
Instruction Staff
*Click on an instructor's name for more information - including rates and contact info.*
- Rich Marik
- Gene Bakkum
- Craig Snyder
- Greg Thrall
- John Landers
- T.K. Miyazono
Rich Marik - Director of Instruction
As a junior golfer, Rich Marik won the 1982 USGA Junior Amateur Championship and was the #1 ranked junior golfer in the United States in 1982, by Golf Magazine. Rich was a member of the two-man United States Junior World Cup team and also the national player representative on the board of directors and vice president of the AJGA, as well as, a two-time AJGA junior All-American team member. Rich went on to earn a full scholarship and become team captain of the Stanford University men's golf team.After graduating form Stanford University Rich became a teacher and coach who first sought to learn from the very best in the world. Rich became a Head Instructor for Hank Haney and helped him teach teachers and players from around the world. Also, Rich spent time at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy to learn what they were doing to train and develop their top junior and professional players. Rich has traveled the world to learn from many other top teachers and coaches in their field such as Jim Hardy, James Sieckman, Dave Pelz, Butch Harmon, other instructors. Most recently Rich spent a year in Spain to learn the methods and techniques of the European national coaches. Rich has made a tremendous effort to become the leading expert in Junior Golf development, instruction, and coaching.
Rich works with students and their families over years to help them to develop world-class golf games, compete well, get into the college they want, and in some cases play on the professional level.
Rates:
$175 per hour for adults
$150 per hour for junior and college golfers
To inquire about lessons and coaching please contact Rich Marik at (415) 519-1339.Gene Bakkum - Co-Director of Instruction

Gene is a Class "A" PGA Professional who has been on the coaching staff for the UC Berkeley Men's Golf team since 2002. In 2004 he helped lead the Golden Bears to their first NCAA National Championship and, in 2012, the Pac-12 Championship. Since 1996, Gene has directed and instructed at NIKE Junior Golf Camps in Pebble Beach, San Diego, Davis, Lincoln, and Phoenix, AZ, as well as, PGA Tour Academy camps at Metropolitan Golf Links. During his college golf career, Gene won two conference tournaments as an individual. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from UC Davis in Exercise Science, with an emphasis in Sport Psychology. He is a TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) Certified Level 2 Golf Instructor, giving him the knowledge and tools to put his students through golf fitness screenings and create customized workouts for them. High-speed video and dual-camera V1 video analysis are available for use during lessons and coaching programs.


Rates:
$140 per hour for adults
$70 per half hour
$110 per hour for juniors (under 18)
$55 per half hour
Contact Information:
(510) 219-2823
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Click here to book your lesson online.Click here for information about Gene's Summer Adult Coaching Programs.
Craig Snyder - Teaching Professional
Craig Snyder is an innovative and energetic golf instructor who wants to help you achieve your goals in the game of golf whatever they may be. Whether you're just taking up the game, looking to make your way onto the course for the first time, or a single-digit handicap trying to take your game to the next level, Craig has the information and strategy to help you get there as quickly as possible.After a standout high school career Craig accepted a Division I golf scholarship to Loyola Marymount University. During college, Craig spent his summers teaching young golfers at the Nike Jr. Golf Camp at Pebble Beach. Since 1994, Craig has experienced successes working with tournament level juniors, college players, tour players as well as beginners and weekend warriors.
Through video analysis, clear explanations of cause and effect and the use of specified drills, you will train to improve all aspects of your game and learn how to continue to hone your skills. Craig believes that simplifying your golf swing with the correct information can quickly and easily improve your results and enjoyment.Rates:
$100 per hour, for adults
$85 per hour for juniors (under 18)
Discounted packages available
Groups are welcomeContact Craig with any questions or for information on additional programs for dedicated golfers.
Contact Information:
(415) 596-9499Greg Thrall - Teaching Professional
Gregg has been teaching golf for over 30 years all over the world and is a long time bay area resident. He recently returned from Hong Kong, China where he was the Director of Instruction at the Waterfall Bay G.C. working with some of South Asia's developing new professionals. He has worked with players on the Asian, Japanese, and Nationwide tours. He has continued to build his teaching skills while working while working with some of golf's most well-known instructors and staffs including Jim Flick and David Leadbetter. Gregg has also worked with Rich Marik at the Nike junior camps in Monterey, and has recently worked with the Titleist Performance Institute staff, who are at the forefront of technology and fitness in golf instruction. Gregg's well rounded training will help develop the skills of all players beginning to advanced, all levels and ages.Rates:
$100 per hour for adults
$85 per hour for juniors (under 18)Contact Information:
925-939-9394
Send EmailJohn Landers - Certified PGA Professional
John has been teaching golf for over 20 years, and the last 5 have been here at Metropolitan Golf Links. Since becoming a member of the PGA in 2006, he has completed the Certification Program in its entirety by passing all six levels, and one of these levels is instruction. John's teaching is based on the laws and principles of golf, and how these are performing in each individual students swing. John works with you on a one-on-one or group basis to help you reach your goals and take your game to the next stage. Classes can be held on any of the stations at Metropolitan: the driving range, putting greens, short game area, or on-course for game management.Rates:
$80 per hour for adults
$70 per hour for juniors (under 18)Contact Information:
(510) 569-5555 (ext 14) or (510) 332-4101
Send EmailT.K. Miyazono - Teaching Professional
T.K is a Teaching Professional with experience at all levels. His method of teaching includes both traditional and modern techniques. He emphasizes on Set-up, Grip, & the understanding of cause and effects of each move. T.K. believes each player has his/her own individual golf swing to suit their most productive abilities. He can work with you on your: Full-Swing technique, Short Game, Putting, Mental game, Pre-shot routine, course management and golf etiquette. As your instructor, he aspires to surpass and exceed all expectations one sets for themselves as a player. From beginners to advance players, TK will help you reach your goals and take your game to the next level.
Rates:
$90 per hour for adults
$45 per half hour
$80 per hour for juniors (under 18)
$40 per half hour
*Call to find out information on group clinics and Junior Golf Camps.
*Video analysis is available.Contact Information:
Phone: (510) 381-2661
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