JASON BIRNBAUM -Director of Golf Instruction 

Jason Birnbaum is the Director of Instruction at Manhattan Woods Golf Academy in West Nyack, New York. He was recently voted as a Golf Digest “Best-in-State” teacher in New York for 2022-2023 and was also featured on the 2021 Golf Magazine “Watch List.” Jason has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of the country’s “Best Young Teachers in America,” a compilation of the top 40 teachers under the age of 40.
As a golf professional, Birnbaum has experience working with all levels of golfers, from beginners to professionals on the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, European PGA Tour, and Korn Ferry Tour. Some of Jason’s past and present students include Jim McGovern, Oliver Wilson, Alexandre Rocha, Roberto Diaz and Christopher Gotterup. He was the director of the Mitchell Spearman Junior Golf Program from 2003-2007, where he oversaw the opening and operation of new junior facilities throughout the northeast, and beginning in 2008 Jason designed what is now the Manhattan Woods Junior Golf Camp, which attracts serious juniors from around the metropolitan area. Jason was recognized in 2012 and 2014 by U.S. Kids Golf TOP 50 Kids Teachers in America and co-founded All Star Golf Camp, a sleepaway program located at the SeaView Resort in Galloway, NJ.

Jason’s teaching experiences have taken him around the world. Some of his corporate clients have included Mercedes Benz, Bank of America and Alex Brown, among others. In the recent past he has taught in Canada and abroad in Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Colombia, Mexico and Italy and has been featured in a variety of national and local golf publications that include Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, Golfweek and The Met Golfer. Jason has also been a guest on Sirius/XM PGA Tour radio and has appeared multiple times on The Golf Channel’s Morning Drive.

Pete Kampmann

Pete Kampmann is a golf teaching professional at Manhattan Woods Golf Academy, returning in 2023 for his 5th season. A PGA Class A member since 2011, Pete has honed his teaching skills at a number of well-known clubs in the New York Metropolitan area, including the Golf Club of Purchase, Sunningdale Country Club, Hudson National and Old Oaks. A three-time Metropolitan PGA Section Assistant Match Play champion, he specializes in TrackMan, FlightScope and K-Motion, and is a U.S. Kids Golf Certified Coach. Pete published an article in the February/March edition of The Met Golfer titled “Flat Is Where It’s At!”

Connor Holmes

Connor Holmes is joining Manhattan Woods Golf Academy as a full-time teaching professional in 2023. A graduate of Golf Academy of America and Ithaca College, Connor has been a PGA professional since 2019 and has a strong passion for helping his students achieve their goals.

Previously based at Sankaty Head and Hackensack Golf Club, Connor has experience working with all levels of golfers, from beginners and juniors to low handicap players. He is proficient with golf swing analyzing softwares and Trackman launch monitor technology.

Connor will be the director of the Manhattan Woods summer junior golf program this season.Aside from golf instruction, Connor also specializes in custom club fitting for all levels of golfers.

Manhattan Woods Golf Academy

The practice facility at Manhattan Woods Golf Club is one of the best in the Northeast. The facility includes a double-sided driving range with fresh turf so golfers can get the feeling of being on the golf course before their round with the ability to hit every club in the bag. One side is for members and guests while the other side is dedicated to the Manhattan Woods Golf Academy for instructional purposes. Our newly opened state-of-the-art short-game area includes bunkers, rough, uphill/downhill shots and wedge shots up to 70 yards long, as well as a 6,000-square-foot practice putting green.

Manhattan Woods Golf Club

Manhattan Woods Golf Club was recently ranked by Golf Digest magazine as one of the “Best Courses in New York” for 2017-’18. Overlooking the New York City skyline, Manhattan Woods offers one of the finest private 18-hole designs in New York State. Located in West Nyack, N.Y., just 35 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Manhattan Woods serves as the perfect escape from the chaos of the office and distractions of the city.

Designed by golfing legend Gary Player, Manhattan Woods has been in existence since 1997. This championship design, located just miles from the George Washington Bridge, is complemented by true concierge-level service on and off the course. The Manhattan Woods layout will challenge your game and satisfy your soul—and is further enhanced by the club’s detailed, personalized caddie services. The course plays from 5,090 to over 7,100 yards with five tee sets to accommodate players of all skill levels.