Meet the Coaches

David Jankowski

For me, it all started growing up as part of a golfing family in New York. Then at the age of 12, I moved to Dallas, Texas to be with my father. The two of us were fascinated with all things golf, and we shared so much passion and joy of the game together.

I was on a mission to play Division 1 golf and make the tour, but life had a different plan for me. I had to move back to New York and my dreams in the game of golf were put on hold.

While working through the electrical union apprenticeship program, I turned to skiing, surfing, wakeboarding, and snowboarding with a passion. I even owned a wakeboarding and water sports school for a number of years, and I learned my passion means sharing my joy through teaching and coaching others.

Along the way though, fate landed me a job that changed my life. When starting with a new electrical contractor, I noticed golf clubs in the truck. In my typical New York fashion I said, "you don't play golf"...

It turns out the owners were all golf nuts and the rest is history! In 2010, I took the chance of moving to Vermont to take a job at a golf course. It turns out the golf business, specifically teaching and coaching, as well as playing at the PGA level, is my calling. Over the past 3 Years I've served as Director of Instruction at Burlington Country Club, Burlington, Vermont. The passion I continue to share with people in golf has led to the founding of Golf Garage VT.

In a short span, I accomplished many amazing things. And, in 2011 I met my wife Emily and now we have two amazing children. Our life is full of all four seasons of the outdoors and sports Vermont has to offer.

Student Accomplishments
  • Multiple Vermont Junior Championships
  • Multiple Vermont Individual High School Championships
  • Qualifier for the USGA Women's Mid Am Championship
  • Multiple collegiate athletes including Division 1, Temple University, Old Dominion University, Siena College
Certifications
  • PGA of America Certified Professional - Teaching and Coaching
  • Trackman Level 2
  • Boditrak pressure mapping system
  • Science and Motion sports - Sam Putt lab
  • American Developmental Model
Professional Highlights
  • 2021-2022 Golf Digest Best in State Teacher
  • 2019 & 2022 Vermont PGA Teacher of the Year
  • 2015 Vermont PGA Player of the Year
  • 5-time Stroke Play Champion
  • 5-time National Championship qualifier
  • 6-time PGA professional Championship qualifier
  • 2024 - 2025 Golf Digest #1 Teacher in Vermont
  • 2024 PGA of America - New England section Teacher of the Year

Kellen Peery

Director of Instruction

Kellen Peery is an accomplished golf professional, hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah. Pursuing golf from a young age, Kellen continued his passion at North Carolina State University majoring in Professional Golf Management. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science in PGM, providing him with the opportunity to play some of the finest courses in the country and learned from some of the industry's top PGA professionals.

As a proud Class A PGA Member since 2017, Kellen's commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by his skills and expertise in the field. He is proficient with Trackman and is actively showcasing his dedication to staying at the forefront of technology in the golf industry. Kellen's prowess extends beyond the technical, as demonstrated by his level of play and victories in various golf tournaments throughout his life. His passion for golf extends beyond the professional realm, as he enjoys playing, continuously striving for improvement, and sharing his knowledge through coaching.

In the realm of teaching, Kellen has made a significant impact, having instructed over thousands of hours of private golf lessons. His commitment to player development is evident in the organization and delivery of more than 200 clinics, introducing hundreds of new golf enthusiasts to the game. Kellen is a U.S. Kids level one Certified Coach and has overseen one of the largest junior golf programs in the state of Vermont. 

His deep-rooted connection to golf is a family affair, with a proud lineage that includes his grandfather, Herman Peery, who served as the Head Golf Professional at The Cascades Golf Course, one of two championship courses at the Omni Homestead Resort, for over 50 years.

Kellen Peery is not just a golf instructor; he is a dedicated professional, an avid player, a passionate coach, and a steward of the sport's legacy within his family.

Jim LeClair

Head Golf Professional at Golf Garage NH

Jim LeClair is a dedicated golf professional with over a decade of experience in the golf industry, currently serving as the Head Golf Professional at Golf Garage. Jim specializes in personalized lessons and clinics designed to enhance players' skills and deepen their understanding of the golf swing and the game itself.

Prior to Jim's current role, he was the Head Golf Professional at Lake Morey Country Club, managing daily operations, tournament management, and member services. He also played a role at The Quechee Club, where he ran the junior golf program, fostering a love for the game among young players.

As the Vermont Operations Manager for the New England PGA, he successfully coordinated chapter events and junior tours, demonstrating strong leadership and developing valuable partnerships within the golfing community.

A graduate of Gettysburg University with a BA in Business Management, Jim was the captain of the university’s golf team and earned a four-year varsity letter. His commitment to mentoring young golfers was further exemplified through his role as a developmental golf coach at the Rivendell School, where he instilled principles of sportsmanship and etiquette.

With certifications in club fitting and a passion for creating engaging learning environments, Jim is dedicated to enhancing the golfing experience for players of all levels. He looks forward to seeing you soon!