My Teaching Philosophy

Tell me a little about your playing and teaching experience.
I learned to play golf as a kid from reading books since no one in my family played and only after high school did I have formal instruction. This was a great experience because the books could not help me see or feel how to build a better swing; through that process my game got better, and I made the Augusta State golf team and then moved on after two years to play for another university through a scholarship offer.

My desire to learn is what led me into golf instruction and the desire to help people in a game that can be quite difficult. After absorbing information from hundreds of golf books, videos, and articles; I knew that there was plenty to be learned and studied the Mike Austin swing, who still holds the record for the longest tee shot in golf. That led me to study the geometry and physics of the golf swing through The Golfing Machine, which in turn, led me to Chuck Evans and Joe Daniels. Chuck is a Top 100 Teacher in the U.S. and became a friend and mentor in my development and understanding of teaching the golf swing. Having felt like there was a solid base for understanding the technical details of the swing I decided it was time to learn more which led me to Hank Haney, who was Tiger Woods’ coach for 7 years. Through my association with Haney Golf, I have learned more about swing diagnostics and coaching techniques that will only further enhance my student’s overall improvement.

What is your personal coaching philosophy?
Learning to play and improve as a golfer is a process, which is why quick fixes usually don’t last very long. The process requires a plan. The golf swing is a combination of motor skills, individual pieces blended together combined with balance and rhythm. Learning to make a complex movement requires very good information, and the job of the teacher is to inform and explain. Everyone learns differently which is why I use video, mirrors, and training aids. The job of the student is to absorb and apply the information through drills and practice. Creating good golfers is really a team effort between student and teacher; when both do their part the results will show.