Masters Academy International Names Jimmy Damiano Co-Director of Golf

Salem Country Club Director of Instruction brings 25 years and 50,000 hours of teaching experience to lead program alongside Daniel Boisvert

STOW, MA. – Masters Academy International (MAI) today announced James “Jimmy” Damiano as Co-Director of Golf, who will lead the academy’s comprehensive golf program alongside Daniel Boisvert. Damiano, currently Director of Instruction at the prestigious Salem Country Club and a PGA Class A Professional who has developed players from beginner to professional tour level over 25 years and nearly 50,000 hours of instruction, will assume this leadership role when the academy opens in September 2026.

“Jimmy and Daniel together bring an exceptional combination of teaching expertise, player development success, and complementary skill sets to lead our golf program,” said Peter Masters, Co-Founder and Director of Athletics at MAI. “Jimmy’s extensive experience at the country’s most prestigious clubs, combined with his dedication to balancing academic excellence with athletic development, makes him the ideal partner to help establish MAI as a premier destination for serious student-athletes.”

Damiano has spent 30 years at America’s elite golf venues, holding positions from caddy to Director of Golf. His professional career began in 1998 at The Nantucket Golf Club, where he also began his decade-long training under legendary instructor Jim McLean. While working under McLean, Jimmy played a key role in developing the nationally recognized JR Elite Program. He has since served as Director of Instruction at Glen Oaks Club on Long Island (2002-2014), Head Golf Professional at Boca Rio Golf Club in Boca Raton (2014-2018), Director of Instruction at New Seabury Country Club (2018-2023), and currently holds the same position at Salem Country Club in Peabody, Massachusetts.

“The first thing I inquire about with student-athletes is their ability to perform in the classroom,” said Damiano. “My parents made it clear from the beginning that sports were a privilege earned through success in academics. I want to instill that I will continue to check in with players regarding their progress both on and off the course for the entirety of our relationship.”

Named New England PGA Teacher of the Year in 2021, Damiano has guided players to success at every level. His former students include Laetitia Beck (Duke University, LPGA Tour), Chris Francoeur (Louisville, PGA Tour Americas), and Sarah Kahn (High Point, Symetra Tour), along with players at Penn, St. Johns, University of Arizona, and Richmond.

“Success for my athletes is getting one percent better daily, both physically and mentally, both on and off the course,” Damiano explained. “Rome wasn’t built in a day. Success lies in the discipline to commit to doing your best each and every day, even when you don’t feel like it.”

Still actively competing as a PGA professional—including finishing T22 at the 2025 NEPGA Section Championship and winning both the NEPGA Senior/Junior and Pro/Pro Championships in 2025—Damiano brings current playing insights to his teaching.

“My training sessions are fun, competitive, and designed to make practice challenging so that games seem easier,” Damiano noted. “We focus on both block practice—working intensively on specific skills—and full process training that puts players into game mode during practice.”

Under the leadership of Damiano and Boisvert, the golf program at MAI will feature daily competition among peers, matches against other schools, and participation in junior golf tours throughout the U.S. during the off-season, along with college showcases and camps.

Masters Academy International, part of Cognita’s global network of 100 schools, is pioneering a new model for student-athlete development. Located in Stow, MA, the academy combines rigorous academics with elite athletic training, providing 360-degree support to help students reach their full potential in all areas.

About Masters Academy International: Masters Academy International is a groundbreaking boarding school opening in Fall 2026 that reimagines the student-athlete experience. Offering comprehensive academic programs alongside elite training in multiple sports, MAI provides students with the tools and support to excel in the classroom, on the field, and in life. Learn more at https://www.mastersacademyinternational.com/.

Media Contact: Mackenzie Weeden, Director of Marketing, Masters Academy International, media@mastersacademyinternational.com.