For golf enthusiasts, Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club boasts a picturesque 18-hole, Ron Garl-designed course, incorporating eight masterfully recreated tribute holes from some of the world's finest golf courses...Augusta, Royal Troon, Baltusrol and St. Andrews. Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club also offers a 10-acre short game area, two practice holes and driving range.

The Professionals

  Southern charm and hospitality best describe Mike Cooney, Director of Golf for Golden Ocala. After graduating from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia, where he played collegiate golf for Buddy Alexander, Mike played competitively on the mini tours as well as the South African PGA Tour from 1984-1992. During that time he sought personal golf instruction from Gardner Dickinson and Jack Grout.

Mike has over fifteen years of experience in golf operations and golf instruction. He was the Head Golf Professional at Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach and Ocean Hammock Resort in Palm Coast. At SouthWood Golf Club in Tallahassee, he was the Director of Golf and responsible for all start-up operations. He worked closely with the Couples/Bates golf course design firm and coordinated the design and construction of the award-winning clubhouse. In 2003, under his direction, SouthWood was recognized by Golf Digest as the "Number 3 Best New Golf Course" in the United States.

Mike's philosophy is to provide an enjoyable golf experience to all golfers, from beginners to professionals. Join Mike on the golf course and enjoy his love of the game at Golden Ocala.

  Director of Instruction John Elliott, Jr.

Our director of instruction, acclaimed golf professional, writer, and instructor, John Elliott, Jr., is universally renowned and honored by golf publications and professionals alike. This 30-year PGA Member and former PGA Challenge Cup Team member has been consistently voted one of the "Top Golf Instructors in America" by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. As well as guiding a long list of tour champions, John has also lent his innovative expertise to the public through numerous popular instructional videos from Golf Digest, Moe Norman and others, as well as his own. Speak to someone in our golf shop to set up a time to meet with John Elliott, Jr.