In 2011 I joined Larry Ward, a 4-time Kentucky PGA Teacher of the Year to create and co-own the High Performance Golf Academy, now located at Keene Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville, KY.  


Biography

My story begins in Harlan, Kentucky where I was born and raised. I grew up on a small par 34, 9 hole golf course in the mountains of southeastern Kentucky. It was there that I learned this game that I have made my life. I began playing high school golf for Harlan High School when I was in 8th grade. After a junior golf career that included 2 Player of the Year honors from the Southeast Kentucky Junior Golf Tour, I signed to play golf at Cumberland College (now the University of the Cumberlands). Upon graduating college with a business degree, I began employment at Man O’ War Golf and entered the PGA Professional Golf Management Program where I became a Class A, PGA professional in 2010.  In 2011 I joined Larry Ward to create and later co-own the High Performance Golf Academy, now located at Keene Trace Golf Club in Nicholasville, KY. From March 2016 to May 2024 I was the women's golf coach at Transylvania University.


Tyrus York has helped me take my dream of playing golf to a reality. His lessons always leave me with renewed confidence and an even greater love of the game!
— Lee Hempel

What I've Achieved

  • 2017 and 2014 Kentucky Section PGA Teacher of the Year Award Winner.

  • 2024 Kentucky Section PGA Player Development Award Winner

  • Nominated 4 Times for the Kentucky Section PGA Junior Golf Leader of the Year Award.

  • K-Vest Level 2 Certified.

  • SeeMore Putting Institute Certified.

  • Putting Zone Certified.

  • Eyeline Golf Certified.

  • Women's Golf Coach at Transylvania University

  • 4 Year Letter Winner at University of the Cumberlands.

  • Sam Putt Lab Level 3 Instructor

  • 2017 and 2018 HCAC Coach of the Year