Olympia Fields Taps Elevation Golf to Elevate Player Performance

Mike Mandakas returns to lead a data-driven, multidisciplinary approach to golf instruction and training at the historic club.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:35am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a golfer's swing broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of earthy greens, blues, and oranges, conceptually representing the data-driven, multidisciplinary approach to player development at Olympia Fields Country Club.Olympia Fields' new partnership with Elevation Golf Academy aims to deconstruct the golf swing and rebuild it with data-driven insights.Chicago Today

Olympia Fields Country Club has partnered with Elevation Golf Academy, led by Director of Instruction Mike Mandakas, to bring a comprehensive, technology-driven approach to player development to the historic club. The new initiative will integrate advanced biomechanics analysis, custom club fitting, physical performance training, and sports medicine support to create a complete ecosystem for golfers of all skill levels.

Why it matters

This partnership signals a broader shift in the golf industry towards more holistic, data-driven player improvement models. By blending coaching, technology, fitness, and medical expertise, Elevation Golf aims to help Olympia Fields members not just change their swings, but understand how their entire bodies and equipment work together for lasting performance gains.

The details

The centerpiece of the new program is a state-of-the-art biomechanics lab that will analyze players' rotational movement, lateral motion, and vertical force production in unprecedented detail. This data will be combined with traditional club and ball metrics to provide a complete picture of each golfer's swing dynamics. Indoor simulators will further enhance the training experience, allowing for year-round, weather-independent practice and feedback.

  • Olympia Fields Country Club is planning a major renovation of its North Course in 2027.
  • Elevation Golf Academy has been expanding its Midwest footprint, with locations in Burr Ridge, Lincoln Park, Indianapolis, and now Olympia Fields.

The players

Mike Mandakas

The Director of Instruction at Olympia Fields Country Club, leading the integration of Elevation Golf Academy's multidisciplinary approach to player development.

Elevation Golf Academy

A growing golf performance brand that blends coaching, technology, fitness, and sports medicine expertise into a unified system for improving players of all skill levels.

Olympia Fields Country Club

A historic golf club founded in 1915, known for hosting elite competitions and now investing in a major renovation of its North Course in 2027.

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What they’re saying

“Golf improvement doesn't happen in isolation. We're bringing a multidisciplinary approach to Olympia Fields, offering members access to a complete performance ecosystem.”

— Mike Mandakas, Director of Instruction, Olympia Fields Country Club

“Today's top players aren't just practicing more—they're practicing smarter. The consistency and data we can provide through indoor training is a key advantage.”

— Mike Mandakas, Director of Instruction, Olympia Fields Country Club

What’s next

Olympia Fields Country Club will begin the renovation of its North Course in 2027, temporarily closing the course and potentially driving more member focus towards practice, instruction, and skill development during that time.

The takeaway

The integration of Elevation Golf Academy at Olympia Fields Country Club represents a broader industry shift towards more holistic, data-driven player improvement models. By blending coaching, technology, fitness, and medical expertise, this partnership aims to help golfers of all levels understand how their entire game works together for lasting performance gains.