Teacher | Coach | Player

John Bierkan

About John

John Bierkan is a PGA Professional who has been dedicated to teaching and helping golfers improve for more than 20 years. John grew up as the son of a PGA Professional and fell in love with golf at a very early age. John is a native of Middlefield, Connecticut and a graduate of The University of Connecticut. His number one focus is teaching, but also enjoys working on his game and competing in tournaments.

John has been on Golf Digest’s list of  “Best Teachers in State” several times and was on Golf Digest’s list of “America’s Best Young Teachers” every year between 2010 and 2017. John has also been recognized as the 2018 and 2014 Philadelphia PGA Teacher of the Year. John was also recognized by U.S. Kids Golf as a Top 50 Teacher in 2018 and Honorable Mention from 2014-2017. John’s mission is to help you achieve your goals!

If you have any questions regarding your game, don’t hesitate to contact John.

John’s Teaching Philosophy

In our modern era, much is made of the science of the golf swing, yet the art of playing the game remains the most critical element.

As someone who spends much of my time trying to improve golfers, I believe that several factors should be part of a golfer’s repertoire. The first is a repeatable, consistent technique. To achieve this goal, I don’t teach a strict rigid method. I believe in working within an individual’s natural skill set, body type, commitment level, and personal idiosyncrasies. The basic geometry and physics of the golf swing are an important component to improving ball flight. In that effort, I utilize state of the art technologies like video and Trackman-the world’s leading launch monitor.

Other major elements of my teaching focuses on the short game, having properly fit equipment, and implementing good course management. Just like most of the great players past and present, we each have a swing unique to ourselves. My goal is to improve my student’s ball flight and scoring ability while encouraging their own style.

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V One logo
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What’s in John’s Bag

What's in John's Bag?

Titleist TSi3 10.5º Driver with Project X HZRDUS 6.5

Titleist TSi3 16.5º Fairway with Project X HZRDUS 6.0

Titleist TS2 19º Hybrid with Project X HZRDUS

Titleist T200 4-Gap Irons with True Temper AMT Red Stiff

Titleist Vokey 54º SM9 Wedge

Titleist Vokey 60º SM9 Wedge

Scotty Cameron Kombi S Putter

PRO V1x Ball

Titleist Players Glove

My partnership with Titleist is one that I am extremely proud of. They are the premier brand in golf. Titleist is a company that is steeped in tradition with integrity towards the game. They offer an entire line of products for the serious golfer. From the ProV1 balls to a wonderful line of fairway woods, irons, Vokey wedges, and Scotty Cameron Putters, Titleist can boast about their offerings. With the additional brand of Footjoy, the entire line of products includes shoes, gloves, and a full line of clothing and apparel.

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Footjoy logo
Vokey logo
Scotty Cameron logo

Course Locations

Aronimink Golf Club  |  Newtown Square, PA

Director of Instruction, April – October

Aronimink, named after a Lenape Indian Chief, was founded in 1896 and moved to its current location in 1926. Donald Ross, the Scottish pro who became one of America’s foremost golf architects, was commissioned to design the course. Upon returning to Aronimink in 1948, many years after it was completed, he proclaimed “I intended to make this my masterpiece, but not until today did I realize that I built better than I knew.”

Even today you can sense this tradition every time you enter the club grounds and approach the clubhouse. Over the past century the club has hosted many prestigious tournaments most notably the 1962 PGA Championship, the 1977 U.S. Amateur Championship, the 1997 United States Junior Amateur Championship and the 2003 Senior PGA Championship. Aronimink also hosted The Tiger Woods AT&T National Championship in July of 2010 and 2011. The club also hosted the PGA Tour’s 2018 BMW Championship and the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. In 2026, the club will host its second PGA Championship. Aronimink serves as the first (and only) club in America to host all three PGA Championships to date (men, women, seniors).

Abacoa Golf Club

Abacoa Golf Club  |  Jupiter, FL

Teaching Professional, November-March

The Abacoa Golf Course was the last course designed by renowned course architect Joe Lee before his death. In typical Joe Lee style, Abacoa’s lakes and bunkers meet its sloping fairways with little obstruction, and you’ll find scenic views with 14 of its 18 holes surrounded by water. All of these features make the tees, greens, and fairways a pure pleasure to play.

This course is challenging but fair to golfers of all skill and experience levels, and unlike many Florida courses, Abacoa has real elevation changes. The greens are TifEagle grass, and the putting surfaces are of some of the highest quality in Florida. Treat yourself to a round at Abacoa!

Playing Experience

What's in John's Bag?
What's in John's Bag?

Qualified for PGA Professional National Championship  |  2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

Competed in the Travelers Championship (PGA Tour)  |  2010

Advanced to U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying  |  2010

Several Top finishes in Philadelphia PGA Section Tournaments

  • Philadelphia PGA Section Championship Runner-up (tied)  |  2013
  • Selected for Philadelphia PGA Team matches vs. New Jersey PGA  |  2013

Several Top finishes in Middle Atlantic PGA Section Tournaments

Competed in multiple GAP Philadelphia Opens

Competed in several Connecticut and Maryland State Open Championships

Played Division I Collegiate Golf at the University of Connecticut

  • Individually ranked in Top-Ten in District 1 of NCAA |  1999
  • Several top finishes as an individual
  • Team qualified for NCAA Regional Championships  |  1998, 1999

Competed in several Connecticut State Amateur & USGA Qualifying Events

Professional low round of 65

Testimonials

{As a combination teacher and player, I feel John is one of the best in America. What really stands out to me about John, however, is not necessarily his accolades or distinguished golf resume- though these are impressive. What’s best about John is, well, John. John Bierkan is a top-notch person. He’s always motivated by doing the right thing and by treating others the right way. His professionalism, character, and wonderful demeanor make him a real pleasure for anyone to be with and a tremendous asset to the golf profession. John epitomizes everything a great golf professional should be.{
Christopher Toulson
PGA Head Professional, Sunningdale Golf Club
{I have recently retired and have started to play the challenging game of golf. I must credit John Bierkan for many improvements in my swing. I believe he has great skill in diagnosing problem areas in a very quick fashion, and a gift for explaining how to correct the problem so that his student understands. His skilled use of video technology, patience and encouragement make a lesson a wonderful learning experience. Thank You John!{
Sandy B.
Jupiter, FL
{John Bierkan worked for me at Doral. He trained here. By training, I mean serious maniacal training that eventually propelled John to the top of the teaching profession. He’s a real pro who can also play the game of golf at a very high level. Not many teachers can make that claim. I’m honored to call John a good friend.{
Jim McLean
Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher | Owner of the #1 Golf School in America | 1994 PGA of America Teacher of the Year, Jim McLean Golf School
{John is truly a wealth of golf knowledge, a true teacher and an all around great person. Spending the last 6 years working together, I’ve grown my golf IQ ten fold and won multiple events. There is no other coach, from my experience, whom is truly dedicated to the all around betterment of their students quite like John is. Putting your golf game in John’s hands is a journey worth taking.{
Kris Wilcoxon
Mini-Tour Player
{John is a competent and dynamic instructor. He does it all- professional players and developing juniors. Whatever your level of golf, John can help you make it better.{
Trillium Sellers Rose
PGA & LPGA Director of Instruction | Golf Digest Top 40 Under 40 Instructor, Woodmont Country Club
{John is an outstanding teacher/coach with an uncanny ability to communicate not just the “how”, but the “why it matters” in the golf swing. He’s made it incredibly fun and I’ve really enjoyed not just the results, but the process to get there. John’s ability to see the steps necessary to make lasting changes to my game is really paid dividends. I’m really looking forward to our work this season!{
Stephen M. Delaney
Aronimink GC Member
{John is hands down one of the best teachers in the country! His work ethic and information base along with a sincere interest in each student was evident the 5+ years we taught together. Whether leading a corporate clinic or helping a first time player learn the basics, I’m certain there are not many better. John possesses the total package which a golf professional should strive for, knowledge, appearance and a true dedication to the game.{
Justin Sheehan
PGA Director of Instruction, Old Memorial Golf Club
{I have known John since he first started in the teaching side of golf nearly ten years ago and he is undoubtedly one of the best young instructors I have met. His thirst for knowledge is unquenchable, always attending seminars, reading books, watching video and interacting with other coaches. This broad base of knowledge is coupled with an exceptional rapport with people allowing him to actually get his students to improve. His practical application of golf swing theory is excellent. The fact that he is always working on his own game and swing gives insight into his passion for the game of golf and his desire to be the best he can.{
Robert J. Neal, PhD
CEO/Founder, Golf BioDynamics
{John Bierkan is the best golf instructor that I have had the privilege of working with. John’s depth of knowledge of the golf swing is very impressive, and you will not find any instructor more dedicated to helping students achieve their goals. Not only is John very personable and approachable, but he is also able to effectively communicate the methods that produce a better golf swing.{
Stuart Mosebey
Thompsontown, PA
{John is an amazing coach and has helped me learn about the golf swing and how I can make it best for my game. When I was first coming to him, I could barely break 100 and now I am a +1.7 handicap and have won over 10 Junior Golf Tournaments. His philosophy of teaching is perfect and he has helped developed my swing to an amazing spot. He is always able to help me with all parts of my game, including putting through the use of aim point. If I had never gone to him for lessons, I would not have improved nearly as much as I have with him.{
Hunter Stetson
Aronimink GC Member and High School Player
{John is one of the best instructors in the game; his knowledge, skill set and compassion is unlike any other teacher I’ve seen. He quickly identifies the problem with your swing and creates a game plan for the future. He completely revamped my game and got me hitting it better in a short time. There is absolutely no one else I trust more with my game than John Bierkan.{
Billy Peel
Mini-Tour Player, Bethesda, Maryland