About
I'm a PGA member and have been teaching and coaching for over 25 years. I have worked extensively with players of all levels, from juniors and first time beginners to low handicap amateurs and professional tour players. I learned a lot about the swing and short game from World Golf Hall of Fame greats, Johnny Miller and the late Paul Runyan, and the Einstien of the swing Greg Mchatton, as well as the great Mike Austin. I also learned from them how to teach most effectively. I don't teach a method. I teach based on the student's atheletic ability and physical capability. I focus on the fundamentals, and relaxation. I also make sure my students understand, not just how to make a change, but just as important, why those changes will work.
I'm extremely patient, and I try my best to make the experience a lot of fun.
I think the main reward of teaching, no matter what you are teaching, is that moment when the student "gets it"; that aha moment. I enjoy watching my students achieve positive changes in their swing or other parts of the game more than doing it myself. It's a cliche to say it's my passion. But it is that and more. Its my reason to get up in the morning.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I will spend a few minutes to learn the students goals, previous experience, current level of play, other sports that they currently play or have played, and how committed they are to making changes.
A lot of what happens next depends on the students current playing level, but it will include movement that will give me a good estimation of athletic ability and physical capability.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I suppose my biggest training source is my near 25 years of experience, and the time that I spent working with some of the greats.
Though I did not gain a degree, I did minor in psycology in college. I like to say I'm a professional golf instructor and just an amateur psycologist.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Adult one hour - $80, half hour - $50
Junior (15 and younger) one hour - $50, half hour - $30
Series of 5 lessons - pay for 4 and get the 5th free
How did you get started teaching?
After about 15 years working in the film and television industry, I decided to try my golf skills on a few of the mini tours. It didn't take long for me to figure out that I had started too late in life to persue a playing career. But my passion for the game continued. I got a job at a golf course as an asisstant pro, and started teaching. There are a number of people who took lessons from me in those first couple of years who deserve to get their money back. I didn't know what I was doing, but I certainly do now.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with ages 8 to 85, and all skill levels from beginner to low handicap players and professional tour players.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I have, for the last couple of years, been honored to teach clinics for disabled veterans. It's a PGA Hope program in conjunction with the Veterans Administration.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would advise the student to look at the teacher's experience as a "teacher". I would also advise that he or she read reviews.
Unfortunately their can be a little trial and error. I would advise that the first lesson be at least one hour. This allows the student to get a real sense of whether or not that instructor is right for you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about your goals. Wanting to play better is a goal of just about everyone who plays the game, so that doesn't count.
Be prepared to give the instructor an honest answer about your committment to change and to practice.
Golf instruction is a two way deal. The teacher's job is to inform you, and help you to feel and understand. Your job is to absorb the information and put it into practice.