One of the most respected golf instructors on the Grand Strand, Zach Hawkinberry took over the ACA boys' and girls' golf programs for the 2025-26 school year.
A native of Houston, Texas, Hawkinberry attended Madisonville High School near College Station where he played on the basketball team and in the band. Raised by his paternal grandparents, Ronnie and Elva Hawkinberry, his younger life was filled with travels and adventure.
After high school he wound up in western Pennsylvania where he worked at the Oxford Athletic Center in Wexford, Pa., before becoming a member of the Boilermaker Union in Pittsburgh. During his time in the Iron City he met his wife, Devin, who is a realtor. They welcomed son Elijah, a sophomore at ACA, in 2010.
He developed a passion for the game of golf in his 20’s. Once his son started competing in local golf tournaments, he quickly saw the importance of fitness in the golf world for juniors and adults alike.
In 2021 Hawkinberry followed his passion for golf and moved to Myrtle Beach, opening
Greenside Sports Performance where he not only serves as a golf instructor, but also works with people who just want to improve their health. He loves to help people improve and build them up to believe in their own abilities. Through movement screenings and targeted exercises programs to fit individual needs he works to help his clients reach their desired goals.
Hawkinberry is a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer and has a series of certifications from the Titleist Performance Institute, including Fitness Level 3, Junior Development Level 2 and Power Level 2.
He made the decision to take over the golf programs at ACA after discussions with Director of Athletics William Payne.
"I believe ACA offers the best version of education balanced with athletics to help young men and women to reach their full potential," Hawkinberry said. "I find it most rewarding watching young people develop confidence, self-esteem, self-awareness and the ability to separate who they are from what they do."
Like many avid golf coaches, Hawkinberry lists Harvey Pinnick's
Little Red Book among his favorites. He is also a fan of books from Dr, Bob Rotella, a well known sports psychologist.
In addition to his wife and son, Hawkinberry has a Boston Terrier named Leo as part of his family.
