My career began at TPC Sawgrass, where I had the opportunity to be closely involved with THE PLAYERS Championship and learn from many of the game’s best players and teachers.
Not long afterward, I spent a year
chasing a playing career on mini-tours, Korn Ferry Tour qualifiers and
PGA TOUR Qualifying School. The
results weren’t memorable, but the experience was invaluable. Fellow players often came to me for help because I understood what they were thinking and feeling inside the ropes. That realization ultimately led me to teaching.
Over the years, I was fortunate to be mentored by PGA TOUR Commissioner Deane Beman and Hall of Fame instructors Jack Lumpkin, Jim Flick, and Eddie Merrins.
Commissioner Beman taught me great golf experiences begin with great facilities, conditioning and instruction. Jack Lumpkin reinforced the value of fundamentals, often reminding me that “the best-selling ice cream flavor is plain vanilla.” Jim Flick taught the importance of allowing the hands, wrists and arms to swing the golf club. Eddie Merrins taught me the difference between coaching and teaching.
Jack Lumpkin said, “It is our teaching philosophy and the manner in which we communicate that makes us original.” My philosophy is built on sound fundamentals, clear communication, trust and accountability. I focus first on clubface control to help students develop consistent, solid contact. Confidence grows with solid contact. Equally important is establishing a genuine connection with each student so communication is comfortable and productive.
I have always believed golf instructors are measured by a simple criteria: their students’ improvement and lower scores. Improvement requires commitment from both teacher and student. My responsibility is to provide a clear path forward demonstrating what is expected and how to execute. The student must engage in the process, ask questions, practice and learn the information. When trust, accountability and effort coexist, lower scores follow.
My career began at TPC Sawgrass, where I had the opportunity to be closely involved with THE PLAYERS Championship and learn from many of the game’s best players and teachers. Not long afterward, I spent a year chasing a playing career on mini-tours, Korn Ferry Tour qualifiers and PGA TOUR Qualifying School. The results weren’t memorable, but the experience was invaluable. Fellow players often came to me for help because I understood what they were thinking and feeling inside the ropes. That realization ultimately led me to teaching.
Over the years, I was fortunate to be mentored by PGA TOUR Commissioner Deane Beman and Hall of Fame instructors Jack Lumpkin, Jim Flick, and Eddie Merrins.
Commissioner Beman taught me great golf experiences begin with great facilities, conditioning and instruction. Jack Lumpkin reinforced the value of fundamentals, often reminding me that “the best-selling ice cream flavor is plain vanilla.” Jim Flick taught the importance of allowing the hands, wrists and arms to swing the golf club. Eddie Merrins taught me the difference between coaching and teaching.
Jack Lumpkin said, “It is our teaching philosophy and the manner in which we communicate that makes us original.” My philosophy is built on sound fundamentals, clear communication, trust and accountability. I focus first on clubface control to help students develop consistent, solid contact. Confidence grows with repetitive solid contact. Equally important is establishing a genuine connection with each student so communication is comfortable and productive.
I have always believed golf instructors are measured by a simple criteria: their students’ improvement and lower scores. Improvement requires commitment from both teacher and player. My responsibility is to provide a clear path forward demonstrating what is expected and how to execute. The student must engage in the process, ask questions, practice and learn the information. When trust, accountability and effort coexist, lower scores follow.
Founder, FAME
Hollywood Writer, Director & Producer,
Retired U.S. Navy SEAL
Founder, FAME
Hollywood Writer, Director & Producer,
Retired U.S. Navy SEAL
