About
I believe that, unfortunately, NOT ALL certified or trained professional golf instructors are also effective teachers. (Some, of course, are wonderful teachers.) Some are excellent golfers themselves, but not really very good at being a teacher. The key is not how well someone can play, but rather how well they can communicate. I am only a pretty decent golfer - but I'm an extremely effective communicator about how to properly hit a golf ball. My professional life simply didn't include room to find a decent path for me to become a certified professional golf instructor, although I've always had a passion to teach the game. In some ways, I enjoy teaching it as much or more than I enjoy playing. Now retired, it no longer makes any sense to invest the time or money it would take to become a certified instuctor.
I have what I believe is a fairly unique approach to learning the game. It is not magic; and it will take some time, and it is somewhat of a departure from the typical instruction you would receive from a certified professional.
On the other hand, over a period of 25 years, I have had extremely good results with many friends and acquaintances. Some didn't stay with the game, some are now excellent golfers. (That part depended more on their commitment, than to my talent -- but then again, that's true of the process in learning anything.) But every last person improved dramatically from where they started out.
The golf instructional method I've developed over that time works well if you are a rank beginner (never held a club in your hands), or if you already enjoy the game but have never broken 100, I can help you. If you can already break 100, go to a professional -- this technique is not for you.
I know it sounds a little silly, but in some ways, I enjoy teaching golf as much or more than playing it. I'm not really sure I know why -- but, for as long as I can remember, I've enjoyed seeing someone hitting a good golf shot every bit as much as I do when I hit a good shot. Perhaps I'm just a living example of the old saying: "The best teachers are, themselves, also still learning." I know that whenever I'm teaching, I'm also helping tune my own game, by the time-honored getting back to basics (fundamentals)." I'm fascinated at all the intricacies of golf (and they are never-ending - no matter how many you discover, there are always more.)
Highlights
Reviews
Elena M.
Lou T.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Since no two people are the same, it completely depends on what the student brings to the table. Some students possess more "natural" athletic ability; others may not be natural athletes, but step-by-step, can build the necessary body mechanics. I observe first, how the student handles themselves physically (athletically). Then, I figure out how the student "thinks" and what his/her mind "sees." Then, always building on fundamentals, I experiment with different suggestions until I find ways to steadily build their individual swing by matching what they are seeing in their mind's-eye. Together, we take it from there.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
First and foremost, I want you to understand that I am NOT a certified or formally trained golf instructor. Generally speaking, I advise you to pay attention to the wisdom of: "Learn golf only through a PGA professional instuctor." Nevertheless, my teaching method is the result of a lifetime's worth of study and trial and error, and I have produced proven results. I am quite often told that I have a way of making things far more "understandable" than people have experienced with several other "professional" golf instructors.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I don't have a standard pricing system. Rate is negotiable based on your commitment to learn the game, in relationship to your ability to pay. I only give personal, one-on-one instruction; I do not do group instruction.
How did you get started teaching?
In trying to help friends play better, I would occasionally offer informal coaching tips about their swing. For a long time, I was just applying or passing along pieces of my own analytics to understand the golf swing. Along the way, I discovered some extremely common misunderstandings and misnomers about properly hitting a golf ball, which gradually paved the way to developing my teaching method. People who had good success began to tell their friends about me, and I began to try instruction with students of less and less experience.
What types of students have you worked with?
People who have tried golf without success, but aren't ready to completely give up.
People who enjoy golf, but are committed to improving their game.
People who have never touched a golf club.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I happened to be out playing with a friend (I had helped) on the day he broke 90 for his first time ever.