Meet The Team

 

      LUKE BENOIT - Founder

Luke is the Director of Instruction at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minnesota. He is known for his creative and personable approach to coaching golf as well as an extensive background in the science and application of teaching golf. His academic research at the University of Minnesota includes a Masters of Education in Kinesiology and a PhD in motor learning (defending in Jan 2021). His area of research is in focus attention and cues for learning golf. Luke has also researched club head speed extensively at Interlachen, which led to the start of Rypstick. Luke coaches State Champions, professionals, college players, total beginners, and everyone in between.

Luke with his wife and two boys in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

RECOGNITION

2012-2020 Golf Digest “Best Young Teacher”

2019-2020 Golf Digest "Best in State"

2011-2013 NCAA Coach of the Year (Midwest)

2012-2013 MIAC Coach of the Year

2017 Minnesota PGA Coach of the Year

Academic All-American3x

Collegiate All-American

Gustavus Adolphus "First Decade" award winner

Gustavus Adolphus Hall of Fame (2019)

CREDENTIALS

PGA Certified Professional of Instruction

TPI Certified Golf Fitness Professional

Masters of Education in Kinesiology - University of Minnesota

PhD in Kinesiology - University of Minnesota

 

PLAYING ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2012, 2014, 2020 PGA Professional Championship Qualifier

Winner of 19+ professional tournaments, including 2009 Bhutan Open

DIII National Runner Up (2004)

Three time All-American

Academic All-American

Career low 60

 

      Scott McDonald - Director of Speed

Scott has been a Head Professional for the past nine years, including eight seasons at Minnewaska Golf Club in Glenwood, Minnesota, followed by one season at Somerby Golf Club in Byron, Minnesota. Scott’s passion to grow the game is unwavering. He has served on the Minnesota PGA Board of Directors for the last five years and is currently serving as Secretary. In 2018, Scott founded the Minnewaska Fairways Fore All, a non-profit foundation that gives free access and instruction to junior golfers at Minnewaska Golf Club.

Scott graduated from the University of Minnesota, where he met his wife Julie and together, they have four children.

Recognition:

2014 Facility Promotor of the Year – Public

Northern Director Minnesota PGA Board of Directors (2015-2019)

At Large Director Minnesota PGA Board of Directors (2019-2020)

Secretary Minnesota PGA Board of Directors (2020-2021)

Vice President – Minnewaska Fairways Fore All (2018-present)

Founder – The KNIT Charity Golf Tournament (2008-present)

Credentials:

10 year PGA Member

TPI Certified Golf Fitness Professional     

PGA HOPE Certified Instructor                  

PGA.COACH Certified American Developmental Model    

          

Playing Accomplishments:

2011, 2019, 2020 PGA Professional Championship Qualifier

2011 PGA Assistants Professional Championship Qualifier

Top 10 Player of the Year Minnesota PGA (2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2011, 2010)

10 Career Wins

Career Low 64

      Bryan Everett - Personal Trainer

Bryan joins RypGolf with more than a decade of experience in the field of personal training.  Prior to his years in the industry he served 4 years in the United States ARMY, and is a decorated combat veteran that served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. With a strong will to teach, and to have his clients succeed, Bryan brings a passionate energy to each and every session.  Throughout his years as a coach, Bryan has worked with every fitness level that exists. Form a 78 year old CPA for the past 10+ years, to preparing US Olympians for the 2016 Rio Games. He brings a vast knowledge of corrective exercise that can help someone get back out on the course, and also work to prevent those game changing  injuries from ever popping up. 

Bryan, and his wife Jaclyn have been married for 15 years, and have 3 daughters… Ashlyn (13), Tatum (10), and Hallie(6) #girldad. When he’s not attending “Dads and Daughters Dance”  for the next15+ years, you’ll find him one of 4 places, a local golf course, bass fishing, duck hunting, or helping people find their strength at the gym. 

Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Fitness (Minnesota School of Business)

Certified Personal Trainer – NASM

Corrective Exercise Specialist – NASM

Certified Olympic Lifting Coach – USAW Level 1

      Sarah Iverson - Personal Trainer

Sarah joins Ryp Golf with experience in both playing and coaching competitive golf, as well as an extensive fitness background. With a wide range in certifications, Sarah takes pride in assisting her clients with goal achievement. She enjoys building personal relationships and creating communities around health and fitness. Sarah is a new mom to son Maverick, with her husband Colton. Colton and Sarah have lived in six different countries over the last eight years following Colton’s professional basketball career.

• Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Sciences – Colorado State University
• NCAA Division I Collegiate Golfer - Colorado State University
• Master of Art in Kinesiology and Sport Management – University of South Dakota

Certified Personal Trainer - ACE

Registered Yoga Teacher - Mind Body Yoga

Group Fitness Instructor - ACE

Nutrition and Weight Management - ACE

TPI Certified Golf Fitness Professional - Level One

Ben Hauge – Instructor and Social Media Outreach

Speed Staff Director

 Ben is a 2020 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College where he played collegiately for all four years. During the summers in college, Ben worked with Luke as his instructional intern at Interlachen Country Club. As an Exercise Physiology graduate, Ben is very passionate about health and how we can better train our bodies for golf. His current maximum ball speed with his playing driver (44.5”) is 190mph and his goal is to reach 200mph by 10/1/21.

Playing Accomplishments:

• 4 time Minnesota state amateur qualifier
• 2 time Minnesota state open qualifier
• 2 time NCAA all-region
• 2 time NCAA academic all-American
• 2 time Minnesota HS all-state
• Career low 64