PGA professional Dennis Meyer, one of Southwest Florida's most respected golf instructors and players, is taking his knowledge of the game to a new classroom Ave Maria University.

Meyer, who has been teaching the game for more than 30 years to players whose skill levels range from fellow pros to beginners, has been named men's and women's golf coach for the Gyrenes. Ave Maria's men's program is entering its second season while the women will begin play in 2009 10.

Southwest Florida PGA Chapter Player of the Year the past two years and former chapter Teacher of the Year, Meyer operates a golf school that bears his name at Golden Gate Country Club in Collier County, with other branches in Minnesota, Tennessee and New Hampshire. After starting his career as a club professional in Dubuque, Iowa, Meyer came to Southwest Florida in 1987 to be head pro at Wildcat Run in Estero, where he once shot a course-record, 6-under-par 66. Meyer also holds the course record at Spanish Wells in Bonita Springs, an 11-under 61.

Coach Meyer can be contacted at foredjm@aol.com or 239-565-5954