Academy Staff - Raising Golfers Golf Academy

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.

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Tighe Avila, PGA Associate

Lead Academy Golf Coach

Coach Tighe has worked in the golf industry for five years, including teaching juniors in group classes and camps and working in a pro shop. He currently coaches all Operation 36 golf classes, our Mini Golfer and DiscoverGolf Games Classes. Coach Tighe brings a wealth of knowledge, personality and experience to our classes each and everyday! He is currently working towards his PGA membership as well as a degree in Psychology.

Al Zamora, PGA Associate

Golf Coach

Al Zamora is a PGA Associate and has been playing golf competitively for the majority of his life. He has also been coaching both high school golf, private and group instruction for over 12 years! Al has been coaching our Operation 36 golf classes for over a year know and brings a lot of knowledge to our classes from both his expertise in coaching and playing the game!

Juniper Scheler, PGA Associate

Golf Coach

Coach Juniper found his passion for golf at age twenty and has been in the industry ever since. He has worked at various levels within the golf industry that includes greens keeping, Proshop, and assisting with clinics for all ages and skill levels. He brings a comfortable, fun, and personable experience to his coaching. He is currently working towards his PGA membership to further his 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!

Bob Lundblad

Coach / Operations Manager

Bob helps 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!

Bob’s son Ryan joined the Rancho Carlsbad Operation 36 program in 2021, giving him the perspective as both a parent of a junior golfer as well as part of the Academy team. Previously, Bob has led other local sports organizations for many years, including past President of Carlsbad Youth Baseball and he has also coached in youth soccer.

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