I began teaching short game at Old Waverly Golf Club in 2007. Golf has allowed me to view it's beauty from multiple perspectives. I began playing golf as a child and progressed through the junior ranks and high school golf. After earning a scholarship to play at the University of Southern Mississippi, I turned professional to follow my dream of playing golf for a living. I competed for three years before I began to help Southern Miss's golf team as an Assistant Coach, leading to my current tenure at Old Waverly.
While coaching college players and observing the wide array of scores in college golf, I noticed how similar players appeared on the practice tee; however, the scores in competition did not reflect parity in any such manner. I believe that there are two main reasons for this happening. First, solid mechanics work better under high stress situations. Secondly, the best players are able to "save strokes" around the green. They hole bunker shots, they get up and in from thick rough, and perhaps, most importantly, they make putts.
Most people understand the first reason easily; the fewer the manipulations, the better. However, the second reason is often overlooked and neglected. I watched players shoot 75 with six birdies and lose tournaments due to poor short game skills. I thoroughly enjoy working with players on saving pars from off the green and helping them to make birdie when they have a wedge in their hands. A good drive and a solid short game should lead to par golf. The best players have great mechanics coupled with the ability to navigate their way around the golf course and turn bogeys and doubles into pars and birdies.
Teaching Professionals
