The Golf Academy PGA Professional Instructors
Tony Allen: Head Golf Professional
Tony is a PGA member and began playing golf at fourteen. He worked at Bear Creek Golf World at sixteen under the late Dick (Pro) Forester, medaled in Varsity Golf at Jersey Village High, and played for Wharton Junior College. His professional career began in 1998 at Jersey Meadows Golf Club, continued at Raveneaux Country Club from 2000 through November 2006, and we are pleased to now have this Houston native’s expertise at Meadowbrook Farms.
On the Mizuno staff since 2001, he is a certified club fitter. His passion for golf and his friendly demeanor puts students of all levels at ease. His teaching philosophy and approach is simple; help each student accomplish a competent golf swing, a practical knowledge of their short game and the Rules of Golf. Tony believes the successful development of a player will preserve and promote the integrity of the game of golf.
Troy Timm: Assistant Golf professional
Troy is from Wisconsin where his love for the game of golf developed during summers in high school and college working at a golf course. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a B.A. in History, and then followed his passion for golf to Southern Califonia where he attended the San Diego Golf Academy, graduating with Honors. There he learned many of the teaching and management skills needed to be successful in the industry. His teaching methods were honed by PGA Professionals, including Michael Flanagan (two time ‘PGA Professional of the year’, San Diego Chapter) and Buddy Allin (five time PGA winner).
In California Troy worked at courses in Encinitas and Oceanside. In 2006 he joined Meadowbrook Farms, and now loves Texas. Tireless in his work ethic, he’s always positive and cheerful. Proud to be on the TaylorMade staff, he will start the PGA Professional Program soon.
Ken R. Browder: Assistant Golf Professional
Ken is a native Houstonian. His pure love for the game of golf led him to begin his professional career with a position at TPC Sawgrass. During his tenure there, Ken’s role in the PGA caddie pool allowed him the opportunity to work for such notables as Jim Furyk, K.J. Choi, Gram Marsh, and Tim Finchem.
Ken is a member of the Cobra Golf Staff and has a loyal student base. Ken’s teaching philosophy has been greatly influenced by his extensive background in kinesiology and biomechanics. He believes that a good swing begins with solid fundamentals such as grip, posture and set up, and should be kept simple. Ken is knowledgeable in everything from physiology and swing mechanics, to course management.
Ken has a passion for the history of golf and he strongly promotes its foundation of honesty, integrity, and tradition.
General Manager: Layne Ricks
Layne has been a PGA of America member since 1986, and a long time Katy resident. His experiences are vast and include prominent teaching and management positions at Lochinvar Golf Club, Tennwood, Glen Oaks of New York, River Ridge and Cinco Ranch Golf Clubs. He is proud to be General Manager and a part of Heritage Golf Group.
Awarded the ‘STPGA Junior Golf Leader for 2006’, Layne’s junior camps reflect his enthusiasm for teaching not only juniors, but golfers at every level, up to the seasoned tour professionals. His teaching philosophies have been refined over the years by close associations with such golf greats as Claude Harmon Sr., Butch Harmon, Jay Herbert and Dave Marr. He is a Callaway Staff member, is meticulous and experienced in club fitting, and offers all golfers sound advice to improve any or all aspects of their game.