Golf Lessons
Johnny Schwaller
Head PGA Golf Professional
Head Golf Professional since 2020, Johnny brings a member-first approach to leadership with a strong focus on player development and the overall golf experience. He believes the golf operation sets the tone for the club and is committed to creating a welcoming, service-driven environment for golfers of all ages and abilities.
Johnny oversees tournament operations, instruction, merchandising, and staff development, delivering programs that engage members, support active associations, and grow participation. His player development philosophy emphasizes on course enjoyment of the game, and clear pathways for beginners, juniors, and competitive players alike.
Known for his clear service standards and team-centered leadership style, Johnny empowers his staff to deliver consistent, high-level service while building meaningful connections with members.
Contact Johnny
Phone: (952) 442-6116 ext. 4
Jody Christensen
PGA Teaching Professional/Director of Player Development
Jody joined the professional staff at Island View in 2024. Although a proud Minnesotan through and through, her career has carried her to the North Shore of Chicago, to Texas and to the beautiful Catskill mountains of upstate New York. A Class A PGA member, she has an extensive background in all aspects of the golf business, but teaching and coaching is where her true joy and passion lie. Over the last 25+ years, she has taught thousands of individual and group lessons, and encouraged hundreds of aspiring and experienced golfers, from the young to the young at heart.
From Jody: I love this game and I’m passionate about helping others love this game as much as I do. First and foremost, golf has to be fun! Why else do it? Honing my skills as a well-respected teacher by watching and learning from the likes of Butch Harmon, Dr. Jim Suttie, Pete Cowen, Mike Bender, Hank Haney, Pia Nilsson and others has helped me develop a style that is positive, effective and fun.
I want you to be able to play and enjoy the game not just swing the club. Good coaching means forgoing systems and methods. It’s an individual art; no two people are the same, so coaching should vary, too. You don’t have to have a perfect swing to play golf. The “secret” to striking the ball consistently is found in sound basic fundamentals and getting the clubface square at impact with a fairly neutral swing path. It doesn’t matter how you do it, it just matters that you manage to do it consistently. It’s my job to help you do that!!
Besides golf, my interests range from dog training, hiking, agility and sheep herding with my Border Collie Jenny, music and the arts, cooking and participating in a variety of sporting activities. I have become obsessed with pickleball!
I look forward to helping you on your golf journey! See you on the tee!
Contact Jody
Phone: Phone: (612) 750-0573
Steven Kragseth
Assistant Golf Professional
Steven Kragseth joined the professional staff at Island View in 2025. Prior to Island View, he worked at Northland Country Club in Duluth, where he spent five years managing Outside Operations and working as a caddie. During that time, Steven was awarded the prestigious Chick Evans Scholarship for Caddies, which brought him to Minneapolis to pursue a degree in Sport Management at the University of Minnesota.
While completing his undergraduate studies, Steven gained additional experience in customer service and player engagement working in Platinum Membership Sales at Topgolf, serving a diverse range of members and guests. Seeking more hands-on involvement in the golf industry, he later became a P.J. Boatwright Intern with the Minnesota Golf Association, where he gained exposure to multiple areas of the game, with a particular emphasis on tournament operations.
Steven is currently enrolled in the PGA Associate Program and is working toward PGA Membership. He is passionate about the game of golf and committed to providing a positive, service-driven experience for members and guests.
Contact Steven
Phone: (952) 442-6116 ext. 2
Lane Thomas
Assistant Golf Professional
Lane joined the Island View professional staff in the spring of 2022 while completing his senior year at Crown College, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. After developing strong relationships with the Island View staff during his collegiate playing career, he completed his senior-year internship at the club and has remained a valued member of the team since.
Golf has been a lifelong passion for Lane, rooted in a strong family connection to the game. Growing up in a golf-centered household naturally led him to pursue a career in the industry, with a particular interest in instruction and member engagement.
Lane is currently enrolled in the PGA Associate Program and is working toward PGA Membership. He takes pride in building relationships with members and contributing to a positive, welcoming golf experience at Island View.
Contact Lane
Phone: (952) 442-6116 ext. 2
Island View Golf Club
7795 Laketown Parkway
Waconia, MN 55387
(952) 442-6116
