Teaching Professional: Kris Hannah

Kris Hannah, Teaching Pro at Jake Gaither Golf Course, was born in Smyrna, Ga., in 1978, and he has played golf since middle school. He was introduced to the game by his father after moving to Tallahassee. As a junior golfer, Hannah earned regional and national recognition. He was once ranked #1 on the Florida Junior Golf Tour. 

Hannah got his start at Jake Gaither, where he was coached by Johnny Lee Brown, Willie Hudson and Leroy Kilpatrick. His first big junior golf tournament win was the Burt Yancey Invitational at Killearn Country Club in 1995. Another highlight was when he finished third in the American Junior Golf Association’s MCI Heritage Classic at Seapines Resort, playing with Charles Howell and Jeff Klauk, now pro golfers as well.

A four-year member of Leon High School’s varsity golf team, Hannah was named “Big Bend Player of the Year” by the Tallahassee Democrat in 1996 and 1997. 

He was the first person of color to play for Florida State University’s Men’s Golf Team on scholarship. At FSU, Hannah won an event his freshman year and competed in every event through his senior year. Hannah’s best finish was third at the Seminole Classic at Golden Eagle Country Club.

After graduating in 2001, with a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Leisure Service Administration, Hannah turned pro and competed full-time on the Hooters Pro Golf Tour. His first professional win was the Emerald Coast Golf Classic. He won the Jim Lee Invitational at Capital City Country Club in 2003. The same year, Hannah was featured on HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.

In 2009, Hannah stopped competing full-time and started working for the State of Florida. He still enjoys competing, but his new passion is teaching. He especially enjoys working with youths.