From Backyard Swings to Elite Coach: A 40-Year Journey in Golf Development

Key Points

• 1. Deep Roots in Junior Golf

  • Over 60 years in golf, 40+ as a teaching pro, all based in Fresno, California.

  • Mentored by pioneers of junior golf in Northern California like Len Ross.

  • Grew up playing tournaments weekly, emphasizing the value of competitive experience early.

   

• 2. Learn to Win

  • Consistent message: juniors must "learn how to win" at every level, not just play elite events.

  • Played in the Junior G

   

• 3. Coaching Over Lessons

  • Shifted from traditional 30-minute lessons to long-term coaching models.

  • Co-founded “Forty Days to Better Golf”: $99 for unlimited coaching in 40 days — prioritizing real improvement over rigid formats.

   

• 4. A Giving Philosophy

  • Helped juniors regardless of financial background — including Bryson DeChambeau, who trained for free during his junior years due to family struggles.

  • Believes in giving back: “Probably gave away more lessons than I ever charged for.”

   

• 5. Building a Coaching Hub

  • Established his facility at Dragonfly (formerly Riverbend Golf Club), creating a dedicated training environment.

  • Started with a van full of training aids, later grew into a full tent studio.

   

• 6. Hard Work + Academics = Elite Results

  • Noticed that many of his junior students became doctors or excelled academically.

  • Encouraged work ethic in both school and sport — a trait shared by successful athletes like Bryson, a physics major.

   

• 7. Culture of Discipline and Excellence

  • Created an environment focused on discipline, self-drive, and learning how to truly play the game, not just swing a club.