Golf Academy Instruction

Instruction

The journey to your best golf starts at The GreatLIFE Golf Academy. Each individual or group lesson begins with an interview about the current state of your game, any physical limitations that may affect your ability to swing the golf club, and the goals you want to achieve with your golf game.

Next, high-speed video of your swing will be taken using our state-of-the-art V1 Golf motion analysis software. After a review of the video, our instructors can show you innovative and effective ways of skill development using specific drills and training aids. At the end of each lesson a detailed summary and demonstration of key points will be discussed and that information along with an initial analysis will be put into a personal online locker that you can access using any computer or smartphone.

Using state-of-the-art technology along with our instructor’s wealth of knowledge, You will be well on your way to playing your best golf!

Matt Drake

Director of Player Development

A Sioux Falls native, Matt brings a lifelong connection to the game shaped by competitive play, years of practice, and a strong curiosity about how golfers improve. After competing at Tea Area High School and Augustana University, his passion naturally shifted toward coaching and helping players of all ages grow and enjoy the game.

Matt’s coaching background includes The First Tee of Sioux Falls, Assistant Professional at Bakker Crossing, Head Golf Professional at Fox Run Golf Course, private-club instruction and junior programming at Minnehaha Country Club, and most recently, Teaching Professional at Sanford Golf. Across each role, he has become known for building thoughtful, structured development programs that give golfers a clear path forward.

What sets Matt apart is his belief that great coaching is about progress, not perfection. His approach emphasizes long-term development, confidence, and helping players understand why they’re improving, not just what to work on. From beginners to competitive golfers of all ages, Matt brings consistency, care, and purpose to every lesson and program.

As Director of Player Development, Matt will lead instruction at the GreatLIFE Golf Academy while continuing to refine our coaching systems and expand opportunities for golfers at every level.

If you’d like to connect with Matt, schedule a lesson, or learn more about upcoming programs, he can be reached at Matt.Drake@joingreatlife.com

Lesson Rates

Single Individual Session: $125 + tax

Junior Individual Session (16 years and younger): $75 + tax

9-Hole Playing Lesson: $175 + tax

Group Lesson Rates

Group Session (2-4 people): $70 per person

Junior Group Session (2-4 juniors) (16 years and younger): $45 per person

CUSTOM GROUP LESSONS

For custom group session inquiries, please contact Matt Drake at Matt.Drake@joingreatlife.com

Chris Gilman

Teaching Professional

A native to Southern California, Chris Gilman has been lucky to have taken lessons from prominent Southern California-based instructors, and counts them as friends and major influences on his teaching philosophy. They include Dana Dahlquist, Tony Greco, and George Gankas, as well as staying up-to-date on the latest innovations coming out of the golf instruction realm.

Chris played 4 years on his college team at the University of Denver and graduated in 2009 with a degree in Business. Chris turned professional in 2010 and has been fortunate to have played on: PGA Tour Latinoamerica (2014-2019), PGA Tour Canada (2017), Korn Ferry Tour (2015), Barracuda Championship on the PGA Tour (2015), and countless minitours across America, amassing over 40 professional victories.

In August 2020, Chris shot a course record 59 to win the South Dakota Open on the Dakotas Tour at The Bluffs Golf Club in Vermillion, and in September 2021 shot a course record 60 at Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls. In 2022 Chris moved to Sioux Falls to become a full-time resident and truly feels that Sioux Falls is home, and his relationships through GreatLIFE Golf is a large reason for it. In 2024 he married his wife Christine, herself a transplant from Chicago and someone who fell in love with the Sioux Empire.

When not at the golf course, you can catch Chris and Christine at a GreatLIFE gym, traversing the miles of walking trails around the city, or enjoying one of the many great restaurants in Sioux Falls.

If you are looking to take your golf game to new heights, contact Chris Gilman at chris.gilman@joingreatlife.com