Academy Staff
Travis Howser, PGA
Founder & Coach
My name is Travis Howser, a PGA professional, who has coached golf for over 10 years and coached both in the USA and China. I founded the Raising Golfers Golf Academy at Rancho Carlsbad Golf Course, with a mission of developing lifelong experiences through golf! Golf has been a true passion and love of mine for most of my life and I want to make sure that you, your children and grandchildren all love the game as much as I do. I put positive experiences at the forefront of my coaching and planning to make each and every class exciting, engaging and educational!
I am the husband to an amazing wife and father of two young boys. My oldest son is five years old and youngest three and they both love playing golf. They have already developed much faster than I could have ever imagined just by making golf a positive experience for them.
Juniper Scheler, PGA Associate
Lead Academy Golf Coach
I discovered my passion for golf at the age of 20, and it has since become both my career and my lifelong dedication. With experience in various facets of the golf industry ranging from green keeping, working in pro shops and assisting with clinics for players of all ages and skill levels, I bring a comfortable, fun, and personable experience to my coaching. I focus on making the learning process both enjoyable and effective, ensuring that each session builds confidence, skill, and understanding.
I started coaching for Raising Golfers Golf Academy in June 2023 and have enjoyed every moment of it, from teaching our mini golfers to our more advanced juniors and our co-ed classes! I am currently working towards my PGA membership to further my career in teaching golf.
Matt Vigilante
Golf Coach
My name is Matt Vigilante, and love teaching the game of golf to all skill levels. I moved to San Diego 10 yrs ago from Pebble Beach and have always wanted to continue a career in golf. I played competitive golf as a junior, amateur, and a professional level. I found my true passion was coaching and passing on my knowledge to the future of the game. I have been teaching private lessons for the past 10yrs and had my own studio where I found my ability to coach students and produce winners on all levels. I’m happy to join a great team and continue to grow the game of golf. Look forward to teeing with you!
Justin Dosey
Assistant Golf Coach
I have been passionate about golf since a young age. I was the captain of his high school golf team and continues to be an avid golfer today. I’ve spent the last several years in the healthcare field, spending my free weekends on the golf course. As a dad to a toddler, I bring a fun and patient energy to class. You can count on me to be knowledgeable, kind, and eager to coach golfers of all ages. I am excited to continue to pursue a career in golf and grow my skillset coaching.
Jaden Zalkind
Assistant Golf Coach
My name is Jaden Zalkind, and I have had a passion for the game of golf ever since I picked up a club at the age of 4. As a junior I played competitive golf before becoming a team captain of my high school’s golf team. After graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder, I lived in New York City for 2 years before moving to San Diego. I am pursuing a further degree in law, but I also want to teach others the game that I love. I bring a fun and comfortable sense to coaching every day. I am extremely excited to be a part of such a fantastic organization where I hope to grow my knowledge of the game and instill a passion for golf in others as well.
Zach Dubourdieu
Golf Coach & Camp Director
My name is Zachary Dubourdieu. I am 21 years old and have loved the game of golf for as long as I can remember. I played high school golf locally and later continued at the collegiate level at Chaminade University of Honolulu and the Academy of Art University. I am now finishing my academic career closer to home at Cal State San Marcos. My goal is to share both the fun and technical aspects of golf while helping grow this amazing game through community. I’m excited to continue developing as a player and instructor and to build a strong professional foundation in the sport I love.
Beau Barnes
Assistant Golf Coach
My name is Beau Barnes. I’ve been passionate about golf since I first picked up a club at the age of 4. Throughout middle and high school, I competed in numerous competitive tournaments and was a four-year varsity member of my high school golf team.I recently graduated from the Professional Golfers Career College in April, where I gained an education in all aspects of the game—from the mental side to advanced teaching techniques. My time there strengthened both my love for golf and my desire to help others improve and enjoy the game. I was part of the summer golf camp staff this past summer, and now I’m thrilled to be a part of the year-round Raising Golfers team and look forward to sharing my knowledge, experience, and passion with every golfer I work with!
Bob Lundblad
Operations Manager / Coach
I help with operations, events, marketing, business development, sponsorship and other projects within the Academy as we continuously look to add more opportunities for expanding the program and developing lifelong experiences through golf!
My son Ryan joined the Rancho Carlsbad Operation 36 program in 2021, giving me the perspective as both a parent of a junior golfer as well as part of the Academy team. Previously, I have led other local sports organizations for many years, including past President of Carlsbad Youth Baseball and I have also coached in youth soccer.
Tighe Avila, PGA Associate
Academy Golf Coach
