Owner's Biography

   Russel Johnson is 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, he amassed experience on the lesson tee and in the golf shop. Embracing the modern way of golf instruction, he returned home to Rhode Island after 19 years 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.  

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

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

   As a former sales representative & club fitter for Adams Golf, he covered Southeast Florida as a territory, selling & fitting at golf stores and golf courses from Vero Beach to Miami along the Interstate 95 corridor. His impact on the golf scene drew the attention of many customers unfamiliar with the product line and launched significant brand awareness for a smaller golf entity. 

 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.  

  He is currently enrolled in the PGA of America PGA Apprentice program, gaining better business & communication skills for golf instruction while joining the country's largest governing body of golf professionals. 

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