Teaching Professionals
Michael Sweeney – PGA Director of Golf
Michael Sweeney is the PGA Director of Golf for The Bridge Golf Foundation and The Bridge Golf Learning Center.
He also serves as the Director of Instruction at The Bridge in Bridgehampton, NY, where he has worked for 14 seasons, and he spent 11 winters in Miami as a Master Instructor at the Jim McLean Golf School.
Michael has deep experience as a teacher of junior golfers, having overseen The Bridge’s extensive youth programs before joining The Bridge Golf Foundation, where he works every day with the young men in our after-school program in Harlem. He is also coaching our high school golf team, and in past seasons volunteered as a coach with the golf team at Pierson High School in Sag Harbor, NY.
He is an active player in the Metropolitan PGA Section, where he competes against the region’s best players, in addition to competing against the country’s best players in national PGA of America events.
Michael was named to Golf Digest’s 2018-19 Best Young Teachers in America list as well as the magazine’s list of the best teachers in New York for 2019-20.
You can contact him at mike.sweeney@bridgegolflearningcenter.com.
Tyler Lower – Managing Instructor
Tyler Lower is a Wisconsin native and started his golf career shortly after High School at Whistling Straits, host of Major Championships and most recently the 2021 Ryder Cup. After finding his way to the tri-state-area and before joining The Bridge Golf Foundation, Tyler worked at a handful of the most exclusive country clubs in the metropolitan section and Florida alike. While in Florida, Tyler was able to spend a couple winter seasons working with, observing, and learning from some of the best instructors in the world at the Jim McLean Golf School, as well as honing his own teaching skills in the process.
Tyler brings great enthusiasm and passion to the game with no shortage of knowledge and empathy while working with golfers of all skill levels to obtain their goals. Tyler is a Class A PGA member and served as the President of the Assistant Professionals’ Association for the Metropolitan PGA Section for a full term of two years. He was first elected to the board in 2016, and served in various positions until his presidency in 2022, ending his run in 2023. Tyler has been lucky enough to be recognized by his peers being awarded the, 2021 Metropolitan PGA Section Youth Player Development Award and the 2023 Metropolitan PGA Section Assistant Professional of the Year. Whether you have never touched a club or have been playing for 40 years, Tyler is equipped with the core competencies to make you a better golfer.
You can contact him at tyler.lower@bridgegolflearningcenter.com.
Tanner Oelke – Senior Assistant Professional
Born and raised in Nebraska, Tanner is a highly motivated and passionate golf professional. With a Bachelor’s degree in Golf Management from The University of Nebraska, has a strong understanding of the industry and a commitment to excellence. He was elected to PGA Membership in January of 2020.
Tanner has gained valuable experience working for top professionals in the area Darrell Kestner and Nelson Long. He also has worked at some of the finest clubs in America such as Kiawah Island Club, Deepdale Golf Club, and the Dormie Network.
In his free time, he can be found playing in tournaments, practicing, and constantly learning about the game. Tanner’s dedication to the sport and drive for success make him a valuable asset for anyone looking to improve their game.
You can contact him at tanner.oelke@bridgegolffoundation.org.
Erik Easton – Teaching Professional
Erik Easton is also a teaching professional at The Bridge in Bridgehampton and understands, like many others who keep a putter in their living room, that golf is more than just a sport.
“Golf is what gets people up early on their day off, it’s what keeps us out in the cold and rain, and it’s the reason we’re excited for Friday afternoon,” he says. “But it can be frustrating and intimidating, and that’s why I love teaching and coaching my students so they can better enjoy the game.”
Erik believes in the importance of sound fundamentals. By helping his students understand these fundamentals, they are able to improve their skills and better enjoy the game.
You can contact him at erik.easton@bridgegolflearningcenter.com.