About
Michael Lortan, a USGTF Golf Teaching Professional, is passionate about helping golfers of all levels—beginner to advanced—improve their game. Offering personalized lessons to develop skills from tee to green, all sessions are held at Coyote Ridge Golf Club in Carrollton.
Most golfers overcomplicate the game by self-diagnosing swing issues, relying on untrained advice, or mimicking pros they see on TV and social media—often worsening their performance.
My goal is to create a framework of 5 key principles to help golfers build their skills:
1. Master a Pre-Shot Routine: Focus on setup, aim, and alignment fundamentals.
2. Simplify Swing Basics: Understand the movements needed for a consistent swing.
3. Trust the Process: Learn to focus thoughts and avoid overthinking during the swing.
4. Strengthen the Mental Game: Make smarter decisions by understanding course odds.
5. Prioritize Quality Practice: Emphasize process over outcome with patience and purpose.
While they acknowledge the mental side of golf, many still approach the game like professionals, leading to poor decision-making. Nearly every new student cites "consistency" as their goal.
For the new or rookie golfer, a simple core of fundamentals, and a logical progression through the movements required to play, establishes the platform on which to rapidly develop the basic skills and etiquette to progress onto the course, and into group play.
Specialties
Experience level
How often
Student age
Goals
Owns golf clubs
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I typically have a phone consultation to discuss goals and understanding of issues. It's an opportunity to share my teaching philosophy and methodologies, and for you to gauge if we'll be the right fit.
I can also evaluate your golf swing from a video prior to lessons.
Lessons are of 60 minutes duration.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
USGTF Certified Golf Instructor
I am an avid student of the game, constantly reading books by the best teachers, as well as any other approach that will enhance my ability to address and improve weaknesses in a golfers game. I have studied extensively from McLean through to Leadbetter, Pelz to Stockton, Rotella and Alred. There are so many facets to golf from putting through to driving, but also course management and the mental approach, that if you are not continually evolving as a teacher, you start to lose effectiveness.
Master Teacher Certification in progress, to be completed early 2021
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Listed on my website LortanGolf.com are multiple lesson options, ranging from individual to group, as well as packages and clinics.
Students may book directly on the website at www.lortangolf.com/book-a-lesson or call with any questions ahead of booking. The scheduling tool on my website enables you to match my availability with times that are convenient for you. (This method is quick and easy, and eliminates back-and-forth texting or emailing)
I have two offers for new students -
1. Private Golf Instruction at $75 for the first lesson of 60 min duration. Range balls are included. (Request Coupon Code).
2. An Introductory Offer for new students with three 60-minute lessons for $225.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching my wife to play many years back, and she became an 8 index golfer in her late forties. Since we managed to stay married through this 😎, a number of our friends started asking for advice, and then lessons. And as word spread to acquaintances and beyond, I formalized the process by qualifying as a Teaching Pro, and going into teaching fulltime.
What types of students have you worked with?
A large percentage of my work is with beginners and intermediate golfers. They offer the biggest challenges but their improvement is very rewarding. I work with a number of advanced and skilled golfers as well, and this is mostly fine tuning or resetting. Almost 20% of my students are female, from young kids through to seniors.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I have two, and they illustrate the diversity of golf.
I am currently teaching two beginner groups - the one is a Mom and her 5yo daughter, and the other is a couple in their 80's.
Both groups have taken up golf to have an outdoor activity during the covid restrictions, and are having fun learning a new sport together.
I am also in the process of developing and testing four golf related accessories. I am always looking at ways to make golf logistics easier and these items will help the golfer to concentrate on the game rather than letting small things distract them. I have been working on these projects for about 5 months now, and am awaiting Patent Pending status for two of them. Very soon they will be available for purchase on the website.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I believe that teaching is a passion and not a job. Passion manifests itself through patience and a commitment to making people become better golfers. Teaching requires flexibility and adaptability, because golf is a challenging sport, and no one process fits all.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
1. Golf is a complex sport, with many facets comprising the game. It starts with fundamentals and set-up, then putting, chipping, bunkers, pitching, intermediate to full swings and finally to driver. The challenges facing beginners through to skilled golfers are similar, yet require very different approaches.
Does my prospective teacher have the skills to address all these areas relative to my skill level. And then help me to take the range work to the course, as well as improve my decision making and course management so as to best optimize those new skills?
2. How committed will I be to developing the new skills I am taught by spending time on the range?