About don Leone golf academy

Don’s career in golf instruction spans over 30 years. Home to the Don Leone Golf Academy at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club. Don was a recipient of one of the highest honors as a PGA Professional, awarded 2012 Northern California PGA Teacher of the Year. Voted one of Northern California’s top ten Instructors, Don has been the recipient of Silicon Valley’s top instructors since 2003.

Renowned for working with legendary instructors such as Jim Flick and Hank Haney, Don was a lead instructor for the ESPN Golf, and the Nicklaus/Flick Golf schools working throughout the U.S. Swnig coach for Santa Clara University and San Jose City College men’s golf teams.

Don is a certified level 2 instructor from the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI). By assessing a total picture of the body, swing, equipment, and instruction, Don will create a program that will help you optimize your performance.

Don has coached many multiple winners on the Canadian Tour, NCAA Champions , Junior Tour of Northern California Player of the Year, JGANC tour, and US Kids tour.

Read NCGA 2022 Summer Edition Article (Pages 40-43)

Recognitions


  • 2012 Northern California PGA Teacher of the Year
  • Nominated 2013 National PGA Teacher of the Tear
  • Voted California’s top 10 Instructors
  • Recipient of Silicon Valley top Instructors 2003-2023

Student Awards


  • Anton Ouyang 2017 Junior World Champion
  • Jamison Tan, 2023 Division III Champion
    2021 AJGA Champion
  • Stella Chung, Multiple Division III Campion 2020-2021
  • Lucas Carper 2020 Northern California Amateur Champion. NCAA Individual Champion
    UC Davis Men’s Golf Team.
  • Anton Ouyang 2017 Junior World Champion. Stanford Men’s Golf Team 2022
  • Stella Chung, Multiple winner Division III Champion Claremont Mckenna College 2020-2022   
  • Sabrina Igbal Junior Tour of Northern California Player of the year 2013 – 2016. TCU Women’s Golf Team 2022 .
  • John Ellis, Canadian Tour Order of Merit Winner 2008
  • Tiffany Lim, Junior Tour of Northern California Player of year 2008

Recognitions


  • TPI Level 2 Certified
  • PGA Class A Professional
  • Flightscope Certified