PGA/LPGA Certified Instructors
Whether you’re a novice to the game, a professional or amateur, wanting to reduce your handicap, or looking to improve your short game, our professional team of PGA Certified Instructors can help you achieve your goals. Their decades of teaching experience, combined with impressive credentials and awards, will ensure that you’ll be able to improve your game and play better on one of Kiawah’s championship courses.
Abby Welch, PGA, LPGA
Director of Instruction
As a PGA Certified Instructor and LPGA Certified Instructor, Abby brings 15 years of experience leading the resort’s instructional programs for both women and juniors, as well as Kiawah’s award winning golf schools. Abby has been highlighted in several national publications for her golf prowess, including Golf Digest and Southern Living. She was selected for the inaugural list of Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers, and nominated for the Junior Golf Leader award for the Carolinas PGA. Her credentials and high standing in the instruction community earned her a spot among the top 40 instructors under the age of 40 for eight consecutive years. Abby began her love for golf at the age of 12, leading to her role as Captain of the women’s golf team at the University of South Carolina. Abby and her husband, Greg, have two sons, Brent and Cole, as well as a golden retriever, Merritt.
Ryan Rushton, PGA
Lead Instructor
Born and raised in Johnston, SC, Ryan earned a bachelor’s degree in Professional Golf Management at Clemson University. He became a PGA member in January 2006, and was awarded the Titleist/Foot-Joy Apprentice Scholarship for outstanding achievement. Ryan joined the resort’s team in February 2006 as the First Assistant Professional at Oak Point. He remained in that capacity until 2012, when he became a Lead Instructor at the Tommy Cuthbert Golf Learning Center. Ryan has appeared in several publications and has been nominated for the Carolinas PGA Section Teacher of the Year Award. Ryan and his wife, Brooke, have two children, Vance and Maggie.
Ronnie Miller, PGA
Available for lessons upon request.
Ronnie retired in May 2023 as the Director of Instruction, a position he held for 15 years. He joined the Kiawah team in 1989 and served as the Head Professional at Osprey Point for 10 years before assuming the same duties at Turtle Point in the spring of 2000. Prior to the move to Kiawah, he was the Director of Golf at Oristo Golf and Tennis Resort on Edisto Island, S.C. He has been a PGA member since 1979 and was a PGA Tour member in 1982. Miller was a two-time member of the S.C. PGA Cup team. He attended the University of South Carolina, and is PGA certified in General Management. He and his wife, Jan, have a son Troy, a daughter Allisyn, grandsons Aaron and Cameron, and granddaughters Addison and Maris.