Local StoriesJanuary 27, 2023

Daily Inspiration: Meet Andre Lacey II

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andre Lacey II.

Hi Andre, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey in golf is full of extreme highs and lows. I was intro, introduced to golf through my grandfather and began taking lessons at the E W Hagler Boys club in downtown Augusta. The golf instructor was retired Army Sergeant First Class Conan Sanders, a member of the All Army Golf Team, a graduate of Prairie View A&M, and dedicated to introducing golf to inner-city kids. I began taking lessons once a week with him which was sponsored by members of the Augusta National. He got us enrolled in a Tiger Woods camp at Browns Mill Golf Course, where we got to meet Tiger Woods. He put on a skills show and provided some helpful tips with our swings.

Circa 1996-1997 I was just learning the game of golf while playing middle school basketball. At the time I didn’t know how much raw talent I had for the game of golf. Some thought that I would be a basketball star like Shaq because of my stature. I was 13 years old, 6’1, with a 44-inch vertical, and athletic. So I had all of the qualities to be a star athlete. Although I loved the game of basketball, it just wasn’t my passion. As the eldest grandson to a PGA Legend Jim Dent, I was rarely told I would grow up to be a Pro Golfer.

Over the years I have fallen in love with the game of golf. I have studied hard so that I can teach proficiently and effectively to my students. I also volunteer my time, knowledge, and resources to those aspiring to become a golf professionals or just enjoy the game. As a golf professional, I help kids and adults with learning the actual game and the fundamentals of golf. I also mentor local youth groups such as the Boys and Girls Club of Augusta, Future Successor, and the 100 Black Men of Augusta. Recently, I started a PGA Hope Program at my facility at Top Golf Augusta to help mentally or physically disabled veterans ease their way back into society. I currently have the only Junior PGA League in the city of Augusta that doesn’t require a membership or an established golf handicap to register. I have paved my own way in the golf industry and created a lane where I don’t compromise my integrity. In the beginning golf was just therapy for me but as I learned more about the game I wanted to help others use golf as therapy. Despite all of the hurdles I have had to overcome to get to this point, I still say “Every day is a good day” and I remain humbled. I enjoy helping upcoming golfers find a new love or rekindle an old flame for golf. I am making my own path and helping others find their paths along the way.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest hurdle has been the lack of resources. Golf requires some very specific resources and they aren’t always attainable unless you know the right people. I have also had several injuries from my military service and several car accidents that prevented me from playing golf for lengthy periods of time. The golf swing requires flexibility and tempo. I had to rebuild my swing without having the financial resources to hire a coach.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I currently work at Topgolf in Augusta, Georgia. I’m the first golf pro to be hired and I was super honored to be chosen to start the Topgolf Coach program in Augusta. We provide golf lessons and outings at Topgolf. We will have junior clinic starting in April 2023 during Masters week for juniors as well as a summer academy starting in June.

Away from Topgolf, I have Andre Frantz Golf Incorporated, which a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free golf instruction, equipment, and other resources to people who need assistance with their golf journey.

What sets me apart is I’m not motivated by money. I treat everyone the same despite their background or they are presently in life. Golf is a game for everyone to enjoy and I want to make sure I help as many people as I can.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
This year I will attain my Class A PGA card. I plan to have a golf facility for my nonprofit to call home. I will begin to tour again playing golf events on the Georgia PGA circuit as well as events all over the world.

Pricing:

1 hour individual Lesson $89
1 hour Junior Lesson $59
Group Outing 2-3 guests $119
Adult 6 pack $445
Junior 6 pack $295

Contact Info:

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