Brendon Elliott, PGA

Early Life and Golf Origins

Born and raised in the small upstate New York town of Norwich, Brendon Elliott is the oldest of three children who would discover his passion for golf at the age of twelve.

His journey began at the Riverbend Golf Club in New Berlin, New York, where he first picked up a golf club and began developing the skills that would define his career. After spending his initial years learning the fundamentals at Riverbend, Brendon’s father made the decision to join the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich, providing young Brendon with expanded opportunities to immerse himself in the game he was growing to love.

At Canasawacta, Brendon seized every opportunity to play, spending countless hours on the course honing his technique and deepening his understanding of the game. His dedication earned him a spot on the varsity golf team at Norwich High School during his freshman year, an impressive achievement that demonstrated his early promise as a competitive golfer. Throughout his four years of high school golf, Brendon faced both triumphs and challenges, including a significant setback when a broken hip and foot injury sidelined him for a portion of his high school career.

Despite these physical obstacles, Brendon’s determination and resilience shone through as he returned to full strength during his senior year. His perseverance paid off as he competed at various positions on what was considered a very strong team, playing anywhere from the fourth to the first spot depending on the tournament and circumstances. His high school golf career culminated in a memorable performance at the Conference Championship, where he finished tenth overall with a score of 80 on a particularly challenging day marked by cold temperatures and blustery conditions.

Professional Foundation and Education

Brendon’s introduction to the business of golf began early when he started working at Canasawacta Country Club while in high school. This early exposure to golf provided him with invaluable insights into the industry that would serve him well throughout his career.

Following his high school graduation, Brendon made the strategic decision to pursue formal education in golf course operations at the State University of New York at Delhi. During his time at Delhi, he continued to develop his playing skills as a member of the men’s golf team while simultaneously building his knowledge of the technical and business aspects of golf course management. This combination of practical experience and academic study provided him with a comprehensive foundation that would prove essential in his future endeavors.

After completing his degree, Brendon made the pivotal decision to relocate to Central Florida, a move that would define the next chapter of his life both personally and professionally. The transition from upstate New York to Florida represented not just a geographical change but also an opportunity to immerse himself in one of the most golf-rich environments in the United States.

Personal Life and Family

In 2000, Brendon married his wife Melisa, beginning a partnership that would extend far beyond their personal relationship into their professional endeavors in golf education and youth development. Together, they have built a beautiful family and have been blessed with two remarkable children who have pursued their own paths of excellence.

Their daughter, Lexie, has followed her artistic passions to The Juilliard School, where she is currently studying dance. Her acceptance and success at one of the world’s most prestigious performing arts institutions reflects the same dedication to excellence that characterizes her father’s approach to golf education. Meanwhile, their son Austin is preparing to enter his junior year at Mount Dora High School, representing the next generation of the Elliott family as he navigates his own educational journey.

The Elliott family’s commitment to education, excellence, and personal growth has been a constant throughout Brendon’s career, with Melisa serving as both a supportive partner and an active collaborator in many of his professional ventures, particularly in the founding and development of Little Linksters.

Early Professional Career

Brendon’s professional career in the golf industry spans nearly three decades, during which he has established himself as one of the most respected figures in junior golf development and grow-the-game initiatives. His peers consistently recognize him as a true leader in these critical areas of the golf industry, acknowledging both his innovative approaches and his unwavering commitment to making golf accessible to young people.

A significant portion of Brendon’s early professional success came during his thirteen-year tenure at Winter Park Country Club, where he steadily advanced through various roles before ultimately serving as both General Manager and Head Professional for the final five years of his time there. This dual role provided him with comprehensive experience in all aspects of golf facility operations, from day-to-day management and staff supervision to member relations and program development.

During his time at Winter Park Country Club, Brendon developed many of the skills and insights that would later prove invaluable in his entrepreneurial ventures. He learned to balance the business requirements of running a successful golf facility with his growing passion for golf education and youth development. This experience also allowed him to observe firsthand the challenges and opportunities present in traditional golf instruction, particularly when it came to engaging younger students.

The Birth of Little Linksters

In 2008, recognizing a significant gap in golf education for very young children, Brendon made the bold decision to leave his successful position at Winter Park Country Club to focus entirely on growing the game among children, with a particular emphasis on those aged three to ten years old. This decision led to the founding of Little Linksters Golf Academy, an innovative program designed to introduce golf to children at ages much younger than traditional golf instruction typically targeted.

The concept behind Little Linksters was revolutionary in its approach to youth golf education. While most golf programs focused on children who were already eight to ten years old, Brendon and Melisa recognized that introducing children to golf at age three could create a foundation for lifelong participation in the sport. Their approach emphasized fun, age-appropriate instruction, and the development of basic motor skills alongside golf fundamentals.

Initially established at Winter Park, Little Linksters quickly gained recognition for its innovative curriculum and effective teaching methods. The program’s success was evident not only in the enthusiasm of its young participants but also in the positive feedback from parents who saw their children developing confidence, coordination, and a genuine love for the game of golf.

Expansion and Evolution

In 2010, Brendon expanded his commitment to youth golf development by establishing the Little Linksters Association for Junior Golf Development as a 501c3 nonprofit organization. This strategic move allowed the program to pursue grants, accept donations, and partner with other organizations in ways that would significantly expand its reach and impact. The nonprofit status also reinforced Brendon’s commitment to making golf accessible to children regardless of their families’ economic circumstances.

The success and growth of Little Linksters necessitated a move to larger facilities, and in 2011, the academy relocated from Winter Park to MetroWest Golf Club. This move provided expanded space and resources that allowed for the development of more comprehensive programs and the accommodation of growing enrollment numbers. The MetroWest location served the academy well for several years, during which time Little Linksters continued to refine its curriculum and expand its offerings.

In 2014, Little Linksters made another strategic move, this time to Wekiva Golf Club in Longwood, Florida, where the Little Linksters Golf Academy would establish its most permanent and comprehensive home. The Wekiva location provided ideal facilities for the academy’s diverse programs and allowed for the full realization of Brendon’s vision for comprehensive youth golf education.

Academic and Professional Development

In 2013, while continuing to operate Little Linksters, Brendon accepted a position as a PGA Staff Professional at the Golf Academy of America in Apopka, Florida. This role allowed him to share his expertise with aspiring golf professionals while continuing to develop his own skills and knowledge. The position provided valuable experience in formal golf education at the professional level and allowed Brendon to influence the next generation of golf instructors and industry professionals. One key role Elliott had while at the GAA was that of the Director of Career Development. In that position, he lead the GAA’s parent company, Education Corporation of America, in graduate job placement the final year of operation. He was first among ECA’s 72 career colleges in that matrix.

Unfortunately, after 44 years in business, the Golf Academy of America closed its doors permanently in late 2018. While this closure marked the end of an era for golf education, it also freed up time and energy for Brendon to focus more intensively on his other ventures and to explore new opportunities in golf media and education.

Industry Leadership and Recognition

Throughout his career, Brendon has demonstrated exceptional leadership within professional golf organizations. From 2009 to 2016, he served in multiple leadership roles within the East Central Chapter of the NFPGA Section, including Secretary, Vice President, President, and Honorary President. This progression through the organization’s leadership hierarchy reflected both his peers’ confidence in his abilities and his own commitment to advancing the profession.

Simultaneously, Brendon served as a NFPGA Section Board member from 2009 to 2015, providing him with a broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing golf professionals throughout the region. His board service allowed him to influence policy and programs that affected hundreds of golf professionals and thousands of golfers throughout the section.

Brendon’s expertise in junior golf development led to his appointment as Chairman of the ECC Junior Golf Committee and Co-Chair of the NFPGA Junior Golf Committee. These roles positioned him at the forefront of youth golf development initiatives throughout Florida and allowed him to shape programs and policies that would benefit young golfers across the region.

His reputation for excellence in youth golf development extended to the national level, where he served on the PGA of America’s National Youth Player Development Committee from 2012 to 2014. This appointment recognized his expertise and allowed him to influence youth golf development strategies on a national scale. Additionally, he served on the PGA’s Public Relations & Communications Committee from 2010 to 2012 and again from 2012 to 2014, contributing his insights on how to effectively communicate the value and benefits of golf to diverse audiences.

More recently, Brendon served as a member of the 2018-2019 PGA National Awards Committee, helping to recognize excellence and innovation throughout the golf industry. This appointment reflected his peers’ continued confidence in his judgment and expertise.

Awards and Recognition

Brendon’s contributions to youth golf development have been recognized through more than 25 prestigious industry awards, acknowledging both his innovative approaches and his measurable impact on young golfers’ development. The pinnacle of this recognition came in 2017 when he received the PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award, the highest honor available for professionals dedicated to youth golf development.

This national recognition validated years of innovative work and established Brendon as one of the foremost experts in youth golf education in the United States. The award recognized not only his direct work with young golfers but also his broader contributions to the development of youth golf programs and his influence on other professionals working in this critical area.

Media Presence and Influence

Brendon’s expertise and articulate communication style have made him a sought-after media personality within the golf industry. He has made numerous appearances on the Golf Channel, where he has shared insights on youth golf development, teaching techniques, and industry trends. These appearances have helped establish him as a respected voice in golf education and have expanded his influence beyond his direct teaching and program development work.

In addition to his Golf Channel appearances, Brendon has been featured on various local news outlets throughout Florida, where he has promoted youth golf programs and discussed the benefits of golf participation for young people. These media appearances have been instrumental in raising awareness of Little Linksters and youth golf development more broadly.

Brendon’s reputation as an expert educator and industry leader has made him a popular speaker at golf events, conferences, and panels throughout the country. His presentations typically focus on innovative approaches to youth golf education, strategies for growing participation in the sport, and best practices for golf instruction. His speaking engagements have allowed him to share his expertise with thousands of golf professionals and have contributed to the broader advancement of youth golf development practices.

Transition and New Beginnings

After sixteen remarkable years of building and leading Little Linksters, Brendon made the strategic decision to transition ownership of the academy to his esteemed former Head Coach, Ricky Collado, in December 2024. This transition represented both an ending and a beginning, marking the conclusion of Brendon’s direct ownership of Little Linksters while ensuring the academy’s continued success under proven leadership.

The decision to transfer ownership to Coach Collado was carefully considered and reflected Brendon’s commitment to the long-term success of the programs and students he had worked so hard to develop. Collado’s deep understanding of the Little Linksters philosophy and methods, combined with his own expertise and passion for youth golf development, made him the ideal successor to continue the academy’s mission of making golf accessible and enjoyable for children ages three to eighteen.

This transition allowed Little Linksters to maintain continuity in its programs and approach while freeing Brendon to pursue new opportunities and challenges. The academy’s established reputation, proven curriculum, and strong foundation positioned it well for continued success under new leadership.

BE A GOLFER Academy

In January 2025, just one month after transitioning Little Linksters, Brendon launched his new venture: BE A GOLFER, an academy specifically designed to serve competitive teenage golfers. This new academy represents an evolution in Brendon’s approach to golf education, focusing on older, more advanced students who are serious about competitive golf.

BE A GOLFER offers both in-person and remote coaching options, reflecting Brendon’s recognition of the changing landscape of education and his commitment to making high-quality instruction accessible regardless of geographical constraints. The remote coaching component leverages technology to provide personalized instruction, video analysis, and ongoing support to students who may not be able to access in-person coaching regularly.

The academy harnesses Brendon’s decades of expertise in golf instruction and his deep understanding of competitive golf to provide comprehensive development programs for teenage golfers. These programs address not only technical skills but also the mental, strategic, and physical aspects of competitive golf that are essential for success at higher levels of play.

One More Roll Golf Media Expansion

Simultaneously with the launch of BE A GOLFER, Brendon has significantly expanded One More Roll Golf Media in 2025, transforming what began as a freelance writing venture into a comprehensive media company. This expansion reflects both the growing demand for high-quality golf content and Brendon’s proven ability to create engaging, informative material for golf audiences.

Over the past three years, Brendon has established himself as a respected golf writer, contributing to esteemed outlets such as PGA.com, PGA Magazine, Golf.com, GolfWRX.com, RG.org, and many others. His writing covers a wide range of topics, from instructional content and equipment reviews to industry analysis and player profiles. His articles consistently demonstrate his deep knowledge of the game and his ability to communicate complex concepts in accessible, engaging ways.

One More Roll Golf Media now collaborates with various golf media outlets and businesses to deliver high-quality written, video, and voice content that reaches enthusiastic golf audiences worldwide. This expansion into multimedia content creation reflects the evolving nature of golf media consumption and Brendon’s adaptability to changing market demands.

The company’s growth has been particularly notable in video content creation, where Brendon’s on-camera experience and teaching expertise translate effectively to digital formats. His video content ranges from instructional segments and equipment reviews to interviews and industry commentary, all delivered with the same expertise and engaging style that has made him a sought-after speaker and media personality.

Podcast and Streaming Ventures

Brendon’s media presence extends beyond traditional written and video content into the rapidly growing podcast and streaming markets. He is a valued member of the “Quiet Please Golf Podcast” crew, where he contributes his expertise and insights to discussions about various aspects of the golf industry, from instruction and equipment to tour coverage and industry trends.

Additionally, Brendon hosts his own livestream show called “Monday Evening Tee Time” on the Golf Live App. This regular program allows him to connect directly with golf enthusiasts, answer questions, provide instruction, and discuss current events in the golf world. The interactive nature of livestreaming enables real-time engagement with viewers, creating a dynamic and responsive format that leverages Brendon’s expertise and communication skills.

These podcast and streaming ventures represent the cutting edge of golf media and demonstrate Brendon’s commitment to reaching golf audiences through whatever platforms they prefer to consume content. His success in these formats reflects both his adaptability and his genuine passion for sharing knowledge and insights about the game of golf.

Continued Collaboration and Legacy

Despite transitioning ownership of Little Linksters, Brendon remains closely connected to the academy through his ongoing collaboration with Coach Ricky Collado. This relationship ensures continuity in programs and approaches while allowing both professionals to leverage their respective strengths and expertise.

One area of particular collaboration involves the PGA Junior League, a program that has been central to Little Linksters’ mission of providing competitive opportunities for young golfers. Brendon’s continued involvement in this program ensures that his years of experience and established relationships continue to benefit the young golfers who participate in these competitions.

This collaborative approach reflects Brendon’s understanding that successful transitions require ongoing support and communication. By maintaining these connections, he helps ensure that the programs and students he worked so hard to develop continue to receive the highest quality instruction and support.

Impact and Future Vision

Throughout his nearly three-decade career in the golf industry, Brendon Elliott has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to growing the game of golf and making it accessible to people of all ages, with a particular focus on youth development. His innovative approaches to golf instruction, his leadership within professional organizations, and his entrepreneurial ventures have all contributed to advancing the sport and expanding its reach.

The transition from Little Linksters to BE A GOLFER and the expansion of One More Roll Golf Media represent not an ending but an evolution in Brendon’s approach to golf education and industry leadership. These new ventures allow him to leverage his expertise in new ways while continuing to serve the golf community through instruction, media content, and industry leadership.

As Brendon continues to develop BE A GOLFER and expand One More Roll Golf Media, his influence on the golf industry shows no signs of diminishing. His commitment to excellence, innovation, and accessibility continues to drive his work, ensuring that his contributions to the sport will benefit golfers for years to come. Through his new ventures, he remains dedicated to advancing the sport of golf and nurturing the next generation of golfers, whether they are competitive teenagers seeking to improve their games or golf enthusiasts looking for high-quality content and instruction.

The legacy that Brendon Elliott has built through Little Linksters, his industry leadership, and his media work provides a strong foundation for his continued contributions to the golf world. As he embarks on this new chapter with BE A GOLFER and One More Roll Golf Media, the golf community can expect continued innovation, excellence, and dedication to growing and improving the game that has been his life’s passion.