About the Instructors
*Please follow the link to our new Online Scheduler. You can book private instruction or club fitting appointments by clicking “Book Service,” and register for SNA Golf Academy camps & clinics by following “Book Clinic.”
Dave Gilliss – is a Gloucester native who started his golf career as a graduate from the Golf Academy of America in 2005 where he earned a degree in Golf Complex Management with a dual emphasis in Golf Instruction and Club Fitting. Dave started his career at The Country Club at Deer Run in Orlando Florida as an assistant professional giving private lessons and assisting in the daily operations at the club. Dave then returned home and began working at Bass Rocks Golf Club as an assistant professional for 8 seasons. At Bass Rocks Dave assisted in the daily golf and tournament operations, was available for private lessons and assisted in the Junior Golf Instruction Program. In 2021 Dave started teaching full time at Sun ‘n Air Golf Center in Danvers Mass where he’s given over 2500 lessons in that time. Dave is a Certified US Kids Golf Coach and was The head varsity golf coach at Gloucester High School for 4 seasons. Dave is a very patient, knowledgeable and encouraging instructor ensuring a positive learning experience for any experience level, age or learning style. Dave’s lessons include video analysis with the V1 Golf Pro software and ball flight tracking and impact analysis with the FlightScope Mevo+ launch monitor. (Book Private Lesson).
Matt Bickford – Director of Golf, has been part of the Sun ‘N Air Golf Center team for over 20 years. Over the course of his career, he has earned the title of Top 100 Club Fitter and has performed thousands of club fittings. Matt uses the FlightScope Launch Monitor and is an advanced certified club fitter for the top brands in golf, including Titleist, Ping, Mizuno, Callaway, TaylorMade, Cleveland, Srixon, Cobra and U.S. Kids.
He was recently chosen by Ping to fly out to their compound in Arizona, where he became Ping Proving Ground Certified. With this achievement, Matt accomplishes a mastery of advanced fitting methodologies and concepts, with a distinct focus on golf science and fitting proficiencies. Matt is also a Titleist Staff member and has traveled the country working and learning under some of golf’s biggest names, including Bob Vokey.
Matt’s approach to teaching is personalized to each individual student. He is experienced in teaching and coaching all skill levels and ages. He is extremely patient and provides a relaxed, positive, encouraging atmosphere for his students. All lessons include video analysis using the V1 Golf Pro software. With his knowledge and passion of both the golf swing and club fitting, Matt provides his students with the tools and confidence they need to get them to the next level. (Book Club Fitting / Book Lesson).
Tony Mento – a true golf enthusiast, has been part of the Sun ‘N Air Golf Center team since 2017. He is on Srixon Staff, a Titleist Ball Ambassador and has experience in not only club fitting but also with building and repairing clubs. Tony is truly knowledgeable about golf equipment and is constantly researching, learning, and expanding on his education. He utilizes the FlightScope Launch Monitor and is a Certified Club Fitter for the top brands in golf, including Titleist, Ping, Mizuno, Callaway, TaylorMade, Cleveland, Srixon and Cobra. With his wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise Tony is able to fit you into the proper clubs that will help improve your game. (Book Club Fitting).