Instructors

Ed Fisher, PGA

Owner and Director of Instruction
  • Director of Instruction at Southern Oregon Golf Academy
  • Oregon State University 1971-1975
  • Over 40 years teaching and coaching experience
  • PGA Member since 1989
  • Most tenured golf instructor in Southern Oregon
  • Six Time Pacific Northwest PGA Teacher of the Year Nominee
  • Callaway Golf Master Fitter
Achievements and Certifications
  • 1982-83, 1989 on the Australia/New Zealand PGA Tour
  • 1988 PGA Business School II (Top 5%)
  • 1991-1997 – Instructor, PNWPGA Annual Playing Workshops – Bend, OR
  • 2002 – Instructor, PNWPGA Playing Workshop, Palm Springs, CA
  • 2003 PNWPGA Senior Champion – Everett G&CC
  • 2004 Oregon PGA Teacher of the Year
  • 2004 Pacific Northwest PGA Teacher of the Year Nominee
  • 2005 Oregon PGA Senior Champion
  • 2011-2012 Golf Digest Best Teachers in State of Oregon
  • 2014 PGA 25 Years as a Member Award
  • 2015 PNWPGA Playing Workshop – Bandon Dunes, OR
  • 2015-2016 Golf Digest Best Teachers in State of Oregon
  • 2017-2018 Golf Digest Best Teachers in State of Oregon
  • 2018-20, 24 Oregon PGA Southern Regional Cup Qualifier

Ryan Whitaker, Golf Professional

  • Golfing Since Age One
  • Graduated South Medford High School
  • Won the Rogue Valley Stroke Play Championships in 2017
  • Turned Professional in 2020
  • Long Drive Competitor 2021-2022
  • Began teaching with SOGA in 2022
  • Taylor Made Fitting Representative 2022-2024

Ryan specializes in Fitness Training complimenting his ability to help golfers improve.

He is certified in Strength, Balance, and Mobility Training through the American Sport and Fitness Association(ASFA)

Ryan shares his passion for the game with his students. His easy-going manner is most appreciated by his many students. He is extremely popular with junior golfers.

Leslie Gainey, Class ’B’ LPGA Professional

  • Native Southern Oregonian, graduated Crater High School
  • Full Ride D-1 Scholarships, softball and volleyball
  • USA Volleyball Team
  • Inducted into Taft Junior College ‘Hall of Fame’ for softball
  • Began golfing in Anchorage Alaska
  • Turned Professional in 2020 and joined the LPGA
  • Began teaching with SOGA in 2023

Passed LPGA Playing Ability Test (first attempt)

Southern Oregon Golf Championships, Championship Flight Qualifier (amateur)

37th Oregon Senior Women’s (Amateur)

Contested 2023 and 2024 Senior Women’s US Open Qualifier

Leslie loves teaching and especially enjoys working with ladies who may feel intimidated at the golf course.

She is married to her husband Rick and has a daughter Ryleigh and a son Hayden

Reese Fisher, PGA Associate

  • Began swinging a club at 14 months old
  • Started OJGA Golf at age eight
  • 2016 OSAA 6A High School State Champion
  • Weber State University Golf Team 2017-2022
  • NCAA ‘D-1’ Big Sky Conference Individual Champion 2022
  • NCAA ‘D-1’ Big Sky Conference Team Champion 2022
  • Dakotas Tour 2023-2024
  • Qualified for the Colorado Open 2024

Reese’s roots in golf go back to his time as a toddler and young Junior. His enjoyment of helping “young players” (ages 4-6 in particular) is obvious as he embraces the joy of connecting with our very popular ‘Kids and Klubs” Program.

Reese continues to work on developing the skills necessary to play golf at a very high level. This mindset will serve Reese well as a player and will transition wonderfully to teaching our young golfers.