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Over the last 20 years, Brian Jacobs has worked to empower golfers of all ages and skill levels to find greater enjoyment from the game he loves so much. His dedication and passion for golf are infectious and have earned him Class A PGA credentials, as well as recognition from the PGA Foundation for helping grow the game of golf.
Brian holds an MS Ed and is a certified Functional Movement Specialist through the Gray Institute. He also served as a Lead Instructor for Golf Channel Academy for many years and was a frequent Coach of the Week on Golf Channel’s Morning Drive. He received his coaching foundation while leading golf schools for ESPN Golf Schools under Dean of Instruction Hank Haney, renowned for coaching Tiger Woods.
Most recently, Brian served as the first-ever Director of Instruction at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where he led all golf instruction programs, oversaw the teaching staff, and coached players in both private and group settings.
Drawing from his extensive background as a player, caddie, PGA Professional, and performance coach, Brian offers a rare “inside the ropes” perspective in his coaching. Whether you’re looking to refine your swing, improve your short game, develop course management strategies, or prepare a youth golfer for competitive play, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the lesson tee.
Brian is a multiple recipient of the Western New York PGA Section Awards, including Teacher of the Year, Player Development Award, Bill Strausbaugh Award, and Horton Smith Award. He has also been recognized by Golf Digest as one of New York State’s Best Teachers and named to Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers to Watch.
Deeply committed to giving back, Brian actively volunteers with PGA HOPE (Help Our Patriots Everywhere) and Special Olympics. In 2024, he was honored with the Game Changer Award for his contributions to inclusive golf programming.
Solomia grew up in Liverpool, New York, just outside Syracuse, where she discovered a passion for golf at the age of five. She competed in high school sectional and state championships before continuing a playing career at Division I Le Moyne College, earning a degree in Business Marketing.
Throughout early development as a player, Solomia was coached by Kevin Savage, Todd Dischinger, and Marty Nowicki. She worked under Martha Wells at Skaneateles Country Club, further shaping an interest in the golf community . During college, instruction under Joe Tesori, provided a new perspective on golf, emphasizing a deeper understanding of the game and the player development process.
A passionate student of golf, Solomia focuses on helping golfers build confidence and enjoy the learning process. Her teaching approach emphasizes understanding ball flight, and creating a welcoming environment where players can improve at their own pace. She particularly enjoys working with beginners, women, and junior golfers, making the game enjoyable and rewarding for players of all skill levels.
Carter Lathrop brings more than a decade of competitive golf experience and a passion for player development to every lesson. A dedicated student of the game, Carter played five years of varsity golf in high school before continuing his collegiate career for four years at Utica University, and is currently pursuing his PGA of America membership through the PGA Associate Program.
Throughout his playing career, Carter earned numerous individual honors. During his senior year of high school, he was honored as Wayne County Golfer of the Year and received several additional local awards for his performance and sportsmanship. As a freshman at Utica, he was named Second Team All-Conference, and would go on to be named captain his final season at Utica.
In addition to his competitive accomplishments, Carter has built a strong reputation as a coach and mentor. For the past two years, he has served as a Lead Coach with First Tee – Western New York, helping young golfers develop both their skills on the course and the core values that golf teaches. He recently advanced into the role of Rochester Program Coordinator, where he oversees programming and continues to make a positive impact on golfers throughout the region.
Carter’s coaching philosophy focuses on building strong fundamentals, developing confidence, and creating a positive learning environment for players of all ages and skill levels. Whether working with beginners learning the game for the first time or experienced golfers looking to lower their scores, Carter is committed to helping every student reach their goals and enjoy the game of golf.