Highlights & Accolades
PGA Class A Pro with 25+ years & 50,000+ hours of instruction
Trained under Jim McLean; career began in 1998
Leadership roles at top clubs: Glen Oaks, Boca Rio, New Seabury & Salem CC
2021 NEPGA Teacher of the Year; Played a key role in developing Jim McLean's nationally recognized JR Elite Program
Coached players to the LPGA, Symetra Tour, PGA Tour Americas & top colleges
Active competitor: 2025 NEPGA top finishes & championship wins
Joining MAl as Co-Director of Golf - Fall 2026
Jimmy Damiano
Co-Director of Golf
Jimmy Damiano was born and raised in Wareham, MA. He was fortunate to be introduced to sports at a young age and went on to play two sports in college. From the beginning, his parents emphasized that participation in sports was a privilege—earned through success in the classroom. That message shaped his priorities early on and instilled a foundation that guided him throughout his athletic and professional journey.
Jimmy’s introduction to golf began at the Kittansett Club in Marion, MA, where he held his first job in the sport. Before turning professional, he gained experience at several distinguished clubs, including Castle Pines Golf Club in Denver, CO; The Vintage Club in Palm Springs, CA; and Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, GA, home of the Masters Tournament. After turning professional in 1997, he was hired as the Assistant Golf Professional at The Nantucket Golf Club.
In 1998, Jimmy began studying under renowned golf coach Jim McLean—an experience that ignited his deep passion for coaching. Surrounded each winter in Miami by more than twenty top coaches from around the world, he immersed himself in the craft and refined his coaching philosophy. He now serves as the Director of Player Development at Salem Country Club in Peabody, MA, and maintains an extensive private clientele, traveling globally for golf instruction programs.
Still actively competing and playing professionally, Jimmy leads by example for the athletes he coaches. His first priority when working with student-athletes is understanding their performance in the classroom, emphasizing the same values that shaped his own development. He aims to instill that he will continue to check in with them regarding their progress both on and off the course for the entirety of their relationship.
COACHING PHILOSOPHY
Teamwork is the ability to look past personal success for the greater good. It involves sacrifice and discipline. When teammates and coaches click, efficiency and effectiveness are the byproducts.
Success for my athletes is getting 1% better daily, both physically and mentally, both on and off the course. Rome was not 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.
My training sessions are fun, competitive and designed to accomplish several key goals. The first is to make training challenging so that the games or matches seem easier. The second is to separate the block practice versus the full process training. Block practice is working on one particular discipline for a considerable time. Full Process puts us into game mode during practice.
Competition in my program will be a daily occurrence. Students will compete against their peers at MAI in Team Training Sessions as well as competing in Junior Tournaments throughout the school year in both the North east and Florida. During the off season players will be competing on a variety of JR Golf Tours throughout the US as well as attending college showcases/camps.
Golf is a life sport and can be played from just about any age. Entry to golf is usually as an add on from another sport, which is perfect because I encourage my students to play multiple sports. Students progress by playing shorter, easier courses with fewer holes. When a student can shoot 45 or less for 9 holes on a regulation course they are prepared for 18 hole competition. Prep/College players are shooting scores in the 70’s and elite players can shoot in the 60’s.
“Success for my athletes is getting one percent better daily, both physically and mentally, both on and off the course. Success lies in the discipline to commit to doing your best each and every day, even when you don’t feel like it.”
– Jimmy Damiano, Co-Director of Golf
COLLEGE PLACEMENT & PATHWAYS
Athletes that I have spent time with have committed to various colleges and universities. Masters Academy will provide a spectacular atmosphere for young student athletes. Combining the competitive environment with the ability to be an effective time manager. Athletes will be required to accomplish classroom tasks while traveling and competing in their respective sport.
START YOUR JOURNEY
We’re building something special in New England, and we’d love to tell you more about it. To connect with our founding team at Masters Academy International, please fill out our inquiry form and we’ll be in touch within 24 hours.