John Bierkan
About John
John Bierkan is a PGA Professional who has been dedicated to teaching and helping golfers improve for more than 20 years. John grew up as the son of a PGA Professional and fell in love with golf at a very early age. John is a native of Middlefield, Connecticut and a graduate of The University of Connecticut. His number one focus is teaching, but also enjoys working on his game and competing in tournaments.
John has been on Golf Digest’s list of “Best Teachers in State” several times and was on Golf Digest’s list of “America’s Best Young Teachers” every year between 2010 and 2017. John has also been recognized as the 2018 and 2014 Philadelphia PGA Teacher of the Year. John was also recognized by U.S. Kids Golf as a Top 50 Teacher in 2018 and Honorable Mention from 2014-2017. John’s mission is to help you achieve your goals!
If you have any questions regarding your game, don’t hesitate to contact John.
John’s Teaching Philosophy
In our modern era, much is made of the science of the golf swing, yet the art of playing the game remains the most critical element.
As someone who spends much of my time trying to improve golfers, I believe that several factors should be part of a golfer’s repertoire. The first is a repeatable, consistent technique. To achieve this goal, I don’t teach a strict rigid method. I believe in working within an individual’s natural skill set, body type, commitment level, and personal idiosyncrasies. The basic geometry and physics of the golf swing are an important component to improving ball flight. In that effort, I utilize state of the art technologies like video and Trackman-the world’s leading launch monitor.
Other major elements of my teaching focuses on the short game, having properly fit equipment, and implementing good course management. Just like most of the great players past and present, we each have a swing unique to ourselves. My goal is to improve my student’s ball flight and scoring ability while encouraging their own style.
What’s in John’s Bag
Titleist TSi3 10.5º Driver with Project X HZRDUS 6.5
Titleist TSi3 16.5º Fairway with Project X HZRDUS 6.0
Titleist TS2 19º Hybrid with Project X HZRDUS
Titleist T200 4-Gap Irons with True Temper AMT Red Stiff
Titleist Vokey 54º SM9 Wedge
Titleist Vokey 60º SM9 Wedge
Scotty Cameron Kombi S Putter
PRO V1x Ball
Titleist Players Glove
My partnership with Titleist is one that I am extremely proud of. They are the premier brand in golf. Titleist is a company that is steeped in tradition with integrity towards the game. They offer an entire line of products for the serious golfer. From the ProV1 balls to a wonderful line of fairway woods, irons, Vokey wedges, and Scotty Cameron Putters, Titleist can boast about their offerings. With the additional brand of Footjoy, the entire line of products includes shoes, gloves, and a full line of clothing and apparel.
Course Locations
Aronimink Golf Club | Newtown Square, PA
Director of Instruction, April – October
Aronimink, named after a Lenape Indian Chief, was founded in 1896 and moved to its current location in 1926. Donald Ross, the Scottish pro who became one of America’s foremost golf architects, was commissioned to design the course. Upon returning to Aronimink in 1948, many years after it was completed, he proclaimed “I intended to make this my masterpiece, but not until today did I realize that I built better than I knew.”
Even today you can sense this tradition every time you enter the club grounds and approach the clubhouse. Over the past century the club has hosted many prestigious tournaments most notably the 1962 PGA Championship, the 1977 U.S. Amateur Championship, the 1997 United States Junior Amateur Championship and the 2003 Senior PGA Championship. Aronimink also hosted The Tiger Woods AT&T National Championship in July of 2010 and 2011. The club also hosted the PGA Tour’s 2018 BMW Championship and the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. In 2026, the club will host its second PGA Championship. Aronimink serves as the first (and only) club in America to host all three PGA Championships to date (men, women, seniors).
Abacoa Golf Club | Jupiter, FL
Teaching Professional, November-March
The Abacoa Golf Course was the last course designed by renowned course architect Joe Lee before his death. In typical Joe Lee style, Abacoa’s lakes and bunkers meet its sloping fairways with little obstruction, and you’ll find scenic views with 14 of its 18 holes surrounded by water. All of these features make the tees, greens, and fairways a pure pleasure to play.
This course is challenging but fair to golfers of all skill and experience levels, and unlike many Florida courses, Abacoa has real elevation changes. The greens are TifEagle grass, and the putting surfaces are of some of the highest quality in Florida. Treat yourself to a round at Abacoa!
Playing Experience
Qualified for PGA Professional National Championship | 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Competed in the Travelers Championship (PGA Tour) | 2010
Advanced to U.S. Open Sectional Qualifying | 2010
Several Top finishes in Philadelphia PGA Section Tournaments
- Philadelphia PGA Section Championship Runner-up (tied) | 2013
- Selected for Philadelphia PGA Team matches vs. New Jersey PGA | 2013
Several Top finishes in Middle Atlantic PGA Section Tournaments
Competed in multiple GAP Philadelphia Opens
Competed in several Connecticut and Maryland State Open Championships
Played Division I Collegiate Golf at the University of Connecticut
- Individually ranked in Top-Ten in District 1 of NCAA | 1999
- Several top finishes as an individual
- Team qualified for NCAA Regional Championships | 1998, 1999