About
Thanks for considering me as your golf coach. This game grabbed me at age 18 in Northern Wisconsin and it has never let go. I was fortunate to have been mentored by several excellent golf coaches when I began my quest to move the golf ball toward my intended target . It would be my honor to have the opportunity to share the feel-based golf swing and golf game with you that I received early in my career which has served me well.
The testimonials from my website are an excellent indication of the effect my coaching has had with those whom I have had the good fortune to work with!
When a golfer releases all control over the club and truly makes solid contact followed by the perfect ball flight, I believe that I get just as excited as he or she! That feeling is what hooks everyone. It is my job to help them find what I know they already have. It is my duty to unlock that inner swing.
Beginners are the engine that powers the continued growth of this great game and I get great satisfaction from mentoring new golfers. Junior golf instruction is especially gratifying as teaching affords me the opportunity to see these young people become not just solid golfers, but solid citizens as well. In our current instant-gratification world, seeing patience, persistence, and practice pay off for these youngsters is a great feeling!
Seeing the look of pure satisfaction on the faces of those I coach keeps me going! I have the best office on the planet.
Specialties
Experience level
How often
Student age
Goals
Owns golf clubs
Photos and videos
Reviews
seth B.
Mike D.
Alexander U.
Chris H.
Joyce S.
Brian C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We begin with the swing as a whole. In golf, we put nails in our shoes because the power in the golf swing in generated through our connection to Terra Firma. The power starts with the feet, knees and hips being "active" while the upper body "reacts" to the lower body in a purely passive state. This allows the body to store up tremendous energy potential through the rotation of our fixed pivot with the club head whirling around the body finally flashing through the ball as if mad with rage!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I began teaching as an assistant Golf Professional in 1984 in Santa Barbara earning membership into the PGA of America in 1986. I have always been an instructor my entire adult life teaching Hang Gliding, drums, Ice Hockey officiating, water skiing and Martial Arts. Seeing those whom I coach improve through feel is my greatest satisfaction.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$100 per hour based on a 6 one-hour lesson series at $450.
Individual putting sessions are $125 per hour and are WORTH EVERY PENNY!
All lessons are guaranteed.
See why my referrals are so gratifying... mattdettmangolf.com
How did you get started teaching?
I was teaching Hang Gliding in Santa Barbara California in 1982. One of my students was an avid golfer and we started playing nine holes every morning as the sun rose over the Santa Barbara Community Golf Course. I had been playing golf for a few years, but by playing every morning, I assumed my game would rapidly improve and I would be a tour player in a couple of years!
A signed up for some lessons with a local Pro and the hook was set! I kept on flying hang gliders but decided the market for golf instruction was going to be better than for running off of mountains with an aluminum and Dacron wing on your back. I did get that one right! Now here I am 40 years later still coaching golf and still flying hang gliders!
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with golfers of ALL ages, physical abilities and challenges. There is a golf swing in everyone. It is my goal to unlock yours...
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Drive, Chip and Putt!!!!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The PGA keeps very good data on the golf business. Unfortunately, the number one reason people quit playing golf is because they had a bad experience with a golf lesson.
That will NOT be the case when we get together!
I take great pride in my reputation after all these years. I have always focused on working with the good parts of the swing and expanding from there.
Letting go of our quest to control the club with our upper body is where we spend consiserable time. Once we understand the importance of a "passive" upper body, the swing will "change" on its own! You will see...
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Over 90% of my first-time students opt in for the savings of a series but that decision is based on their improvement and satisfaction with our first session.
RESULTS is the name of the game!