University of Tennessee Athletics
Henderson Hired as Vols Director of Instruction/Player Development
August 22, 2014 | Men's Golf
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - University of Tennessee Head Men's Golf Coach Jim Kelson announced the hiring of Matt Henderson as the Vols' new Director of Instruction/Player Development.
Henderson replaces Casey VanDamme, who left to take the director of golf position at South Dakota State University in July.
A native of Cheyenne, Wyo., Henderson comes to Tennessee with over 15 years of experience as a golf professional and instructor. Recently, Henderson has become one of the most respected and highly demanded teachers in Nevada as the head instructor at TPC Las Vegas Tour Academy. Prior to becoming head instructor, he was a certified instructor at TPC Las Vegas (2009-2013).
As a player, Henderson had a decorated junior career guiding him to the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where he graduated with a degree in Golf Management.
"We are thrilled that Matt Henderson has accepted our position of Director of Instruction/Player Development," Kelson said. "He is ideally suited for this position. I believe that Matt is one of the finest young instructors in the game today. As golf instruction has become more scientific, our program required someone well versed in all of today's technologies.
"The main thing that impressed me about Matt is that he can simplify all of the scientific information, and then impart this to his students in an easily understandable manner," Kelson added. "We look forward to welcoming Matt and his wife, Michelle, to Knoxville."
Henderson began his teaching career as a club professional in Wyoming, Colorado and Nevada. Once he made the decision to pursue a career in golf instruction, he began teaching for Golf Magazine Emeritus Instructor, Dave Pelz. While working for Pelz (2006-2009), he traveled throughout the country teaching in golf schools and learning the art of short game instruction.
After his time with Pelz, Henderson returned to Las Vegas and began his tenure at TPC Las Vegas as the Head Instructor for the TPC Las Vegas Tour Academy. His students included several local PGA Professionals, Nevada State Amateur champions, elite college players as well as top juniors from across the country.
While heading the academy, Henderson continued to grow his teaching skills becoming TPI educated by Dr. Josh Saterlee. He also gained certifications with FlightScope, Vision 54, and the SeeMore Putter Institute. As a result of this, he became a leader in professional instructor training and education in Southern Nevada.
Throughout his career, Henderson has studied under some of game's best known instructors including Pelz, Dan Campbell, Todd Sones, Travis Fulton and Kevin Weeks. This pursuit of knowledge and expertise has resulted in him being ranked No. 2 in Golf Digest's "Best in State" instructor rankings behind Butch Harmon in Nevada. Henderson is a Golf Digest Top-40 Under 40 candidate and the recipient of the 2013 Southern Nevada Teacher of the Year and Player Development Awards.
"I feel privileged to be able to work alongside one of the best coaches in the SEC in Jim Kelson," Henderson said. "I think there is something special about Knoxville and the University of Tennessee. The tradition of excellence is unparalleled, and I can't wait to be part of this amazing University and athletic department."
