Brent Nicoson, PGA Golf Professional
Royal Oak Country Club - Greenwood, Indiana

As a graduate of the University of Indianapolis, Brent Nicoson played golf for the nationally ranked University of Indianapolis Greyhounds. After receiving his BA in Business Administration in 1994, Brent entered the PGA of America's Golf Professional Training Program (GPTP), and became one of twenty-two professionals who graduated in the very first class.  He also won two scholarships from Titleist and Foot-Joy for his high level performance. He became a Class A member of the PGA in 1996.

Brent is currently the Head Professional at Royal Oak Country Club, in Greenwood (IN) 10 to 15 miles south of Indianapolis, the same course at which he started his career as a shop assistant in 1990.  The back nine at Royal Oak is where Pete and Alice Dye first attempted golf course design. 

Brent began teaching seven years ago, and since then has seen his student base increase dramatically.  He credits his teaching ability to his continued education, networking with other professionals, reading numerous golf industry reference books/publications, as well as the teaching programs offered in the GPTP.  His teaching philosophy is a mixture of many different ideas, because there "are so many good teachers out there to learn from."  Brent finds that Jimmy Ballard's techniques make sense to him.  Ballard strives for a very athletic set-up and relates the golf swing to other sports activities which helps most amateurs understand things more clearly.  Since Brent believes that most faults come from an error in the setup, grip or alignment, this is where he places his strongest focus during instruction.  Brent believes in working with a students present swing and "tweaks" it from there, rather than teaching a totally new swing.  He utilizes many different teaching aids to help his students better understand the swing.

Brent believes that junior golf is very important.  Relating well to juniors, he enjoys teaching them.  He also feels the future of the golf industry relies on all professionals to get people interested in the game.  He was the host of the 1997 Indiana Father Son Tournament, and in 1998, hosted the Indiana Senior Women's Golf Association Amateur Championship.  He conducts junior and women's clinics every season.  Even though Royal Oak is a private club, you do not have to be a member to get instruction. If you want to schedule a lesson with Brent Nicoson, or have a quick question and need a tip to help with your game, call (317) 535-9666.