About John Bierkan
Teacher | coach | player
John Bierkan has been around golf his entire life. His father, Dick Bierkan, was a PGA Professional in Connecticut for more than 50 years. John credits his father’s work ethic, character and integrity as a driving force in his life. John’s early childhood home was on club property and he would spend much of his time with his father. John was always hanging around the club working on his game and learning the business of golf. John knew from an early age that he would one day grow up to be a PGA Professional. His love of competition, fascination with the golf swing and desire to help others play better has been a strong motivation in his career.
John Bierkan
Over 20 Years’ Experience
John Bierkan has been around golf his entire life. His father, Dick Bierkan, has been a PGA Professional in Connecticut for more than 50 years. John credits his father’s work ethic, character and integrity as a driving force in his life. John’s early childhood home was on club property and he would spend much of his time with his father. John was always hanging around the club working on his game and learning the business of golf. John knew from an early age that he would one day grow up to be a PGA Professional. His love of competition, fascination with the golf swing and desire to help others play better has been a strong motivation in his career.
Course Locations
Teaching Professional, Year-Round
Abacoa Golf Club | Jupiter , FL
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!
My Equipment
Playing Experience
Titleist GT4 10° Driver with Mitsubishi Tensei Black 65 X
Titleist TSr2 16.5° 3-Wood with Mitsubishi Tensei Black 75 X
Titleist TS2 19° Hybrid with Kurokage 60 S
Titleist T350 4-Gap Irons with True Temper AMT Red S
Titleist Vokey 54° SM10 Wedge with True Temper AMT Red S
Titleist Vokey 58° SM10 Wedge with True Temper AMT Red S
Scotty Cameron Kombi S Putter
Titleist ProV1x
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.
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
My Equipment
Titleist GT4 10° Driver with Mitsubishi Tensei Black 65 X
Titleist TSr2 16.5° 3-Wood with Mitsubishi Tensei Black 75 X
Titleist TS2 19° Hybrid with Kurokage 60 S
Titleist T350 4-Gap Irons with True Temper AMT Red S
Titleist Vokey 54° SM10 Wedge with True Temper AMT Red S
Titleist Vokey 58° SM10 Wedge with True Temper AMT Red S
Scotty Cameron Kombi S Putter
Titleist ProV1x
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
Playing Experience
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
JOHN BIERKAN TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I believe in a holistic approach to improvement. Every facet of the game from the tee ball to putting is important. Most importantly 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 paramount to improving ball flight. In that effort, I utilize state-of-the-art technologies like video and Trackman-the world’s leading golf launch monitor. Major aspects of the swing that I find particularly important are the backswing turn, clubface, swing plane, swing direction, center contact, attack angle and low-point control.
Other major elements of my teaching focus on the short game. I consider a solid short game “the great equalizer”. On holes you miss the green and on days when your ball striking is off the mark, your chipping and pitching can help you maintain a good score. Additionally, I love teaching bunker shots. There is often an opportunity for golfers to better understand how to execute this shot and gain confidence. Just like most of the great players past and present, we each have a swing unique to ourselves. My goal is to improve your ball flight and scoring ability while encouraging your own style.
Testimonials
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]