PGA of America Hall of Famer and national 2016 Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient Joe Tesori, PGA, wears many hats.
One he’s extremely proud of is Head Coach for both the men’s and women’s golf teams at Le Moyne College, where he graduated in 1971 after becoming the first Dolphin to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. He knows a thing or two about scoring, and believes teaching competitive players how to go low requires more than just refining technique – it’s about reshaping mindsets and building confidence.
“Too often, players fixate on scoring better without considering how to achieve it,” says Tesori, PGA of America Head Professional at The Pompey (New York) Club. “An example I point to is a talented player in our PGA Section who I mentored. He struggled to close out tournaments, letting pressure derail his rounds. To rebuild his confidence, we shifted focus to playing forward tees at his home course.”
This approach created opportunities for success: reachable par 5s, drivable par 4s and manageable par 3s. They set an ambitious yet attainable goal of breaking 60.
“At first, the target seemed overwhelming,” explains Tesori (pictured with his LeMoyne College men’s team). “But as he made attempts, the birdies and eagles started piling up, and he rediscovered the joy of playing golf without heavy expectations.”
The results extended beyond practice rounds. The following year, the player applied this confidence and scoring mindset to competition, earning his first major Section victory.
Tesori’s strategy emphasizes the importance of creating a tailored environment for success.
“When players learn how to score low in practice, they become more comfortable chasing those numbers in tournaments,” he adds. “It’s about experiencing success, having fun and building the belief that they can replicate it when it matters most.”
This coaching philosophy also resonates with broader audiences, from women to seniors, fostering a love for the game while enhancing engagement and retention. By teaching players how to score lower in a way that’s enjoyable and attainable, Tesori has seen not only improved performance, but a stronger and more sustained connection to the sport – a win-win for players and coaches alike.
