Meet the Pro

Meet John Kading PGA

John Kading joined Copake Country Club in April of 2023, returning to his hometown to run the golf operation at the course he grew up playing. With him he brings Copake Country Club’s longest list of credentials and first ever PGA-recognized teaching skillset.

John was born and raised close by in Columbia County, and in high school played Copake CC often, either as a member of the Taconic Hills golf team, or hanging around the course working on his game in his spare time. John previously held jobs working in the pro shop over the summers and as a cart attendant at Egremont CC. John’s favorite hole at Copake CC is, and has always been, #5. He loves its test of smart play off the tee, and tough short game shots if you miss the green.

John went on to SUNY Delhi, where he majored in Professional Golf Management, and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration. After graduation, John worked as the Assistant Golf Professional at Rich Harvest Farms, a top 100 golf course in America. His love for golf and career development then brought him to Nashville, TN, where he was 1^st Assistant Golf Pro at Bluegrass Yacht and Country Club. There, he taught lessons, ran events, and oversaw day-to-day operations of the facility.

John has been teaching the game to all ages and skill levels for over a decade. He originally started hosting clinics on weekends in high school right here at Copake CC, and even brought people out to the range or on the course for individual lessons. John passed the PGA Player Ability Test (PAT) in 2019 with two rounds of 74-74 at Harpeth Hills in Nashville, TN. His lowest round is a 67(-5) at Bluegrass Yacht & CC, but says he also reflects on a 73(+1) round at the Championship Course at Firestone in Ohio as a favorite and best round.

John’s school training, PGA designation, avid golf playing, and years of lesson-giving experience make him capable of offering a level of golf and teaching experience Copake CC has never had. He describes his teaching philosophy as not teaching the “perfect swing” or what a swing “should look like,” but teaching you “your swing” and working with you to develop techniques that work with your strengths and help improve areas that are not as strong. John says his mission in teaching golf, and working in the industry, is to make golf as fun as possible; you should always have a smile on your face.

John may be reached via the course phone (518) 325-0019 ext. 1 or his email JohnPGA@copakecountryclub.com