F
or Todd McKittrick, a four-time Tennessee PGA Section Chattanooga Chapter Teacher & Coach of the Year, effective golf instruction begins by understanding the player, not just the swing.
“Early in my teaching career, I got some invaluable feedback from a student,” recalls the PGA of America Director of Instruction. “It was less about what I wanted to teach and more about how they wanted to learn.”
That led McKittrick (pictured) to develop what he calls a “player backward” approach – tailoring each lesson to the individual by first learning as much as possible about their goals, physical condition, learning preferences and lifestyle. This approach builds immediate trust and strong golfer-coach chemistry.
“At the start of every first lesson, I spend plenty of time asking questions,” he details. “How athletic are they? Are they in pain? Do they seek a quick fix or a major overhaul? What’s their profession? Identifying with the student and ‘speaking their language,’ lets me create personalized game plans that hit home and drive results.”
Prior to recently joining The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona, McKittrick helped grow the membership and implement a dedicated instruction program at Blackstone Country Club in nearby Peoria, Arizona. He took it upon himself to “make” golfers, often walking the practice facility to offer tips and form connections. One standout success involved a member struggling with back pain and contemplating quitting the game – as well as leaving the club.
McKittrick went above and beyond. He attend-ed the member’s physical therapy appointment to collaborate with the PT, aligning swing mechanics with the client’s physical limitations. This approach not only improved the member’s game but also inspired his wife to take up golf, strengthening their bond with the club. He’s looking to make the same type of impact at The Phoenician.
“On the surface, the player backward philosophy is simple – assess first, then create a plan,” he says. “If you dig deeper, it can prove to be invaluable to club growth and member engagement.”
McKittrick advises coaches to remain open-minded, discard preconceptions and let their expertise shine after truly understanding their students. By focusing on the individual, McKittrick has turned challenges into opportunities and helped golfers discover joy in the game.