Golf Center of Excellence

Program Overview

PGA Golf Center of Excellence is our first Center of Excellence to be opened in the school year of 2025-2026. This is an elite golf-focused program designed to offer students comprehensive training in the art and science of golf. Led by a certified PGA professional, this program is tailored to golfers of all skill levels, providing the opportunity to develop their game, enhance their technique, and gain a deep understanding of the sport.

  1. Philosophy: We nurture junior golfers through personalized programs that blend data-driven strategies and creative coaching, aiming for both athletic excellence and personal growth.
  2. Methodology: Our innovative coaching team provides tailored training, utilizing diverse expertise and technology to enhance performance. 
  3. Assessments: We conduct regular evaluations of strength, skills, mental toughness, and strategy to ensure each golfer receives individualized development. 
  4. Blueprints: Each golfer gets a customized improvement plan with clear, measurable goals, regularly adjusted to track progress. 
  5. Training Program: Our comprehensive training includes physical conditioning, mental performance, and strategic development, following a cycle of assess – train – compete – evaluate.
  6. Tournament Strategy: We design tournament schedules tailored to each golfer’s age, skill level, and goals, fostering experience and confidence through varied challenges. 
  7. Strength and Conditioning: Functional strength and conditioning are essential for junior golfers, promoting endurance, injury prevention, and peak performance. 
  8. Mental Performance: Our program emphasizes goal-setting, focus, and resilience, equipping junior golfers with the mental skills to thrive on and off the course. 

Students train with top-tier golf facilities and technology, ensuring optimal skill development.

  • On-campus 200M driving range with 50+ hitting bays
  • SAM PuttLab – Uses radar and lasers for advanced putting analysis.
  • GCQuad Max – High-precision launch monitor for club and ball tracking.
  • Sportsbox AI – AI-powered 3D motion analysis for real-time feedback. Students train with top-tier golf facilities and technology, ensuring optimal skill development.
  • Partnerships with top-tier golf courses in Hai Phong and surrounding areas (Sono Belle Hai Phong, Vinpearl Golf Hai Phong)
Mr. John Davison – member of PGA of America

John Davison is a PGA-certified golf professional with over 30 years of experience as a player, coach, and program innovator. He currently serves as the Director and Head Coach of the Golf Center of Excellence at Shattuck-St. Mary’s International School Vietnam, where he leads the development of student-athletes through elite-level training, mentorship, and performance-based instruction.

John began playing golf at the age of five and started competing at just fourteen. He has competed on the PGA Tour, Ben Hogan Tour, and various regional PGA events, with a personal course record of 63. Throughout his career, John has coached numerous players who have gone on to success on the PGA and LPGA Tours, NCAA teams, and in elite amateur competitions.

John has worked alongside some of the most influential figures in golf instruction, including Jim McLean, Hank Haney, Butch Harmon, Dave Pelz, and Kevin Smeltz. His training philosophy combines deep technical knowledge with a personalized and developmental approach.

Certifications and Credentials:

  • PGA of America Professional
  • Certified in TrackMan, FlightScope, Sam Putt Lab, GC Quad
  • Certified in K-Vest, BodiTrack, AimPoint Express
  • Level 1 & 2 U.S. Kids Golf Coach
  • First Tee Master Coach
  • Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Level 1 & 2 – Junior Certified

In addition to his coaching credentials, John is a leader in golf education innovation. He developed comprehensive golf programs for schools at all levels and hosted the instructional TV series “Ask The Pro,” which brought golf fundamentals and strategy to a broad audience.

For more than a decade, John has been instrumental in nurturing young golf talents in China and Vietnam, bringing global expertise to local communities. At SSM Vietnam, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of golf champions through character-based coaching and international-standard training.

“Golf is more than just a game — it’s a lifelong journey of precision, patience, and passion. My goal is to guide every student through that journey with skill, heart, and vision.” – Coach John Davison