Billy downes, pga

Head Golf Professional

Billy has been with GreatHorse since the beginning. Alongside the Antonacci family, he helped shape the GreatHorse golf program into what it is today. He continues to bring his love for the game and his customer service-oriented expertise to work each day. Billy is focused on ensuring that GreatHorse members have an exceptional experience each and every time they tee it up.


Notable Accomplishments

  • Connecticut Section Champion (2013)
  • Connecticut Section PGA Senior Champion (2020)
  • Competed in PGA Tour N.E. Classic – 6th place finish (1995)
  • Nike Tour Hershey Open – 2nd place finish (1997)
Billy Downes, PGA
Chris Tallman, PGA, TPI

Chris tallman, pga, tpi

Director of Instruction

As a PGA Professional and Director of Instruction at GreatHorse, Chris is passionate about helping players of all abilities improve their games and ultimately have more fun on the golf course. He stays focused on making sure that his students are having fun and enjoying the journey. Utilizing the latest technologies and knowledge of swing and body connection, his goal is to help each student reach their goals. Chris strongly believes that the golf swing is not one-size-fits-all. Instead, he subscribes to the philosophy that each student possesses a version of their current swing that will allow them to perform their best. As a five-time Connecticut Section PGA Player of The Year, Chris is uniquely qualified to assess all aspects of the game. He coaches students on the golf swing, course management strategy, mental approach, and overall ability to score.

Notable Accomplishments

  • Connecticut Section PGA Player of the Year (2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024)
  • Competed in the PGA Professional National Championship (six consecutive years)
  • Competed in the 2019 PGA Tour's Travelers Championship

Certifications

  • TPI Level 1 Certified
  • American Development Model Certified
  • Trackman Level 1 Certified
  • Sam PuttLab Level 1 Certified
  • Swing Catalyst Level 1 Certified

liz farland, lpga

director of retail

It’s the best of both worlds for Liz who gets to leverage an extensive retail background as well as pass along a love for the game to her students.


An LPGA Professional with over 25 years in the golf industry, Liz delivers a wealth of knowledge to students across a variety of ability and experience levels. She helps golfers improve their games with a well-rounded approach that is customized to the specific needs of each student.


In her role as Director of Retail, Liz ensures that the golf shop stocks top-quality merchandise and a highly personalized shopping experience tailored to each member’s needs. 


It’s Liz’s passion and a unique blend of expertise that allows her to offer GreatHorse members the right tools and techniques to elevate their game.


Certifications

  • Golf Association of Merchandisers (2018)
  • Yoga Instructor for Golf (2011)
  • TPI Level 1 (2006)
  • PGA Women’s Golf Clinics (2005)
Liz Farland, LPGA, Director of Retail