Main Stage
Below is a list of speakers from the 2018 Indy Golf Expo. Check back for our 2019 Speaker list and schedule.
Indiana State Fairgrounds
The main stage is a hub of activity throughout the weekend, featuring interactive swing seminars from area pros, new product demos, interviews with golf industry experts, junior golf presentations and more than 100 prize giveaways!
Below is a list of speakers from the 2018 Indy Golf Expo. Check back for our 2019 Speaker list and schedule.
John’s career in golf has covered over three decades, including the last four seasons at Swan Lake Resort. A graduate of Gannon University in Erie, Pa., with a degree in business administration, John traveled south to Texas and began his career at the Four Seasons Resort Dallas, home of the Byron Nelson Golf Classic. For the next 20 years, John held the position of head professional or general manager at several of the finest clubs in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, including Iron Horse G.C., Oakmont C.C. and Riverchase G.C. Over the course of his career, John has hosted or assisted with clinics of some notable teachers including Dr. Gary Wiren, Mike Adams, Ken Venturi and Byron Nelson, in addition to players Jerry Pate, Miller Barber, Don January and long-drive immortals Art Sellinger and Mike Dunaway. John’s approach to teaching is student-centric, favoring a flexible method that helps the student become aware their strengths and utilize them to the advantage. In addition, John believes that everyone is good at learning because it is what humans do best. “Learning golf is a process that is built on what the individual already knows, with that as a reference, learning becomes natural again.”
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 is the Co-Director of Instruction and Golf Channel Academy lead coach at Hickory Stick Golf Club in the southern Indianapolis suburb of Greenwood. The 2012 Indiana PGA Teacher of the Year, Colby also serves as an associate head coach for the IUPUI (Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis) men’s golf program, where he’s in charge of the Jaguars’ training and instruction. Huffman has also been recognized as one of Golf Digest’s “Best Teachers” in the state of Indiana in each of the past five years. In addition to spending countless hours developing juniors, amateurs and professionals, Colby has authored books, produced videos and invented training aids, all of which have had modest national and international success. Colby has been designated a Certified Consultant by the Applied Association of Sport Psychology (CC-AASP), and is the only PGA Teacher of the Year in the nation to have earned CC-AASP credentials. Additionally, Huffman has received Certified Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) golf fitness instructor status, and is a Certified Titleist Club Fitter. 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.
David is the President of Mid America Golfing Events, a three-time RE/MAX World Long Drive Champion and an 12-time RE/MAX World Long Drive Finalist. His long drive journey began in 2004 at the Long Drivers of America tour Qualifying School in Dallas, Tex. He captured the interest of seasoned long drivers by earning his LDA tour card on his first attempt. 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 $1,500,000 for charitable events in the last eight years.
Erica Shepherd is a golfer and student athlete at Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Ind. Shepherd is regarded as one of the country’s best high school golfers and is ranked No. 1 in Golfweek’s Class of 2019 Rankings. The Duke University commit is a two-time AJGA champion as well as a three-time Rolex Junior All-American. She won the 2017 USGA U.S. Girls’ Junior and has played with the professionals in the 2016 U.S. Women’s Open and the 2017 LPGA Indy Women in Tech Championship at the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course, where she was able to make the cut. Shepherd will also be playing in the 2018 U.S. Women’s Open at Shoal Creek near Birmingham, Ala.
