Written by Ella Shelburn

Chad Odaffer, assistant professor of exercise science and program director for the exercise science undergraduate program at UIndy, was recently named one of Golf Digest’s Best Fitness Trainers in America for 2025-26. 

This year, the selection process was especially competitive, with the largest number of applicants to date. A total of 69 trainers made the list. Odaffer was one of ten trainers listed from the Midwest and the only trainer listed from Indiana. 

“The honor has evolved to identify the top trainers ‘in the trenches,’ those who actually work with and excel at making amateur golfers better and healthier,” said Odaffer. “I have been a Certified Golf Fitness Instructor through the Titleist Performance Institute since 2006.”