About
As the former Head Golf Pro at Welk Resort San Diego from 2006-2017, I specialize in teaching beginners how to prepare for golf tournaments and business outings. I have taught over 500 group clinics and private lessons at Welk Resort. I take great pride in how many of my students have booked multiple lessons based upon the satisfaction of their first appointment.
For each lesson, I ask the student's specific goals for his/her game improvement. Then, it becomes my mission to teach that student how to teach themself to achieve that goal.
Highlights
Reviews
tracy w.
Kelly V.
Chris
Tricia F.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
1) Pre-lesson Interview - Ask the student about their objective for the lesson. Visual Improvement (how their shots look) or Scoring Improvement (how they score)?
2) Swing Observation - Watch them hit shots to identify easy-to-make changes.
3) Swing Adjustments - Implement up to a few small changes that will maximize immediate improvement. If applicable, will also discuss any bigger changes for long-term improvement.
4) Take-home Drills - My most important philosophy is to teach a student to teach themself. Drills/exercises built for the long-term game improvement can help achieve this.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
1995 - All-city Golf Champion, San Francisco, CA
1996-97 - Played Competitve Collegiate Golf at Canada Junior College, Redwood City, CA
1998 - Graduated from San Diego Golf Academy with AA Degree in Golf Complex Operations
2001-2005 - Welk Resort Assistant Golf Pro, taught hundreds of group clinics and private lessons
2006-2017 - Welk Resort Head Golf Pro, Continued teaching while training other Golf Pros how to teach lessons
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I believe in being transparent so here are my prices:
1-on-1 Private Lesson..... $50 per hour
Group Lessons - Add $10 per hour per person (i.e. $80 per hour for 4 people)
Kids under 18 are 25% off.
How did you get started teaching?
At the golf academy, I learned quickly that my passion in golf was for teaching students how to play this great game.
I think teaching is one of the most rewarding experiences as I get to share the enjoyment of seeing my student's reaction to exceeding their own expectations for what they can achieve.
Golf is a very difficult sport, so I enjoy helping people get past that initial barrier of difficulty that so many people face today.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with all kinds of students. First-timers, high handicappers, competitive players, kids, ladies, seniors, couples and business-minded individuals that would like the sport to help them close the next deal.
I specialize in beginners to intermediate players who are seeking consistency in their golf game, as this has been most of my lessons.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Earlier this year, I conducted a 30-minute clinic for a group of beginners before they were scheduled to play in a tournament. After the tournament ended, many of them came in to thank me for the immediate improvement they saw in their game.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Speak to the instructor before hiring him or her. You have to be comfortable with how they verbally communicate to you, since this is how they deliver the golf lesson.
Also, when speaking to the instructor, ask him/her to walk you through a typical lesson for a student similar to yourself.
If you like what you hear, then book only 1 lesson and go from there. It's a shame when the teacher-student combination is not a fit yet the student locked themself into a series of lessons.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1) If you had only one part of your golf game you could fix, what would it be?
2) What are your favorite and least favorite clubs?
3) What is your short-term goal (right away) and when do you want to achieve it?
4) What is your long-term goal (within a year) and when do you want to achieve it?