About Ben

Ben Chandler is a PGA Member and accomplished golf instructor with more than 15 years of coaching experience. He works with players of all ages and skill levels, blending his deep knowledge of biomechanics with proven teaching methods to help students unlock their full potential.

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Ben’s path in golf began as a high school and collegiate player before graduating as Valedictorian of the Golf Academy of America (2006). He went on to work as a professional caddie at Sea Island, Georgia, where he learned directly from top professionals including Davis Love III and Brad Faxon. His playing experience on the NGA Golf Tour, combined with his education and mentorship from world-class coaches, inspired his career as an instructor.

Coaching Experience & Recognition

• Director of Instruction at multiple facilities, leading adult and junior programming.

• Instructor to numerous high school and collegiate players, including Division I, II, and III athletes at Tennessee Tech, Purdue Northwest, University of Cincinnati, Kentucky Wesleyan, Illinois Wesleyan, and more.

• Owner & Manager, Cincinnati Middle School League; Head Coach of Nagel Middle School Boys & Girls Teams (2016–2024), winning six city championships.

• Awards & Honors:

  • 2020 Southern Ohio PGA Associate of the Year

  • 2022 SOPGA Youth Player Development Award

  • 2023 & 2024 SOPGA Teacher of the Year Nominee

  • 2024 SOPGA Player Development Award

  • 2025 Troon Golf Teacher of the Year Nominee

  • Captain, SOPGA Junior Ohio Cup Teams (2023 & 2024)

  • Winner, 2023 Springfield Classic

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Mentorship & Continued Learning​

Ben has studied under many of the game’s most respected instructors, including Terry Rowles, Mike Adams, Stan Utley, Mike Cook, David Angelotti, Dr. Morris Pickens, Bruce Rearick, Doug Spencer, and Dennis Wells. These relationships — along with certifications such as the Ultimate Golf Lesson Certification from Mike Adams & Terry Rowles — continually shape his teaching philosophy and keep his methods at the forefront of modern golf instruction.

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Contact Ben: ben@markmacdonaldgolf.com

Credentials

Golf Academy of America Valedictorian 2006.

2020 Associate of the Year in The Southern Ohio PGA.

2022-23 Youth Player Development Award for SOPGA

2023-24 Nominated for Teacher of the Year for SOPGA

2024-25 Nominated for Teacher of the Year for SOPGA

2025 Troon Golf Teacher of the Year Nominee

2023 SOPGA Captain for Inaugural Junior Ohio Cup

2024 SOPGA Captain for Junior Ohio Cup

Owner and Manager of Cincinnati Middle League

Playing Record

• 15 Top 10 finishes since 2019 in the Southern Ohio Section Events

• Winner of 2023 Springfield Classic

• 12 Top 20 finishes for Mount St. Joseph University in 3 seasons

• 1 Individual win sophomore year at MSJ

Worked at 15 different golf courses over the last 18 years including The Vineyard GC, Miami Whitewater GC, California GC, Meadow Links Golf Academy, & Little Miami Golf Center from the Cincinnati area.

Have given over 500 Private Lessons each of the last 5 years.

Nagel Middle School Head Coach since 2016

• Head Coach for Nagel Middle School Boys and Girls Teams

• Awarded Friend of the Children Award in 2019

• Nagel Middle School started with 20 kids trying out for the boys and girls teams in 2016, now up to 70+ kids trying out each year

• 5 of the Middle School golfers from the first year have gone on to earn collegiate scholarships to play at the college level

• Won Cincinnati Middle School Championships in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, & 2024

• 6 straight Conference Titles

• Have instructed many other players from other school teams to Districts, State, and College play

• Works on creating a team atmosphere that is positive, enjoyable, hardworking, creative, competitive, and team oriented. The team wins, not just one player.

Ben as an Instructor

Ben is a student of biomechanics and utilizes this method into creating a game plan for the student. Once the game plan is created, the student will need to learn to practice with a purpose and play by feeling the swing. Take thought out of play.

He starts with finding the proper set up, proper grip, correct post point, and alignment for the student. With the combination of drills, playing lessons, video analysis, body rotation, and a watchful eye, he helps the student improve by understanding their game.