INDIANAPOLIS - IUPUI assistant golf coach Colby Huffman was recently named the PGA 2012 Teacher of the Year. The award was established in 1986 andbestows special recognition on a PGA golf professional that has performed outstanding service as a golf instructor.

Among the criteria considered are overall performance as a professional, leadership ability, the usage of teaching aids,
involvement in junior golf and teaching techniques for both small and large groups.

"Colby is like 'The Ultimate Coach'," stated Hank Haney, 1993 PGA Teacher of the Year and Hank Haney lead instructor.

Huffman's students have won over 60 national and international championships and he is credited as inventor of the Hank Haney Swing Band. Among his many accomplishments, he is recognized as Coach of the 2011 Indiana Women's Amateur Champion Kristi O'Brien and Coach of the 2011 Men's State Am Match Play Winner Ben Engle. With Huffman on staff, the IUPUI women's team has established new single-season and single-tournament records for 18, 36 and 54-hole events. In addition, the women's squad set a new single-season scoring average record a year ago.

On the men's side, the Jaguars have set new 18 and 36-hole tournament records and shattered the single-season team scoring average record last season by more than three shots. On the recruiting trail, Huffman has helped build inroads leading to an increased talent level on both the men's and women's rosters.  

Huffman, who is certified through the Titleist Performance Institute and a proficient club fitter using trackman, is known to enjoy teaching individuals at all levels, as well as multi-leveled groups of three to seven.

"I have found it most beneficial to focus on video analysis combined with drills for most people," Huffman said. "Emphasizing short game skills has improved most students' games."