About
I would describe my style as more of an instructor/coach. There will ALWAYS be homework.
I enjoy seeing students learn techniques and then execute them. I also like all of my students to have long and short term specific goals. My goal is for the student to know what to do in every possible situation to give themself the very best chance to hit a good shot, i.e. what to do and the compensations that need to be made at address to deal with the ball above my feet, below my feet, an uphill lie, downhill lie, a flyer lie, the ball sitting down, the ball sitting up, etc....
There is more to playing the game than just having a good swing.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
After setting the appointment with the student, I normally teach at either Cherry Island or Whitney Oaks. I meet the student at the driving range at either of these locations.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I began playing golf at the age of 7. I received a scholarship to Cal-State Northridge in 1993 after finishing 3rd in the state of California at the Junior College Championship.I won the 1991 Kern County Amateur Championship. I played 3 years at CSUN and was always the number 1 or 2 player. I have worked as an assistant golf professional, head golf professional, and as director of golf operations.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I only give 45 minute lessons and the price is $45.00.
It is my expert opinion that 30 minutes is too brief and an hour is too long. Forty-five minutes is the ideal amount of time for a golf lesson.
How did you get started teaching?
I have always been a very good player since I was a kid. This doesn't always make for a good teacher. I know many great players that wouldn't have the first clue about giving a lesson to the average golfer. They know THEIR game and no one elses. At the age of 11 I became a serious student of the game and would go to the public library every chance I had. I would litterally devour every book there about golf instruction. Some of the books that had an early influence on me were "How to become a complete golfer" by Toski & Flick, "Power Golf" by B. Hogan and "The Golfing Machine" by Homer Kelly.
What types of students have you worked with?
All of my students are over the age of 9. Students under 9 should be shown a proper grip, stance and posture, then to swing as HARD AS THEY CAN while always keeping their balance. Having great club head speed and being able to at the same time remain on balance is the most important thing a young golfer can learn.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure the instructor explains not just what to do, but also why it is necessary and important. Students grasp concepts and techniques better when they know the WHY and not just the how.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Students should consider the amount of time that they will need between lessons to work on what was taught during the lesson. This is especially important if they are trying to stop doing a particular technique and start doing a different technique. If the student is a blank slate this will be much easier for them than if they already have inefficient techniques ingrained into their muscle memory.