About Charles

Since I first fell in love with the game of golf as a young adult, I had no clue where this great game would take me. Now, as I look back on my experiences in golf, I fully realize how this journey has shaped my life and how I’ve shaped the game in my own way. I’m proud of the knowledge I’ve gained through my experience as an original member of The Golf Channel’s “The Big Break” series.

But even more, I’m especially proud of the video library I’ve built on YouTube for more than a decade: ShadeTree Pro Videos

My mission is to give average golfers a better understanding of the inner workings of the golf swing, both physical and mental, to allow them to play and create their best golf. An even more personal part of my mission is being able to truly and openly spread my knowledge and be respected for my knowledge in a game I hold true to my heart

Because my life in golf is reflective of my life as a whole, I started thinking of the successes I’ve had that have led me to where I am now.

So I asked myself — what if I build a timeline of my life? Many people don’t know my history and the experiences I’ve had that have ultimately made me into the self-described ShadeTree Pro I am today.

I am proud of all my experiences, from the smallest to most important, because they ALL represent my evolution in this great game.

My Evolution
  • High school 4-year letterman in varsity sports
  • Co-captain of my high school football team
  • Studied industrial psychology, sociology and business at Marshall University
  • Served in the U.S. Army Reserves, with basic and AIT training at Fort Jackson, S.C., as a 63 Bravo — a light vehicle mechanic
  • Military physical ability test — 106 pushups in 2 min., 2 miles in 11:26., 84 setups in 2 min.
  • Reserve duties were with the 302nd field hospital unit in Huntington, WV, where I was the dispatcher
  • Received honors as soldier of the year
A Life in Golf
  • Grounds crew member at Muirfield Village Golf Course in Dublin, OH, the home of Jack Nicklaus
  • Honor caddie at Muirfield Village Golf Course and a caddie for Caddie Service International at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando, FL
  • Developed my golf instruction program at Ohio University and served as the golf instructor
  • Driving range manager at Devola Driving Range in Devola, OH
  • Transitional men’s golf coach at Marietta College in Marietta, OH
  • Participant in various mini-tour and U.S. Open qualifiers
  • Original member of The Golf Channel’s Show “The Big Break”
  • My career round — 64
  • Participant on The Golf Channel’s “Golf for Inventors.” The club I field-tested, the Club Caddy, was the final winner
  • TV commercial participant for major golf manufacturers
  • Assistant golf professional at Errol Estate Country Club in Apopka, FL, and at Winter Park Country Club in Winter Park, FL
  • Published instructional and philosophical golf articles for websites and magazines
  • Researcher and philosopher of the game
  • Golf training aid inventor
  • Guest on numerous podcasts and radio shows regarding my opinions on golf
  • Possess a fine-tuned knowledge of the body and the swing
  • Developed a sound method of the inner workings and movements of the golf swing based on the physical makeup of the human body and creative visualization
  • Celebrity charity work for these causes and more:
    • Kids Beating Cancer
    • Breast cancer awareness
    • Daryl Armstrong Charity Classic for Children and Premature Babies
    • David Maus Foundation Celebrity Event

I’m married to Melissa Calhoun, and we have two daughters, Brielle Marcella-Ann Calhoun and Darby Renee Calhoun, and live in Orlando, FL.

You can find more information about me here:

  • YouTube video library of instructional videos through the years  — what I believed in the past and what I know now. Youtube.com/curlycalhoun


I wasn’t born with a golf club in my hand, but I was reborn with one.

Thank you,

Charles Calhoun
The ShadeTree Pro
Always Good Golfing

Twitter: @CharlesCalhoun7

YouTube: youtube.com/curlycalhoun

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calhoun_charles

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlesallencalhoun

Email me at: charles@shadetreepro.com

Interested in ShadeTree merch?: Check it out here!

About Charles