Instruction Staff

Click on an Instructors name to view their personal page for rates and contact info.

Rich Marik - Director of Instruction

Rich is a "Class A" PGA Professional who, as a junior golfer, was ranked #1 in the U.S. in 1982 by Golf Magazine. He is also a former team captain of the Stanford University Golf Team and the 1982 U.S. Junior Amateur Champion. Rich is the National Director of Instruction for NIKE Golf Schools & Jr. Camps and has directed the NIKE Junior Golf Camps in Pebble Beach since their inception in 1995. Rich has been national instruction editor of Junior Golf Magazine, featured on The Golf Channel's "Golf Academy Live," and has taught many junior, collegiate, and professional players.

Gene Bakkum - Teaching Professional

Gene is Assistant Director of Instruction at Metropolitan Golf Links. He has been on the coaching staff for the Cal Berkeley Men's Golf Team for over six years, and helped lead the team to its first NCAA National Championship Title in 2004. Gene has been working for over ten years at the NIKE Junior Golf Camps in Pebble Beach, where he has been lead instructor for Rich Marik. As a college golfer, Gene won two conference tournaments as an individual. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science, along with an emphasis in Sport Psychology from UC Davis.

Craig Snyder - Teaching Professional

Craig started developing his teaching philosophy in 1994 working for Rich Marik at the Nike Junior Golf Camps. Applying Rich’s teaching techniques to his own game, Craig went on to have a successful collegiate playing career at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Craig has joined the Rich Marik Pure Golf instruction team after 13 years of instructing and administrating Nike Junior Golf Camps nationwide. Craig believes that simplifying your golf swing with the correct information can quickly and easily improve your results and enjoyment.

Gregg Thrall - Teaching Professional

Gregg has been teaching golf for over 30 years and is a long-time Bay Area resident. He recently taught in Hong Kong, China, where he was the director of the golf school at the Waterfall Bay Golf Course, where he worked with some of South Asia's developing new professional players. He has worked with players on the Asian, Japanese, and Nationwide (formerly Nike) tours, and has continued to build his teaching skills while working with some of golf's most well-known instructors including Jim Flick and David Leadbetter. Gregg has also worked with Rich Marik at Nike Junior Camps in Monterey, CA. Gregg's well-rounded training will help to develop the skills of all players from beginner to advanced, all levels and ages.

John Landers - PGA Professional

John is a PGA Professional with over 15 years of teaching experience. He brings a strong background in educating golfers of all levels, specializing in the laws and principles of the golf swing. He helps each golfer build a solid foundation of skills and knowledge. Whether new to the game or a long time player, John works with you on an individual basis to help you reach your goals and take your game to the next level. Classes can be held on any of the stations at Metropolitan: driving range, putting greens, short game area, or on-course for game management. John is currently enrolled in the PGA Certified Professional Program, with a career path toward golf instruction.