“87% of this game is knowing what it is all about. And the main thing is knowledge, the rest of it is insight.”
Moe Norman
Paul Pizzi: 40 Years of Golf Expertise
My journey in golf began nearly 40 years ago as a caddy at a Top 100 championship course. As a natural left-hander who learned to play right-handed, I had to deconstruct the mechanics of the golf swing far more deeply than most. This unique perspective, combined with decades of experience caddying for legends like Jay Sigel and working with pros like Adam Scott and Laura Davies, has given me an unparalleled understanding of how to play your best round.
As a "golf swing nerd" and candidate for the PGTAA Instructor certification, I have studied every swing method imaginable to help my students find their natural motion. At age 61, I am hitting the ball better than ever, and my passion is helping you stop "practicing mistakes" and start understanding exactly what your swing needs to be powerful and repeatable.
Diagnosing Your Game
Many instructors can point out the correct way to swing a golf club. But I have developed an amazing eye for seeing the faults in the swing that may be causing your issues. I can rebuild a swing, if that is what you might want to do, or I can suggest simple fixes or "workarounds" to get you through your next round of golf. I understand that not everyone has the time to hit the range every day, and I tailor my teaching accordingly. As a lifelong professional caddy, I can steer you towards what really matters to score on the golf course as well as offering ideas on equipment that will most certainly make your rounds better.
I Work with What Works for You
I have tested every swing method and technique known to man. They all work for different people and different situations. If you tell me something that has worked for you, I will know it and I will reinforce that for you. I will not steer anyone in a completely different direction, because that simply requires more work and time, and is usually not necessary. I can explain the movements you make, how they might hurt or help you, and if they need to be addressed at all. The biggest obstacle to getting better is spending time on the wrong things. Its like working on a car with a blown motor by taking apart the transmission!
An Emphasis on Mentality
40 years watching competitive golf has taught me that the most important club in your bag is the one between your ears. Working on your swing can be hard. But your time on the course should be fun! Practicing and playing are two very different things. Taking a reasonably good swing to the tee with a great attitude will often fare better than a perfect swing with a poor attitude. I emphasize positivity and damage control to keep even your poor rounds within reach. In the words of Harvey Penick "It's not always about how good your good shots are, It's how good your bad shots are."
Teaching Kids
I believe that anyone who starts golf at a young age will become an excellent player if coached correctly. I have seen many kids rise to amazing levels of golfers, and I know what it takes to get them there. But if a young player is not enjoying every minute of his golfing adventure, he will most likely implode and fail. It is super important to teach young players very good fundamentals, so that they enjoy the progression of getting better, without ever having to go backwards in the learning process because of poor habits. I love to keep young players challenged to bring out their amazing ability to excel!
Teaching Women
I get a real kick out of watching women get out on a golf course and put the men to shame. Its truly one of the great aspects of this game. Spending six straight days watching and working with Laura Davies in the Ladies PGA championship was one of my greatest experiences ever. I've had the priviledge of working also with Tour Professionals Amy Olson and Carlota Ciganda on the course, as well as many amazing amateur players. Understanding how women swing and generate power is extremely important for their success. I would never look at a female golfer and not see the potential to absolutely bomb a golf ball! Positivity is super important for women golfers and they need to understand that besides some distance, they have absolutely no disadvantages when it comes to the game of golf. But most importantly... Keep it FUN!
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you!