Learn and Engage

Ali Beam

Ali Beam has worked for The First Tee of Indiana for four years, and has been a PGA Professional since 2008. She is the teaching pro at Riverside Golf Academy, and is also the head girls golf coach at Chatard High School. Ali has been recognized both for her coaching — winning the Player Development Award for the state of Indiana in 2016 — and her play, as she was named Female Athlete of the Year in 2003 at Northern Illinois University, where she played collegiately. Come meet some of Indiana’s up and coming young golfers, and learn from Ali how you can get the young golfer in your life involved in First Tee programs.

Colby Huffman

Colby is the Golf Channel Academy Lead Coach at multiple locations in Central Indiana. The 2012 Indiana PGA Teacher of the Year, Colby also serves on the staff of the NCAA Division 1 IUPUI (Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis) as a Sport Psychology Performance Consultant. Huffman was recognized by Golf Digest in their selection of “Best Teachers State by State,” (2013-current), which made him the only NCAA coaching staff member on the list in the state of Indiana. In addition to spending countless hours developing juniors, amateurs and professionals golfers at the highest level, he has authored books, produced videos and invented training aids, all of which have had modest national and international success. Previously, Huffman served as a lead instructor for the Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy (2007-’09) while Haney was teaching Tiger Woods. He also worked with Gary Gilchrist at the International Junior Golf Association (IJGA) as Director of Training as well as the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. Multiple students of his held Top 10 World Rankings via Golfweek and AJGA rankings, one of which held the #1 World Ranking. He has been authenticated with LPGA and PGA Instructor Credentials and coached players at both LPGA and PGA Major Championships.

David Brinker

David is the President of Mid-America Golfing Events and 10-time RE/MAX World Long Drive Finalist. David won the 2012 RE/MAX World Long Drive title (Legends Division) and has won multiple additional U.S. and international long-drive championships. His long drive journey began in 2004 at the Long Drivers of America tour Qualifying School in Dallas. He captured the interest of seasoned long drivers by earning his LDA tour card on his first attempt. He recorded the third-longest drive of that competition with a distance of 399 yards. In addition, David is a regular at the United States Senior Long Drive Championships. David has a flair for bringing excitement and entertainment to both corporate and charitable events. Through his efforts, he has helped raise in excess of $2,000,000 for charitable events during his long-drive tenure.

Anitha Uppara

Anitha Uppara is a stretch care provider for Massage Envy in Indianapolis. She completed both her bachelor of physical therapy, and master of science of psychology degrees in her native India before moving to the U.S. and beginning work as a licensed personal trainer. At Massage Envy, Anitha specializes in fitness, nutrition and weight management, specifically working with clients to develop stretching routines to improve their range of motion. Let Anitha show you ways to loosen up your body so that you can maximize your potential this year!