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Meet the Pros at Heron Lakes

WE ALL START SOMEWHERE! We have several experienced teaching professionals who can help you with your game, and who can even help you pick out the right set of clubs. Our teaching area features both grass tees and mats, and is covered for lessons, rain or shine. Please look over the below information to learn more about our instructors. 

All lesson are scheduled online, please click here to book your next lesson.

Jason Basile, PGA

Director of Instruction
jbasile@kempersports.com 

Jason Basile, PGA, has been a dedicated part of Heron Lakes Golf Club for 26 years, serving as the Director of Instruction and achieving over 17 years of teaching experience to golfers of all skill levels. With more than 11,000 lessons taught, Jason’s passion for coaching and player development was further solidified when he achieved PGA membership in 2024, marking a significant milestone in his career.

A native of New York, Jason’s love for golf was fostered at an early age through the mentorship of his father and grandfather. Their influence inspired him to pursue the game competitively, leading to success as both an accomplished amateur and a professional, with multiple wins to his name. His competitive background provides him with a unique perspective on the game and an in-depth understanding of what it takes to perform under pressure.

Jason’s teaching philosophy emphasizes the mastery of core fundamentals—grip, aim, stance, balance, posture, alignment, and ball position—as the foundation for a consistent and effective golf swing. He is committed to helping players build a complete game, focusing on short game skills, putting confidence, and the mental discipline required for success. By combining timeless fundamentals with modern technology, including V1 video analysis and the Full Swing launch monitor, Jason delivers personalized, data-driven instruction that produces measurable results.

Whether working with beginners or experienced competitors, Jason is dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential and develop a lifelong love for the game.

Andrew Grove

Head Golf Professional
agrove@kempersports.com 

With over 13 years of experience in the golf industry, Andrew has dedicated his career to teaching and coaching players of all levels. His passion for the game, combined with a deep understanding of swing mechanics, course strategy, and player development, has helped numerous golfers improve their skills and achieve their goals.

Throughout his career, Andrew has worked with beginners seeking to master the fundamentals, as well as competitive players aiming to refine their technique and mental approach. His coaching philosophy emphasizes personalized instruction, helping each player unlock their full potential through tailored drills, on-course guidance, and strategic insights.

Beyond coaching, Andrew has been actively involved in the broader golf industry, staying up to date with the latest techniques, technologies, and trends in the game. Whether on the driving range, the course, or in the clubhouse, his dedication to growing the sport and inspiring golfers remains unwavering. Ready to take your game to the next level? Book a lesson with him now!

John Raffaele

Assistant Professional
jraffaele@kempersports.com

John Raffaele is an Assistant Golf Professional at Heron Lakes Golf Club. He has been employed at Heron Lakes since 2021 and in the PGA of America since 2022.

Raised in SE Portland, John has played golf in the greater Portland area for decades. The Great Blue course has been his favorite course in the area for many years. He was introduced to golf by his Grandfather Jack at a young age and grew to love the game over many years.

As an avid golfer, John found his passion to teach the game of golf for a living. He dedicated himself to learning about the game of golf, the history of the game, and the golf swing itself. He feels that the fundamentals are the most important part of the game, and returning to them from time-to-time will help all golfers improve.

If you’re a beginner, a junior, or someone who wants to freshen up the fundamentals, then John is the right instructor for you.