member Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass.
KATE TEMPESTA
As Montauk Downs Director of Junior Instruction, Kate is excited to introduce some new and dynamic additions to our Junior Golf Program here in 2009. Her latest development, Discovery Golf, combines her knowledge as an early childhood creative movement teacher and an LPGA T&CP member. Kate will lead the program using the SNAG (Starting New at Golf) method--- an innovative, fun and engaging strategy that will captivate and inspire your youngster. With a varied background that includes work in physical therapy, personal training, and creative movement, Kate brings a unique perspective to golf instruction. She provides students with an understanding of golf as a holistic sport, one that operates at the fulcrum of fitness, balance, coordination, flexibility, strength and perseverance. Kate also has an innate sense of how to bring play to her work, drawing on her child development knowledge to create fun and engaging lessons. In 2008 Kate was selected to be on the LPGA T&CP Ketel One Cup Team. This prestigious honor is based on commitment and dedication to the game of golf and is only awarded to 60 of over 1200 LPGA T&CP Members. This fall Kate will debut her new company, The Urban Golf Academy, whose mission it is to introduce inner city children throughout New York to the game of golf. In addition to her work with juniors, Kate is also available to all ages for private lessons in both golf instruction and golf fitness. She will be conducting weekly Short Game Clinics as well as Ladies Only Clinics.
PAUL DICKINSON
Paul, a Montauk native, has competed professionally, for the past eight years, playing on the PGA, Nationwide, Hooters and other tours around the country. As a full time member of the Nationwide tour in 2003, Paul established relationships with some of the world's top ranked players. He has been fortunate to have worked with several of the game's leading teachers. With his playing background, knowledge gained through lessons with outstanding teachers and his relationships with other prominent members of the professional golfing world, there is no doubt that he will be a superb addition to the staff here at Montauk Downs.
