One of the reasons Megan Johnston is one of top golf instructors in the U.S. begins with this question: “Why?’’
“I’ve always had a fascination with the ‘why’ of how things work,’’ said Johnston, the head golf instructor for Big Cedar Lodge Golf, the popular resort in Ridgedale, MO. “That’s sort of the way my mind works.
“As a junior player (in Northern Ireland), I wanted to know why my coach said to do something. What’s the cause and effect of that? I’ve always been more fascinated with the golf swing rather than just striking the ball well myself. I’m always learning and tinkering. I want to know the answer to ‘why??’’’
Johnston, an accomplished junior player who grew up 35 minutes from Royal Portrush, played college golf at Missouri State (2011-15) in Springfield, just a few miles north of the Ridgedale/Branson area.
“I was fortunate to play junior golf at a pretty high level – and at some great courses,’’ Johnston said. “I saw other players go to America to play. That sort of opened my eyes to golf more than just staying in Ireland. The stars aligned at the right time for me at Missouri State.’’
Indeed. Now one of the more decorated young teachers in the country, Johnston’s accolades include the 2025 Golf Digest Best Young Teachers; 2024 LPGA SE Teacher of the Year; and US Kids Top 50 Instructor.
Johnston, an LPGA Class A teaching professional, had help along the way, of course, beginning with legendary Missouri State women’s golf coach Kevin Kane, and then on to acclaimed teachers Tim Mahoney in Phoenix and Cheryl Anderson in Central Florida.
“What I learned from them,’’ Johnston said, “is that everyone can teach with a certain amount of knowledge, but being able to communicate it efficiently to the person standing in front of you is what takes you from being an average teacher to a great teacher.
“I tell my students, ‘I don’t care if you hit a bad shot – just don’t hit the same bad shot twice. People need to be open to making a change and open to understanding. Then they become more likely to learn – and more important – more likely to continue to practice.’’
Johnston, a mother of two young daughters, came to Big Cedar Lodge – the Missouri Ozarks outdoors playground that features five golf courses, including the Tiger Woods-designed Payne’s Valley – this past fall after nearly nine years in Central Florida. Call it a “homecoming’’ of sorts given her days at Missouri State.
“Coming here was a no-brainer. This is a place where nature and golf come together in such a unique way,” said Johnston. “I love talking to people who want to learn. I love chatting golf. Whatever that person’s goal is, I’m going to hopefully get him or her there.’’
Photo: Megan Johnson, righ( Big Cedar Lodge Golf)