Welcome to the Independence School of Golf, where our mission is to help you elevate your game to new heights. Our seasoned team of golf instructors is dedicated to helping students of all levels achieve their goals on the green. Whether you're a beginner eager to learn the basics, an amateur aiming to refine specific areas of your game, or an advanced player seeking expert insight, our professionals are here to guide you every step of the way.
Individual Instruction
Every golfer's journey is unique, and sometimes, what's needed is a one-on-one approach. Our instructors are available for individual sessions where lessons are personalized based on your goals, strengths, and areas needing improvement.
Why Choose Us?
Experienced Instructors: Our team comprises seasoned professionals who bring years of experience, both as players and educators. Their expertise spans across all facets of the game.
Customized Approach
We believe in a student-centered approach, where lessons are tailored based on individual needs and progress.
Design Focused
Practice in top-notch golfing environments, with access to the latest equipment, technology and state-of-the-art facilities.
Holistic Development
Beyond the technical, we emphasize the mental, emotional, and strategic aspects of the game, ensuring well-rounded player development.
Meet our team below, read their profiles, and find the perfect instructor to guide you on your golfing journey. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the process, and let us be part of your golf story.
Instructors
About Kelly Hall, PGA
A teacher for over 25 years in the private club world, Kelly is excited to return to his roots in public golf. Starting as a bag room attendant at 16, he has never worked outside of golf. Kelly attained his Class “A” status with the PGA of America in 1999 and has spent time in Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, and Florida during his career. He has worked at public, resort, and private facilities, giving him a wealth of experience and knowledge due to the differences in each type of property and location. He hopes to bring the best of those experiences to Independence along with fresh ideas for where the game is going in the future.
A teacher for over 25 years in the private club world, Kelly is excited to return to his roots in public golf. Starting as a bag room attendant at 16, he has never worked outside of golf. Kelly attained his Class “A” status with the PGA of America in 1999 and has spent time in Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, and Florida during his career. He has worked at public, resort, and private facilities, giving him a wealth of experience and knowledge due to the differences in each type of property and location. He hopes to bring the best of those experiences to Independence along with fresh ideas for where the game is going in the future.
A teacher for more than 20 years, Kelly has worked with juniors as young as 5 through retirees with over 60 years of playing experience. Seeing such a variety of students with different learning styles has taught him how to best interact with each individual. Kelly believes there are many different ways to swing the club and will work with your natural motion and abilities to help you be your best. He enjoys working with both men and women and can keep things simple for beginners and to focus on something very specific for a scratch golfer. When asked about the student/teacher relationship, he responded: “Find an instructor who is truly interested in helping you reach your goals, whatever they may be, and not one who is only interested in showing you how much they know about the swing. The art of teaching revolves around knowing what information your student really needs to hear to improve and reach their goals. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the excitement students get when they see the result they have been working towards knowing that I have helped them reach that goal.” Kelly is also one of only three Titleist Performance Institute Certified professionals in the Richmond area who is also a PGA Professional. TPI certifies golf, fitness, and medical professionals to evaluate your body’s ability to move during the swing. By being able to identify limitations or deficiencies in your motion, Kelly can adjust his teaching to accommodate those limitations or put you in touch with one of his fitness or medical partners to help you change your body. So whether need a quick fix or a complete overhaul, stop by and see what Kelly can do for you. Rest assured, he will do whatever he can to help make your experience here at Independence the best it can be.
Visit KMGolf to learn more about rates and packages!
Lessons are 55 minutes unless otherwise noted.
Individual Adult: $100
Individual Adult 1/2 Hour: $55
Individual Junior: $50
Group of 2: $150
Group of 3 – 6: $50 per student
Player Development Series: $600 for six hour-long sessions plus a bag mapping session
About Elliott Wilson, PGA
Born: Aug. 8, 1989, in Falls Church, VA
Education: New Mexico State University (2013); received bachelor’s degree in marketing and PGA Class A membership through PGA Professional Golf Management program.
Career: Managing Partner/Head professional for Custom Golf of Virginia; Director of Golf at Independence GC. Previously served as assistant golf professional at Hermitage CC, Manakin-Sabot, VA; TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra, FL; Waynesborough CC, Paoli, PA; Presidio GC, San Francisco, CA; first assistant at Frost Creek CC, Eagle, CO.
Certifications: V1 Sports teaching software; Foresight GC Quad Launch Monitor.
On the course: 2018 MAPGA Head Professional Champion
Born: Aug. 8, 1989, in Falls Church, VA
Education: New Mexico State University (2013); received bachelor’s degree in marketing and PGA Class A membership through PGA Professional Golf Management program.
Career: Managing Partner/Head professional for Custom Golf of Virginia; Director of Golf at Independence GC. Previously served as assistant golf professional at Hermitage CC, Manakin-Sabot, VA; TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra, FL; Waynesborough CC, Paoli, PA; Presidio GC, San Francisco, CA; first assistant at Frost Creek CC, Eagle, CO.
Certifications: V1 Sports teaching software; Foresight GC Quad Launch Monitor.
On the course: 2018 MAPGA Head Professional Champion
About Tim Wagner, PGA
It’s hard to imagine my life without the game of golf. Born and raised in Venice, Florida, most of my upbringing was spent playing the sport. I knew very early on that I wanted to be a golfer but could not have foreseen how much the game would go on to shape my life and lead to a career as a PGA Golf Professional. From sun up to sun down, I would spend every waking moment as a child on the links at Lake Venice Golf Club. During high school I started to take the game very seriously as part of a talented Varsity golf team which ultimately generated 5 PGA Professionals. I then went on to compete professionally on the Moonlight Tour and earned my PGA Class "A" certification.
It’s hard to imagine my life without the game of golf. Born and raised in Venice, Florida, most of my upbringing was spent playing the sport. I knew very early on that I wanted to be a golfer but could not have foreseen how much the game would go on to shape my life and lead to a career as a PGA Golf Professional. From sun up to sun down, I would spend every waking moment as a child on the links at Lake Venice Golf Club. During high school I started to take the game very seriously as part of a talented Varsity golf team which ultimately generated 5 PGA Professionals. I then went on to compete professionally on the Moonlight Tour and earned my PGA Class "A" certification.
Over the past 20 years as a PGA Professional, I have taught at top clubs in some of the most prestigious sections of the PGA including Mid-Atlantic, Philadelphia, Metropolitan and South Florida. Currently, I am the new Director of North Campus and Junior Golf Director at Independence Golf Club in Midlothian, VA. I reside in Short Pump with my wife and two young children.
Head Professional/Teaching Experience:
Independence Golf Club in Richmond, VA
Birdwood Golf Course at Boar's Head Resort in Charlottesville, VA
Fredericksburg Country Club in Fredericksburg, VA
Timber Trails Golf Course at Lake Naomi Club in Pocono Pines, PA
South Fork Country Club in Hamptons, NY
The Oaks Club in Sarasota, FL
Certifications/Accolades:
Class "A" PGA Professional since 2009
Certified in Golf Operations through the PGA’s Certified Professional Program 2.0
Top 50 US Kids Golf Instructor