Our Mission

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Meet Drew: 

Drew is a college golfer from New Lenox, IL. Drew is in his junior year at Denison University. He played his high school golf at Providence. 

Drew credits our founder Mike Mandakas with making him successful on and off the golf course after years of working together. "Mike took me under his wing and elevated my golf game in a variety of ways. Mike and Elevation provided a place for me to fine-tune my skills along with access to a state-of-the-art gym. Mike also connected me with Sports psychologist Dr. Rob Bell, who helped strengthen my mental game to conquer any obstacles I face. Without the support, guidance, and mentorship that I have received from Mike and his team, I would not be where I am today, both in my golf career and in life."

Meet Karis: 

Karis Reed is an 8th grader at Carmel, Indiana. She aspires to play Division 1 golf and hopes to play on the LPGA Tour one day. In April 2024, she won the Girl's 12-13 division at the Drive, Chip and Putt National Championship at Augusta National. 

Karis attributes her success to the guidance she receives from her teaching pro, Brad Fellers. Brad is a partner of the foundation. "I have worked with Brad Fellers for the past three seasons on a weekly basis, and with his guidance I have continually improved in all aspects of my game. He has helped me go from shooting in the low 90's to the low 70's. From swing mechanics to short game to mental processes, Brad has been instrumental in shaping every part of my game.   

Meet Billy:

 Billy Gneiser is a college golfer from Darien, IL. Billy is currently a junior at DePaul University and played his high school golf at Hinsdale South. 

Billy works with our CEO, Mike Mandakas on his golf game and has for many years. Billy credits Mike with helping him improve his skills on and off the golf course. Mike's encouragement has really made a difference which has helped Billy grow as a golfer and a person. 

Meet Nathan: 

Nathan is a college golfer from Homer Glen, IL. Nathan is in his freshman year at the College of DuPage. He played his high school golf at Lockport. 

Nathan credits our founder Mike Mandakas with helping his golf game with physical and mental training over the past few years. "The mental training that Mike has helped me with has allowed me to stay calm and focused on the golf course, which has really helped me under pressure. Not only has this work helped my game but it has also helped me manage my schoolwork. The college prep support has been great. It gave me an understanding of what to expect from the next level and having Mike on my side has made the transition much easier. My time with Mike has made me a better golfer, student, and person!" 

Meet Campbell:

 Campbell Wolf is a professional golfer from Mechanicsburg, PA. Campbell graduated undergrad at East Tennessee State University in 2022 and completed his MBA from Northern Illinois University in 2023. 

Campbell calls Chicago home now as he pursues becoming one of the best players in the world. Campbell has been assisted by Scott Fonda, Elevation Golf's Physio and Trainer, since moving to Chicago. Campbell has been named as an Ambassador to Kids First Golf Foundation.  

Campbell had conditional status on the Challenge Tour in 2024. We look forward to watching Campbell's career develop and support him along the way. To find more information about his journey please check out his website: https://www.cmwolfgolf.com/ or reach out directly at campbellwolf67@gmail.com 

Meet Porter: 

Porter Bell is currently an 8th grader who will attend Fishers High School in Indiana. 

Our partners, Elevation Golf and Mike Mandakas have been  instrumental in the overall golf and character development. Porter began playing at the age of 5 and has some lofty goals! So far, Porter has won a US Kids event, a sub-regional for Drive, Chip and Putt and qualified for the Notah Begay Regional Championships. We can't wait to continue to support Porter on his journey! 

Meet Charlie: 

Charlie Gneiser is currently working with our CEO Mike Mandakas at the Burr Ridge location for Elevation Golf. Charlie played collegiate golf and has been helped by Mike for a long time similar to his brother Billy. 

Charlie credited Mike with mentorship that has played a large role in his life on and off the golf course. "Through networking with colleagues and clients who share a passion for golf, I've been able to learn from their experiences and apply their insights to my own game and career. Many of the skills that I have learned throughout my time with Mike- such as strategic thinking, focus, and patience- have translated well to the course. The mentorship I've received has really helped me in life on and off the course. Overall, the combination of professional connections and skills has greatly enriched both my career and my golf game" 

Meet Dean: 

Dean Netzel is a professional golfer from Chicago, IL and has been named as an Ambassador to Kids First Golf Foundation. 

The foundation has supported Dean’s journey with mentorship, access to resources for practice and play, fitness training, and financial assistance for tournaments. We’ve provided him with the equipment, coaching, and community he needs to continue advancing his craft and pursuing his dreams. Our team’s commitment to Dean’s success reflects his dedication to becoming a world-class golfer and his relentless pursuit of self-improvement.

Dean’s story is as much about storytelling as it is about golf. His journey inspires others to dream bigger, work harder, and believe in the power of resilience and community. Dean’s impact on the world goes far beyond his personal achievements—he is living proof of the difference that dedication, mentorship, and support can make.

Currently Dean is competing worldwide to attain status on the DP World Tour and tours alike.

For more information on Dean go to www.Deannetzel.com

or email him directly at deannetzel824@gmail.com

Meet Zach: 

Zach Mulhearn is a college golfer from Wheaton, IL. Zach is a redshirt junior member of the Men's Golf Team at Loyola University Chicago. He previously attended the University of St. Thomas. 

Zach had been working with our founder Mike Mandakas on his golf game since he was in the 10th grade. Zach credits Mike with being one of his biggest supporters throughout his journey in golf so far. "When I started working with Mike my sophomore year of high school, I could tell right away he was going to be a great fit. I was honestly a little overwhelmed with all of things going on in junior golf and Mike helped me beyond golf. He helped with my mental and emotional game along with helping to facilitate recruiting conversations with college coaches. The support I received has undoubtedly helped shape me into the person I am today. All the way through my transfer to Loyola Chicago, Mike, and his team have had my best interest at heart and wanted nothing more than to see me succeed!" 

Meet Joe: 

Joe Brasky is a college golfer from New Lenox, IL. Joe is a freshman at Denison University. He played his high school golf at Providence. 

Joe has worked with our founder Mike Mandakas for several years now and credits Mike with being a huge part of his success. "Mike and his team have been a tremendous help to me and my golf game. He played a critical role in my college recruiting process. His team helped me create a profile and supported me throughout the entire decision-making process. Mike has provided me with valuable resources and connections to sports psychologists, doctors and various workout plans, all of which have contributed to improvements both on and off the course. Mike is one of the most selfless and generous people I have ever met!" 

Meet Ben: 

Ben Orozco is a sophomore at the University of Nebraska, where he is currently enrolled in the Nebraska PGA Golf Management Program. 

Ben has worked with our CEO Mike Mandakas since the 7th grade and he credits Mike with being a key part of his growth as a person and a golfer. "In my time with Mike, not only has my swing improved but they helped grow my passion for the game of golf. I have been introduced to many great people who have had a long lasting impact of me. These experiences led me to pursue a career in the golf industry which is why I chose the University of Nebraska PGA Golf Management program." 

Meet Noah:

 Noah Gillard is a professional golfer from Indianapolis, IN. Noah graduated from Indiana University in 2024. Noah attended Center Grove High School. 

Noah has worked with Coach Brad Fellers, who is a partner with our founder, since 2017 and has taken his game to the next level. "From the first day I met Brad, we immediately clicked. Brad has a lot of knowledge that he has given me that I carry with me when I am on the course. He has shown me how to practice intentionally, strategically play a round and how to carry myself. With his experience playing at the professional level, he has helped me learn what it takes to be successful on the big stage and how to handle pressure." 

Noah played on the PGA Tour Americas during the summer of 2024. We look forward to watching Noah's career develop and support him along the way.