TopGolf

Matt Vinge

Director of Golf Instruction
matt.vinge@topgolf.com  |  Book a private lesson

Matt has over ten years of experience in the golf industry and has taught individuals of all skill levels including beginners, PGA Tour Players, US Amateur Competitors, IJGA and AJGA Tournament Champions, Private Club Champions, NBA and NFL Athletes, Academy Award Winners and Grammy Award winners. Matt was hand-selectecd as the Director of Golf Instruction because of his extensive knowledge on how to teach the golf swing and his ability to communicate to his students.

As a club fitter, Matt has worked with many of the top club manufacturers in the industry. As an ambassador for Nike Golf, Matt has worked at some of Chicagolands finest private golf clubs. As a player, Matt was a well accomplished high school and collegiate golfer, winning five recognized state and national titles.

Matt has also been interviewed by local, regional and national media organizations including The Score radio station, ESPN and Fox Sports about his extensive knowledge of golf instruction and club fitting. Additionally, Matt has been one of the headline speakers at the Chicago Golf Show for the last two years.

Craig Carney

Senior Instructor
craig.carney@topgolf.com  |  Book a private lesson

Craig has been fortunate enough to have a long and fulfilling career as a PGA Teaching Instructor. During his early days he played collegiate golf in Arizona. After leaving Arizona Craig went on to play a lot of competitive golf, which includes winning the 1995 Montana State Open. Craig has had teaching experience at some of the most prestigious clubs in the United States including Desert Mountain, Medinah Country Club and Beverly Country Club. 

One of Craig’s greatest golf experiences was when he had the opportunity to caddy for Jack Nickalus. Craig has over 20 years of teaching experience and credits his time with Jim Flick and The John Jacobs School as his greatest influence. As the golf swing has changed over the past 25 years so has the way in which it is being taught. In lieu of this Craig has attended many National seminars and Teaching Summits to remain current with the one and two plane swing methodologies.

Jay Appel

Teaching Professional
jay.appel@topgolf.com  |  Book a private lesson

Jay is a graduate of Arizona State University receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness with a concentration in Professional Golf Management. He is a Class A PGA Professional with the desire to use his knowledge of the business and game of golf to help others play better. Growing up having a father as a Golf Professional, Jay has spent his entire life around golf and working in the business. He was awarded the 2002 Iowa High School Player of the Year and won the Iowa High School State Championship in 2000 and 2002. He has experienced success teaching golfers of all abilities and ages.

Nick Georgalas

Teaching Professional
nick.georgalas@topgolf.com  |  Book a private lesson

With TopGolf since 2008, certified TopGolf Instructor Nick Georgalas brings ten years of golf industry experience to the team. Nick's journey began when he was captain of the Maine West High School golf team where he gained a multitude of experiences that translated into valuable life lessons. His teammates, especially the younger ones, always looked to him for examples on how to carry themselves, especially after a defeat.

Before arriving at TopGolf as an instructor, Nick had 6 years experience at the Golf Center in Des Plaines where he was able to learn and sharpen his golf club fitting skills. Nick has also given seminars to the Illinois PGA about Trackman and the S.A.M. PuttLab. An experienced golfer, instructor, and presenter, Nick is a valuable asset to TopGolf’s Teaching Academy.