Sharpe to be first ever instructor at Deacon's Lodge Sharpe to be first ever instructor at Deacon's Lodge

BY CONRAD ENGSTROM Brainerd Dispatch

For the first time in its history, Deacon’s Lodge has golf instruction.

Ryan Sharpe takes over as the director of instruction at the Breezy Point Resort course. It’s the first instruction title at the course since it opened in 1999.

“I’m really excited,” Sharpe said. “I think it’s a great opportunity to continue to grow and for Deacon’s to actually have a teaching professional for the first time in their existence and history of 25 years.”

The 37-year-old Sharpe spent the last four years as an instructor at the Chris Foley Golf School which is at Cragun’s Legacy Courses.

“Working under Chris was something I’m very thankful for,” Sharpe said. “The opportunity he gave me to grow as a teacher and to learn under him — he’s one of highest ranked golf instructors in the state. It was a great place to get my feet wet.”

Being the first-time instructor at a new course is going to be a little bit of a different experience for Sharpe.

“It’s not like I’m taking over someone else’s position,” he said. “The position was never there. I just think it’s a great opportunity to put my brand on a facility that didn’t have anything previously.”

Deacon’s Lodge is an Arnold Palmer designed course which was another reason for Sharpe to make the jump.

“Being the first one there and having my name associated with Arnold Palmer means a lot,” Sharpe said. “I think it’s a great opportunity and we will have a lot of great programs and try to get this program going to continue to have success with students all over northern Minnesota.”

Sharpe added it felt good to have the support of Mark Neva, who is the longtime PGA Professional at Deacon’s Lodge.

“It means a lot to have the support of their staff and Mark Neva,” Sharpe said. “Just having that Deacon’s Lodge name attached to Ryan Sharpe golf, you know it’s a pretty high ranked golf course in the state. It’s nice to be connected with that.”

Sharpe’s goal as an instructor hasn’t changed much. He hopes those that come to Deacon’s Lodge can grow in the game of golf.