About
Born in Palm Springs, CA the golf capital of the world for over 40 years. I learned the golf swing at the age of 13 by Lou Marcouzzo at Reflections CC in La Quinta who has coached numerous players on the PGA Tour. He taught me the physical traits and true reward of learning how the top PGA Tour Players thought and approached every part of the game.
This invaluable information along with a holistic approach that keeps things simple and fun allows the process to not become overcomplicated. A true focus on the basics that will travel with everyone is what I pass on to each and every one of my students. I’ve got 43 years playing with 26 of those years playing professional golf tournaments and other charity events around the world. My goal is to have my players think successfully on the practice range and convert that onto the course.
I moved to Scottsdale from Carlsbad, Ca to have a an Emergency spinal disc and nerve damage repair in my neck which was a blessing from God. I'm now in a fantastic place in my life where I'm injury free and currently working on full-time sponsorship for the PGA Tour. While I was on various tours from 1999-2004, I was sponsored by Dr. Marcus Pride M.D. of the Los Angeles Lakers Organization and LA Sparks, as for also acquiring one tournament win professionally in May of 2001 in Los Angeles.
I turned pro in 1995 at Pala Mesa Resort in Fallbrook, CA where I taught for Golf Digest. I was there for 5 years while I started playing the Pepsi and Nike tours. I've been fortunate enough to have played and taught at some amazing private clubs. Glenmoor CC in Cherry Hills, Co as well as Plum Creek CC in Castle Pines, Co and have been a member at Canyon Crest CC since 1980.
I’ve given over 15,000 golf lessons with organizations such as John Jacobs, Golf Digest, Nike Golf Schools, Davidson Golf Schools and the other golf facilities. Working with all type of golfers and their unique swings has given me an unlimited database of swing knowledge. I've been very fortunate in my life with almost a photographic memory to take instant photos of swings and give immediate feedback to my students.
I love working with players of all levels to help improve not only their physical game but more importantly their mental approach. Some of my most memorable moments have been watching students commit to a goal and reach their full potential on and off the course.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
For over 25 years I've had the same approach with my students and that is to ask the right questions, such as what is your goal and how do you want to get there. From there we come up with a game plan tailored to their specific needs, timeline how often we can meet. Keeping the process simple with realistic goals and expectations is how I like to progress.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I'm a 26 year PGA Professional and Touring Professional. I've worked for and ran some of the finest golf schools in the world. I'm also U.S. Army veteran allowing for a structure that helps in short and long term planning.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I price my instruction by the lesson not by the hour with many packages to choose from. Each and every lesson is specifically tailored to the individual student with a focus on that person's own abilities and swing.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching in high school when I was 17 in Palm Springs, Ca while on the golf team at Indio High School. I interned at a course whose owner was a world class instructor that coached players on the PGA Tour in La Quinta, CA. His tutelage and breakdown of the golf swing has allowed me to teach over 17,000 golf lessons throughout the world in the last 30 years.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all ages, levels, and genders as well as physical talents and learning abilities all the way up to the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic team that competed in Rio, Brazil. With the Olympians I focused on mental visualization as well as strategic planning of each scenario they would be encountering on their Olympic journey.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Aside from the unbelievable experience working with the Olympic athletes, I recently had the opportunity to work with a new student whose goals were very lofty but he was extremely passionate. Upon making a full commitment to not only shots but to their visualization of the shot we took him from a 25 handicap to a 12 in two seasons.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure the instructor you're looking for is one who has a good knowledge of the golf swing. And more importantly make sure there's a rapport and chemistry with the instructor. As a student, decide whether or not this teacher can help my game short or long term.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Definitely check not only knowledge of the game and swing, but see if there's a possible chemistry fit. Do some research if a professional has a solid background then start with one lesson before committing to a series. I've been around the best and trained some of the best around the world, so I like to think I have a good idea of what’s out there.