Owner's Biography

   Hello, I am Russel Johnson, the owner and Lead Instructor of the Ocean State Golf Academy. Upon traveling around the country and working in 3 of the five largest golf meccas, I have amassed experience on the lesson tee, learning from some of the greatest minds in golf. Embracing the modern way of golf instruction, I returned home to Rhode Island after 19 years away and created the Ocean State Golf Academy.

   In November 2019, the academy launched a technology-centric approach to instruction. He introduced a never-seen learning component such as Robo Golf Pro (an automated golf swing trainer only 30 in the world) and Sportsbox AI (golf swing videos transformed into avatar or skeletal form), among other performance stations that include golf swing video observation.  

   I have over 30 years of golf experience and excelled in all facets. His background has also spanned the retail sector, the wholesale side, and green grass (golf courses) facilities. I entered the game as it transitioned from wood golf clubs to metal wood, and video lessons were introduced. I've always been on the cutting edge of technology, and OSGA will intensely focus on technology-based instruction. Using data to assess player movements, justify a theory, and improve flaws.

   As a knowledgeable golf instructor, I've adapted to all modern technologies throughout his career while infusing some old-world teaching methods that his mentors shared. Communication is my greatest asset, as I have developed my instruction style. In the five states I have taught, my  mentors have influenced my growth as an instructor and mentor to younger professionals and tour-caliber players.  

 He is a current Callaway Golf staff player and stays in tune with all the current performance trends of the product line. Both make for a good mix of instruction and club fitting.  

When he is not instructing, Pickleball has become a true passion.