We sat down with Santiago Mari—an accomplished golf coach and long-time member of the Leadbetter family. Santiago has been a pillar of the Leadbetter network for over two decades, working alongside David Leadbetter and leading successful academies in Naples and Miami. Now, he’s expanding into a new market with a soon-to-open academy in Madison, Wisconsin. In this interview, Santiago shares insights about his journey, what drives his passion for teaching, and how he envisions the future of golf instruction at his academies.
Question: Can you share a bit about your background and your journey with the Leadbetter brand?
Answer: I’ve been with the Leadbetter brand for over 20 years. I started working closely with David Leadbetter on various projects, including time at the headquarters when it opened at Champions Gate. I also spent some time in Europe before settling in Naples in 2017. Since then, I run an academy there and opened another in Miami. Most recently, we’re launching a new academy in Madison, Wisconsin. We’ve always been strong supporters of David’s vision, from training aids to teaching methodology. The integration with GOLFZON has been instrumental in our growth. They share our vision and our passion for the sport and supplement our goals to contribute to the growth of the game.
Q: What is the environment like at your academy in Naples? What kind of programming do you offer?
A: Naples is truly a golf destination. Many people plan their trips to escape the cold or city life. We offer half-day and full-day golf schools, weekend packages, and player development programs. We cater to everyone—from beginners to tour players. It’s a very dynamic place with a strong local and visiting golf community.
Q: Will the new academy in Madison follow a similar model? What do you plan to do differently?
A: : Yes, we’re bringing the same instructional quality and program variety. Summer is peak season, which is the opposite to Naples, where winter is peak season, but we’re working to create a year-round facility with indoor simulator capabilities. Our Director of Instruction in Madison, Brock Ortega, has a passion for golf and truly enjoys working with golfers of all levels. Golfers will benefit tremendously from his knowledge and expertise.
Q: Why did you originally choose to align with the Leadbetter brand?
A: Honestly, it felt more like the brand chose me. I was an assistant pro at Lake Nona where David lived, and when the academy moved to Champions Gate, I was invited to be part of the team. Since then, I’ve worn the Leadbetter logo with pride. I wouldn’t consider doing things any other way. The method, the team, the efficiency—it’s all exceptional. David revolutionized golf instruction, turning it into a true business, and I’m grateful for his legacy and his continuous support.
Q: What got you into golf personally?
A: I started playing golf at age 12 with my dad in Puerto Rico. We picked it up together and quickly became passionate about it. I was self-taught and became a scratch golfer within a year. Later, while studying engineering at UCF in Orlando, I started working as an assistant pro at Lake Nona and met David Leadbetter. That’s how it all began.
Q: What drew you to open your next academy in Madison, WI?
A: It came about after meeting the family who now owns Prairie Pines Golf Club in Sun Prairie. Their vision matched ours—they’re committed to the community, to golf, and to top instruction. Their commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with ours, making this a great fit. My partner, Brock, who has ties to the area, will serve as the director of instruction. He is a great golf instructor, and will bring a lot of knowledge to the facility. We’re planning a full-year facility in Madison with both outdoor and indoor training spaces.
Q: Are you incorporating GOLFZON simulator technology into the new Madison location?
A: Yes, that’s the plan. We’re currently identifying the best location within the facility to house a simulator. The current clubhouse has space for at least one, and we’re also working on designs for a dedicated indoor training building that would include multiple hitting bays and GOLFZON technology like the GDR+ or a full simulator.
Q: What excites you most about these developments?
A: Both academies are unique and exciting in their own way. Naples is an established golf destination with a great community, while Madison offers a new opportunity for growth with a year-round presence. The support from GOLFZON Leadbetter and the ability to collaborate with the strong support of a marketing team just adds to the excitement.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to highlight?
A: Just how grateful I am for the support from the GOLFZON Leadbetter group. Knowing there’s a strong team behind us makes a huge difference.
To learn more about Santiago and the GOLFZON Leadbetter Academies in Naples and Madison, visit https://www.golflessons-florida.com/ and https://prairiepinesgolfclub.com/.