Jerrod Funk

Jerrod Funk Golf Academy was established in June of 2004. Jerrod had taken a leave of absence from the David Leadbetter Golf Academy in Florida for the summer and returned home. After observing that there were no instructional facilities in the Tri-Cities he decided to venture on his own and return to his roots of Southwest Virginia and Upper East Tennessee. Since then his clientele has grown and currently he teaches some of the best junior and amateur players in this area.

Jerrod started his career in golf at San Diego Golf Academies. He attended their satellite branch in Orlando Florida. After graduation he took a job as an assistant golf professional at Dubsdread Golf Course in Orlando. This is were he first started teaching junior and women's clinics. After seeing his passion Jerrod knew that he must continue to gain knowledge and improve as an instructor. He then moved to Atlanta Georgia and took a job at Golf Augusta Pro Shops and Learning Centers. After one year Jerrod was promoted to Director of Instruction and started to see that it was time to move again and try to become a better teacher. This time Jerrod moved to Bradenton Florida home of the David Leadbetter Junior Golf Academy. Jerrod knew that if he was going to be the best he must work for the best. Jerrod became a Leadbetter Certified Instructor and taught junior golfers from all over the world. Jerrod also had the opportunity to assist and observe many lessons to PGA and LPGA players while at the academy. With names such as Michael Cambell, Michelle Wie, David Gossett, Justin Rose, Charles Howell, Paula Creamer, Nicole Perrot, and many more. Jerrod also caddied for Nicole Perrot at LPGA Q-School were she got her card on her first attempt. After two years Jerrod was promoted to the Tour Prep/Post Grad program were he had the opportunity to work with college level players and upcoming professional golfers.

John Graham

Instructor

Originally from Wise, VA, John was introduced to the game of golf at a young age by his father. John had a very successful junior career competing in numerous amateur and junior tournaments. In his last year at J.J. Kelly High School, John was Co-Captain of the 2003 VHSL Group A State Championship Golf Team.

His success on the junior level earned him a spot on the NCAA Division I Morehead State Golf Team. After his first year at Morehead State, John decided to return to his hometown to attend The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. Along with a group of local talent, he was compelled to help grow the UVA-Wise golf program. During his collegiate career he earned numerous top honors on the conference and region levels. John will also be the Head Golf Coach at UVA Wise for the 2008 Fall Season.

John began taking lessons with Jerrod Funk at the beginning of his collegiate career. His passion for the game and the desire to help others inspired him to become a Professional Instructor at the Jerrod Funk Golf Academy. John joined the team in April 2008.

James C. McWherter ATC, LAT

Personal Trainer & Golf Fitness Specialist

Originally from Greeneville, Tennessee and graduated from Greeneville High School in 1976 where he played football, golf and ran track. Graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1980 where he received his degree in Physical Education and Athletic Training. In 1980 he was hired by Science Hill High School to become the first Head Athletic Trainer for a public high school in the state of Tennessee. He spent 11 years with Science Hill High School before accepting a position with the now Wellmont Health System in which he held several titles in the field of Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine.

During his tenure in the fields of athletic training, physical therapy, and sports medicine he became a certified golf fitness specialist. He has trained numerous area athletes in sports performance and golf. He has written 15 articles for Tricitiessports.com, featured in the Rave section of the Johnson City Press Chronicle, appeared on WCYB Live at noon, and given numerous seminars and lectures in golf fitness.

In 2003 He qualified for the Tennessee State Amateur Golf Tournament at the age of 46, played at Ridge View Country Club in Memphis, Tennessee. Later the same year he qualified for the Tennessee State Mid Amateur Championship played at Black Creek Country Club in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He has played on the Greater Kingsport Amateur Golf Tour and currently plays on the Greater Kingsport Amateur Senior Golf Tour. He currently carrier a 2.4 handicap with the United State Golf Association.

Jason Johnson

Professional Club Fitter

After working for two years with Jerrod as a student, Jason joined the Jerrod Funk Golf Academy in the Spring of 2007 as the academy’s club fitter. Jason, a Golf Clubmakers Association member, attended the Titleist Fitting Works workshop to gain certification as a custom fitter of Titleist and Cobra equipment. Through constant industry education programs, and collaboration with manufacturers and other professional clubfitters and builders, he strives to offer the best opportunities to improve a client’s golf game.