MEET OUR TEAM
Rachel Johnson, PGA Associate Coach
Contact Rachel to Schedule Your Lesson: Cell: 765-810-8546
At Barla Golf Academy, we are excited to announce the return of Rachel Johnson to our team. Rachel, a native of Anderson, Indiana, brings a wealth of experience and talent to our academy as a PGA Associate Coach.
Rachel’s love for golf began at a young age, starting at just 5 years old. By the age of 8, she entered her first competitive tournament and never looked back. She was an active member of the Indiana Junior Golf Association, where she showcased her skills at every level. Rachel’s dedication and exceptional performance earned her the prestigious title of Indiana Girls Player of the Year in both 2011 and 2012.
Continuing her golf journey, Rachel attended Yorktown High School, where she played a pivotal role in securing the 2012 IHSAA State Championship for her team. Her success carried over to her college career, where she began at Chicago State University. After a successful freshman year with 7 top 10 finishes, Rachel made the decision to transfer to Missouri State University.
During her time at Missouri State, Rachel’s talent shone brightly. As a member of the team, she played a pivotal role in winning the Missouri Valley Conference Championship in 2017 and 2018, and even advanced to the NCAA regional. In 2018, Rachel had a standout junior year, winning the Missouri Valley Conference Individually. By the end of her college career in 2019, she had secured 3 event wins, over 15 top 10 finishes, and the honor of being named MVC Golfer of the Week 5 times.
Rachel’s passion for the game led her to pursue a professional career. In 2023, she emerged victorious and claimed the title of the Indiana PGA Women’s Open Champion. Her outstanding performance, including a remarkable first round of 5-under par, showcased her skill and determination.
Joining Barla Golf Academy, Rachel brings her expertise and knowledge to our team, and we are thrilled to have her on board. Her continued success in the world of golf as she works towards joining the Women’s LPGA serves as an inspiration to all aspiring golfers.
Mitchell Ahr, PGA Jr. League Team Manager, staff member
Contact Mitchell to Schedule Your Lesson: Cell: 513-516-0318
Mitchell was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio before ultimately putting down roots in Indianapolis. The son of a former professional baseball player, he initially followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the University of Indianapolis Men’s Baseball Team. A late arrival to competitive golf and the PGA track, Mitchell embraced the challenge head-on, turning that unconventional start into a powerful motivator.
Golf, however, had been quietly shaping him since childhood—caddying at his local club, helping with his family’s annual charity outings, and soaking in the rhythm of the game from a young age. What began as a pastime evolved into a calling when he was encouraged in 2022 to take a leap and pursue a career with the PGA of America. From that moment, he dove in completely, proudly calling himself a “student of the game” ever since.
In just three years, Mitchell has earned experience at several of Indiana’s top golf facilities, building a foundation of strong instruction and operational insight. He launched his coaching career as Assistant Coach for the Purdue Polytechnic High School men’s and women’s golf teams, and has since trained under some of the state’s most respected PGA professionals, including Timothy Chrzan, Chris Clemens, and Kaleb Shewman. His teaching style brings a fresh, analytical, and player-first perspective to every lesson tee.
Mitchell is currently completing Level 1 of the PGA Professional Golf Management Program and is preparing to advance his career as the Assistant Professional at The Woodstock Club this coming season. Before joining Barla Golf Academy as a Certified PGA Jr. League Coach, he served as Assistant Professional at The Links at Heartland Crossing—experiences that have shaped his disciplined, purpose-driven approach to coaching.
Count on Coach Mitchell to show up with intention, energy, and a deep commitment to your progress—every single session.
Mitchell's Lesson Rates
Juniors (<18 years old)
30 min: $35
50 min: $50
5-pack 30 min each: $165
5-pack 50 min each: $230
Group Lesson (50 min): $50 + $15/extra JR (max 3)
Adults (18 & older)
30 min: $50
50 min: $60
5-pack 30 min each: $225
5-pack 50 min each: $275
Group Lesson (50 min): $60 + $15/extra golfer (max 5)
join barla golf academy now!
GOLF LESSONS (COACHING)
Scott Barla, PGA Certificed Coach offers Private & Group Lessons for Adults and Juniors. He also coaches PGA Junior & PeeWee Camps.
CLUB FITTING
Scott Barla, Certified Club Fitter, provides custom Club Fittings for several national brands including Mizuno and PING. A professional club fitting can significantly impact your game!
BGA MEMBERSHIPS
Barla Golf Academy provides year-round, Pro-Level Indoor Training and Practice Sessions with leading-edge Simulators. Monthly or Seasonal Memberships are available for Adults, Juniors, and Families.
Scott does a great job of providing a competitive and fun environment for junior golfers. Our 10 year old son plays competitive golf and has been to Scott's golf camps and received private lessons. Each time he enjoyed learning something new about the game and felt like he was improving. Scott has also been a tremendous resource in fitting our son for the correct equipment given his skill level and goals. Whenever we had questions or requests, Scott was always timely with his responses and provided valuable insight to help us make the best investment in our son's game.
After taking lessons from Scott, my game has improved a lot. My handicap has gone down 18 points. Scott has helped me with my swing, stance and hand placement. Seeing myself on video, I am able to see my swing from different views. Scott points out areas I can improve, as well as good parts of my swing that I need to continue. His training has made a great improvement in my game.
I will be taking lessons from him again to work on my game. I know I will continue to improve.
We first met Scott Barla when he started giving our son golf lessons close to 9 years ago. Scott taught our son the fundamentals of golf at an early age. Our son is currently playing competitive golf on multiple junior tours successfully thanks to Scott’s direction. He has a great understanding of how to teach young golfers the skills as well as the rules of the game. He addresses all aspects the golf game whether it be physical or mental as well as the proper equipment needed for our son’s individual game. He is very creative with his teaching techniques. He is great working with group lessons or on an individual basis. We would highly recommend Scott as a golf instructor no matter what level of player you are. He has been both incredibly professional while remaining personable. He has been an integral piece of our son’s development as a golfer.
I have worked with Scott for 2 years. He has helped me with my golf game. When I started I was a 14 handicap and I got down to a 9. He also work with my wife (who is not a golfer).She enjoyed the lessons. I was fitted for new irons at his new facility. It is very professional. I look forward to working with Scott this winter.
I have enjoyed working with Scott over the past couple of years. His instructions have helped me be more consistent with my golf swing and putting stroke. I especially like the videos. It helps to see what I am actually doing and I can review them later as needed.
Scott did a great job of helping me improve my game. He also did a great job in fitting me for the new clubs that I really love. Thanks so much.
We met Scott Barla and started working with him about 3 years ago when our son was a freshman in high school. Scott has always been professional, knowledgeable and helpful in providing ways to improve our son’s golf game. After growing 5 inches in one year, we worked with Scott to find a new set of clubs that would fit him properly. Scott spent a ton of time trying out several different head and shaft combinations. We ended up with a set of clubs that shaved strokes off his score. I highly recommend Scott and the Barla Golf Academy for all your instruction and club fitting needs.