Rich Jones, PGA, at the Golf Galaxy indoor studio, Bayshore, NY where gave over 915 lessons in 2018.
BY AAGD STAFF
(September 29, 2019) — When PGA Professional Rich Jones is not reading or spending time with his family in Long Island, NY, he’s more than likely out on the golf course working and enjoying his favorite activity.
The 48-year-old, Kingston, Jamaica native became exposed to the game when he was in his early 20’s and vividly recalls the first time he ever laid hands on a golf club. “In that moment, I never could’ve guessed what the game would give me,” he says, referring to all the many benefits he has gained and given to others from playing and teaching the sport.
Jones was born in Kingston, Jamaica but moved to Brooklyn, New York, at the age of 15 with his mother and older brother. “I attended college, graduated and began working for an advertising agency, where I was invited to play golf in a client outing. Cue the ‘my golf moment’—I immediately became determined to master the game.” Hooked almost immediately, he went out, bought a set of clubs and became determined to teach himself to master this game.
“Before long, I incorporated golf into my work life. I worked as a technology representative for PING Golf before shifting into a full-time Assistant Professional role,” said the 0-2 handicapper who is also a member of PGA Golf Club, Port St. Lucie, FL.
In 2003, Jones took his passion for the game to another level and became a PGA member after successfully passing the Player’s Ability Test (Medalist) and completing the PGA-PGM program. In 2012, Jones strengthened his passion for teaching by earning a Master’s Degree in Adolescent Education. With his skill-set he has held roles as a PGA Assistant Professional, PGA Head Professional and PGA Director of Instruction at various facilities on Long Island, honing his craft and becoming a trailblazer for the area’s junior golf scene. Today, Jones serves as Director of Instruction at Pine Ridge Golf Club in Coram, N.Y., and Golf Galaxy in Bayshore, N.Y.
Rich Jones (center) gives instruction to students (Rich Jones Facebook)
As Principal Owner of his Jones Golf Academy, which has earned the reputation of being one of Long Island’s premier golf academies, he offers a variety of adult and junior programs throughout Long Island including junior golf camps, leagues and college recruiting. Jones is also a PGA National Award Recipient: President’s Council On Growing The Game, and Jones is a recognized Top 50 Kids Teacher by U.S. Kids Golf.
In his life’s journey, Jones says, “I’ve been married to my best friend and soulmate, Marta, for 22years. We met in college. She was a freshman and I was a sophomore. After being rejected at a dance, two times, at two separate fraternity parties,” Jones says, “Marta finally agreed to dance with me at a Halloween party on campus.” Two decades later, ” Through thick and thin she’s been at my side. We certainly have had our challenges that life dishes out. She’s certainly my ride or die.” The couple has three children: a daughter Rosa (20) who plays D2 collegiate golf in New Hampshire, and a son Richie (17) also plays golf for his High School in Pennsylvania. And there’s Ricardo, “My 8-year-old son who runs the show and gets away with everything.”
Jones serves on the National Coaching & Player Development Committee – Junior Golf. He is a Metropolitan PGA Board of Director and through his many diverse programs in Suffolk County, has introduced more than 3,000 juniors to the game. His unrelenting dedication to the sport has gained him recognition as a Metropolitan PGA Youth Player Development Award recipient (2010), Metropolitan PGA Player Development Award recipient (2019) a U.S. Kids Golf “Top 50 Kids Teacher”, PGA National Player Development Award finalist and the PGA President’s Council on Growing the Game.
“Golf instructions are critical if you want to learn this game and play at your full potential. It’s important to seek out a professional that you can connect with. Find someone that has many years of experience and has a passion for what they do,” says Jones.
“My ultimate mission is to grow the game of golf and expose juniors to this game, many who, like myself, may not have had the opportunity to even understand what this game is about. At the Jones Golf Academy, we provide programs for ages 4-5, all the way through college. Our juniors do not just play golf; They learn and grow within these programs,” says Jones, who earlier in his career received instruction from PGA professional Mike Riley.
“We have many juniors that have played in high school and in college and have come back to volunteer or work in the very same programs they attended as juniors. They return to give back, and to serve as mentors and coaches for the younger generations. They are the living mission of these programs: Learning, growing and giving back.”
“There is so much to learn from this game; the earlier a child is exposed to the game and life skills of golf, the better,”— Rich Jones, PGA
Jones admits that he finds many young people who do not have real mentors. “They are often hungry for the tools needed to navigate life. I feel privileged to be able to help shape and mold students’ outlook on golf because I know golf will shape their outlook on life. I understand, as I am teaching more than just how to play a game. I have developed a love and passion for teaching. I believe in this so much that I have dedicated my career to making golf accessible and affordable for everyone, especially those who would not normally have the chance to play. It is my gift to share, it is my responsibility, and it is my way of giving back.”
“My mother has and continues to be my greatest inspiration. We had a very humble upbringing but through her work ethic, pure determination and sacrifices, she has shown me the value of hard work. She sacrificed her entire life to provide every possible opportunity for my brother and me. She continues to inspire me every day. Without her, I would not be where I am today.”
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VIDEO: Rich Jones gives instruction on the golf course.
