Give the gift of GOLF for the Holidays! Gift Certificates for golf lessons!
Full Swing, Short Game, Putting, Playing, and Private Lessons for All Ages
Full Swing, Short Game, Putting, Playing, and Private Lessons for All Ages
I learned very early in my teaching career that we all swing the club the way we think. If we change the way we think, our body will change the way it swings.
Understanding and owning this concept takes us on a much simpler and far more satisfying journey to both golf improvement, and especially enjoyment!
Let me assist you in your own journey to better golf!
In 1983, I became the First Assistant to legendary, award-winning, Southern California PGA Golf Professional, Richard Chavez. Three years later, I was the Head Golf Professional at Twin Lakes Golf Course in Goleta, California.
My love for the game of golf set me on a course of both playing and especially teaching.
I have always enjoyed passing on my expertise through teaching, whether it was Hang Gliding, martial arts, auto mechanics, drums, water skiing, mentoring ice hockey officials, coaching High School golf or being a Certified PGA golf instructor.
Golf has always been my true passion and I know in my heart that sharing my coaching expertise in putting, chipping, full swing, playing strategy and dealing with the voices in our heads, is what I enjoy most and do best.
Engaging our mind in visualization and attention to feedback from our bodies, rather than a long list of things to "do" correctly each time we endeavor to move the ball, is a worthy exercise.
It is a privilege to be a Certified PGA Golf Instructor here at Painted Desert Golf Club!
I look forward to helping you enjoy this great game as much as I do!
Why me?
I have seen literally tens of thousands of swings in my 39 years of coaching golf. Many beginning players as well as experienced players, focus their time and attention on the right side of the golf swing. They start the initial movement back and away from the ball with their arms and hands, up to the "top of the back swing", then quickly down to the ball where they attempt to "hit" the ball with the club using primarily the muscles in their back, shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. They commonly neglect the left side of the swing, from the impact area at the ball up and around to the true goal of the golf swing...the final, balanced finish position.
When these players simply focus their feel and attention on the left side of the swing from the ball up to the balanced finish position using their active lower body, followed by the "passive / re-active" upper body, their swing dramatically changes and their ball flight, direction, and distance instantly improves!
We all have hit shots that felt "perfect"... Solid, in the center of the club face, dead straight and long! The ball seemed to stay in the air a very long time. We stood there in a perfectly balanced finish position and wondered, perhaps out loud, "what did I just do there...I want to do that again"!
Let me show you what I believe you already know how to perform: a simple, tension-free, balanced golf swing ending in a beautiful finish with your eyes watching the ball soar toward its intended target!
Schedule a lesson now by clicking the Book a Lesson Now box on the home page or call me at 702-592-1516 or fill out the easy contact form below.
You will not regret spending time with me and if you are not thrilled with the results, I won't charge you a dime!
If you are thrilled, you can join the 90+% of first time students who, after their first session, sign up for a series of lessons which includes full swing, short game, putting, and playing strategies.
Please read the TESTIMONIALS below. I appreciate your interest!
Fairways and Greens,
Matt Dettman
Certified PGA Teaching Professional
Painted Desert Golf Club
(702) 592-1516
Often ignored, the pre-shot routine is used by ALL accoplished players. The golf swing is 10% technique, 40% setup; aim, posture, stance, hand position and 50% imagination and visualization.
I am continually humbled working with so many wonderful humans!
Thanks to all who took the time to write these testimonials.
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Matt is the best instructor I've ever had. He thoroughly explains the mechanics to help you understand how to improve. If one concept doesn't work then he has a whole artillery of examples until something helps. He is very patient but my favorite part is his humor.
I look forward to my lessons with him because I know it will be an amazing time.
Rating: 5
Good job and thank you for your hard work!
Stephanie L. Las Vegas
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Had a 9 hole on-course lesson yesterday for myself and my mother,..... it was an awsome experience, worth every penny.... Matt was very inciteful and detailed in our deficiencies with the golf club and likewise...... " not to pay attention to the golf ball" Our "Grip it and Rip it" right hand control was so wrong and what a difference it made to just loosen up a bit. Matt was very informative, precise and of course playful at the same time in explaing some very cool tips, allowing for us to cut out some silly unecessary miss-hit shots. My mother was in town visiting from Scotland and will be taking some of these tips back home to the cold coastal links of the homeland. Matt as a golfer, as a teacher, is a must to allow you to "stop thinking too much" and just play the game,..... along with some of the reasonings behind why we tend to overthink things. Happy Golf - Happy Times. Ewart + Kathlene W.
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I worked with Matt last summer for a package of six lessons. We worked on a couple of things from set up to holding the club and my swing pattern. I don't think I'm a bad golfer to start with, but there were definitely some things that I could improve on.
Matt was able to pick out my strengths and weaknesses and get me on a consistent path. I won'tlie, my handicap went up a couple of points after the lesson stopped, but is now the lowest it has ever been at a 10.2.
The thing I like the most about Matt is that he was not there to change the way I hit the golf ball, but improve my ability to hit the golf ball. Thanks.
Bryan. Las Vegas
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I had the best range session in my life. Was able to move the ball comfortably up and down my stance to try draws and fades.
Ed P. Las Vegas
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Hey Matt!
So great to meet you this evening, thanks for 5 min of game changing instruction... At a post work conference mixer... My mind is blown. Hard to believe that in 5 min of joking and talking golf with you (felt more like chatting with an old friend) that you had me hitting the ball further and straighter than I ever have... with half the effort. Definitely going to look you up next time I am in Vegas so we can play 18 and see what an actual golf lesson could do for my game. Thank you! - Jordan D
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"I fix YouTube swings"
~Matt Dettman
And one by one, he has dismantled every BS idea I had about the golf swing I'd learned and tried (unsuccessfully) from Golf Channel, YouTube, Instagram etc.
Then he said, "This is going to change your life."
For years I've joked about writing a book called, "Fire Your Inner Swing Coach," that I was going to publish as soon as I learned how to do it, myself. Well, that's what Matt teaches on a daily basis! All those "tutorial" videos have done is muddled my brain and confused my body.
Matt has started to teach me, "nothing."
No thought.
No, "trying-to-do."
Nothing but allowing "it" to happen.
And that, has changed my life. Golfing life at least, haha!
Thanks, Matt!
Kurtis Las Vegas
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Until yesterday, Matt had given me two official lessons. One cured my putting yips and the other cured my chipping yips. He has also shared some thoughts about the full swing, but these I rejected out of hand mainly because I have been a reasonably decent ball striker for a long time.
A serious illness in my late 50s curtailed my golf for a number of years, and it's been a difficult search for my old swing since recommitting to the game two seasons ago. Recently in frustration I sent Matt, who lives two states away, an email containing a list of my swing-related issues.
Yesterday he called me up and basically gave me a lesson over the phone. He talked about some of the same things he mentions in his home page video, but it was tailored to my particular game, with which he's rather familiar since we have played together on a number of occasions.
Today I went to the driving range, anxious to try out for real what I had imagined in my living room after talking to Matt. It was like magic! It only took about ten swings to figure it out, and from there I was hitting it pretty much where I was aiming with at least my normal carry, if not a little more. It was so easy to hit the ball flush that I couldn't believe it.
Robert P.
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The game of golf, what a beautiful thing. But if you think you will learn the true heart of this amazing game by watching a bucket load of YouTube videos, you will be missing a key ingredient in moving your game from a series of mindless mechanical movements in hitting a little ball, to training your behavior to think about your swing differently. That is what Matt Dettman does so masterfully. He will guide the way you think about your game to help you evolve to love the game. You will definitely become a better player. He communicates game changing practices and does it with humor, intentionality, and technical skill that will change your relationship with your experience with golf. Stop watching another video and spend money hiring Matt: one day you will look back and say to yourself , "I love this game".
David K. Las Vegas
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Matt Dettman- Certified PGA Golf Instructor: One part skilled golf instructor / enthusiast; one part caring human being, and all parts a person who loves the game of golf and yearns for your game to be the best it can be.
Karl D. Summerlin
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Hey Matt! My first round after your lesson, I shot a 91, which is a personal best. I usually shoot in the low 100's, so this was a big deal to me. Matt fixed my massive slice that would cause me many issues on the course. Your patience and fundamental understanding for teaching golf is unmatched! In just 2 lessons with Matt, it completely changed my game for the better and I couldn't recommend someone more.
Tyler M
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Fantastic Matt,
I started this season with one goal in mind was to get better and more consistent. With your advice and tips now and again there has been some major improvements in my game. I've really learned to trust the swing and take my head out of the game or as you say "don't over think it".
On that note on the course yesterday, par 70 and I shot a 79 best round in my life.
Matt, thank you so much for your wisdom and advise on the game of golf, you are the best at what you do, keeping the game fun.
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The title of Certified PGA Instructor is no easy title to obtain. And yet there are many Certified PGA Instructors out there. But with Matt Dettman as your golf instructor, you can count on someone who cares deeply about teaching you how to think in new ways about your game. Whether you're 15, 45 or 65 years old, Matt will guide you, encourage you, and share with you proven, time-honoring approaches to learn how to perfect the most beautiful swing. I promise he will turn the amazing game of golf from just a series of series of robotic steps to a relaxing fluid swing that puts a ginormous smile on your face. Joe R.
St George Utah
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Hey Matt,
reporting back with some GREAT NEWS. After our hour together at the range on Friday I was able to go out and break into the 70's for the first time. This was a huge improvement from what I had going on earlier in the week. Thx for simplifying things and getting me on the right track to a tension free golf swing. Looking forward to more improvement. 👍⛳️⛳️
Rick P. Las Vegas
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As an avid golfer and a single digit handicap I am always fascinated how hard the game can still be for me ! I have had many lessons over the years and by some pretty prominent pro's. I have gotten stuck with over analyzing and just the opposite by trying to be too "Zen". When I met Matt, he offered 9 holes to just play with him ! Wow I thought nothing to lose. I played well and even drove a green, two over par, who needs lessons ???? Matt was quiet the whole time just personal talk. Then we got to work and wow !! He can get as technical as you want or be just the opposite, what I realized is that he was sizing me up as the best way to teach me! And that he did! After every lesson I learned something new but more importantly easy to remember and take to the course ! He's a teacher through and through with a concept that works and can be retained !Thank you Matt and don't spill the wine my friend ;) — Jon M. Las Vegas
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Happy new year Matt! I played twice since we last had a lesson. 94, 93. Which is average 15 strokes better than before I started lessons. —Dominic, Las Vegas
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Hey Matt. I finally got the feeling of the club pulling away from me. It was definitely new, as it felt like I was coming off the ball, but wasn't. After that I kept repeating it, and probably hit the best bucket of balls in my life. See you Thursday. —Ed
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Read this review!!!! STOP WASTING your time watching swing videos and book a lesson series with Matt. Let me tell you why… Most importantly, Matt can teach. He has a special talent of getting you to understand the golf swing. He explains it so well and makes it easy to understand. We have all had that person in our life who can just explain it better so we can finally understand it. Matt is that person when it comes to golf. I doesn’t matter your handicap, you will get way better. I am jumping up and down with excitement on the changes in my game. It is unbelievable!! I am an experienced golfer and used to be a 4 handicap swinging what I thought was correct. I was swinging hard and making the swing way more difficult. Now, with Matt’s instructions, I am developing an effortless swing, hitting it longer and more accurate. My body is no longer sore, no more back pain after pounding balls. He has not tried to band aid my swing or even CHANGE my swing. He just explains it and tells you why. Then suddenly, you are flushing shots with little effort. Also very important, Matt is super nice and you instantly feel like he has been a friend of yours for years. AlI I can say is if you love golf and want to really improve, reward yourself with a lesson series with Matt. It has been one of the single best decisions of my life. I mean that too. You will be blown away and jumping up and down with excitement when you see the improvements. —Joe (Midland, Texas)
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Matt, you taught my best friend Joe too well! —Kelly (Midland, Texas)
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After booking my golf lessons with Matt, I soon started to see an improvement with my swing and my overall game. I can't thank him enough! 5 stars! —Braidon (Las Vegas)
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Matt, Thank you so much for improving my game in just 6 short lessons. I appreciate the way you didn't try to change my whole game, but rather just tweaked and fixed the flaws that you saw. When I came to you I was shooting in the mid to high 90's, now shooting consistently in the 80's. Thank you for making golf fun again! I highly recommend you for anyone that wants to improve their game! —Rick S.
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Matt is the best golf coach ever. After having some time with Matt working on my golf swing, learning the physics behind the swing, he had me hitting the ball with my eyes closed. (I had trouble hitting the ball with my eyes open, lol) An unbelievable, positive experience with Matt! Looking forward to more sessions with Matt & improving my game. —Jim - Belle Plaine, MN
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I started playing 30 years ago but I quit because I wasn’t getting any better. We recently decided to take up golf again so I decided to do it right and take a lesson from Matt. After the first lesson I started to see the improvements and I enjoy the game a lot more. Thanks Matt. I’ll be taking more lessons very soon. —Isaac. LAS Vegas
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Matt is an excellent golf instructor. I was struggling with some mental golf demons and Matt not only diagnosed the problem, but also helped me fix them almost instantly! His knowledge of the game is unbelievably deep!
Regardless of what level you may be or what issues you are having, Matt is your guy! —James N. Las Vegas
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Matt can fix what you got going on in 10 seconds. After my first lesson with him he brought me from a 90's golfer to an almost breaking 80's golfer.
Please go through Matt! —Nico Las Vegas
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Hey Matt, it's Nico. First Of all you need to be charging more, you are spectacular, if there is somewhere you want me to leave you a review just let me know and I would love to, second, do you think you can send me the videos that you took of my swing? I asked somebody to take a video of my swing that you taught me and I flushed it, so I want to compare the two swings and show another friend how effective lessons are. —Nico Las Vegas
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I'm in the 70th year of my young life. Last year I decided to start playing golf again after a 30-year hiatus. I never took a golf lesson before so after a year of trying to figure out how to "play" golf, I decided to take some lessons. I was lucky enough to meet Matt on the driving range and that's where the whole thing started. Bottom line: after 6 sessions with Matt I'm now "playing" golf and having fun, not just swinging my way through 18 holes of frustration. As a retired educator I can tell you, Matt is not just a great golf coach, he is a superb communicator, motivator, and just makes the game fun! Thank you Matt, I'll be back for more. —Chris B. Las Vegas
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Just had a playing lesson today with Matt and this guy didn’t miss a lick, I am a 10 handicap and have been a student of the game for 30 yrs. Matt is so easy to relate to and best of all doesn’t try to cloud your mind with a bunch of meaningless swing thoughts, he keeps it so simple and takes what he sees and helps refine your swing without trying to rebuild it. Today’s lesson was by far the most productive lesson I have had, I would highly recommend spending some time with Matt, worth every minute and will make your practice time fun again. —Jim P Las Vegas
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Where do I start...I have decided to take golf seriously this year. I was your typical weekend warrior, or maybe on the course once a month. I needed a bit of help as I was suffering from a strong push slice. Coach Matt, I say respectfully, renewed my love for the sport. He made changes without changing my swing. He goes much more in depth about your mindset and instilling belief in your swing and game. I've been a strong hitter, but my iron play has turned pure and I have added 20 yards easily. His teaching method based on feel and belief is one-of-a-kind. I can now choose to play a draw or fade, flop or punch. Coach Matt, thank you for your instruction and friendship. I have found my coach and this is only the start. Top Notch PGA Instructor.You have to call him today.
One lesson will have you hooked and you'll note very fast improvements. —Chris H.
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I shot +1 for a 73 today! Thank you for everything. I keep improving my game. I will be in touch for that final lesson on the course to talk strategy. You've really changed every aspect of my game and I can't thank you enough. —Chris H. ____________________________
"Matt, your instruction has been a total game-changer! You improved my game immeasurably, and have given me a whole new love for golf! —Derek S.
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If anyone is looking for golf lessons I would highly recommend going to Matt D! He gives extremely useful advice on all swings. He has literally helped shave 30 strokes off my game in the last 9 months. Without him showing me the proper way to swing, I don't think that would have been possible. Not to mention he does so while keeping a stress free fun environment to hit/play. —Drew W.
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I haven't played golf or even been to the range in almost 5 years. When I dusted off my clubs this fall and went to the range I quickly found out that I lost the average swing that I used to have. I was forcing and muscling every shot which created the dreaded outside to in swing path and massive slice. I contacted Matt after I grew frustrated after a few times on the range and worked out a lesson plan with him. After a few minutes into our first lesson, he simply explained a few fundamentals, talked me out of the tension in my hands, arms and upper body, and had me hitting the balls effortlessly . Now after only 3 lessons, I feel like he has done a tremendous job finding where my swing was, coaching me to where it needs to be without complicating it with a bunch of jargon about angles, swing planes and what-not. Matt presents things easily and coaches you into how the swing should feel which I have found to be TREMENDOUSLY helpful. I want to simply say "thank you Matt !" You have made me enjoy the game so much more. I would definitely recommend Matt to anyone who wants to improve from where they are now. —Keith A. ____________________________
Matt has improved every part of my golf game. His instruction is clear, concise, and easy to follow. He used great analogies that connect to golf. I enjoy the game now more than ever! —James B.
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Matt, THANK you so much for the club fitting session today! Both Jeff and I learned so much and you are extremely talented in explaining how (and more importantly, to me) and the “whys” on how to improve our grip, stance and swing. I would HIGHLY recommend golfers to seek you out (if you need me to contact any doubters, just let me know!)I’m hoping we’ll be able apply everything we learned! You really made Jeff’s birthday memorable and I’m sure he’ll be keeping in touch with you😉. —Joyce & Jeff from So. CA
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Hey Coach Matt, this is Rodrigo from top golf Las Vegas today. Not sure if you remember me but I was wearing a black soccer jersey. Thank you for fixing my draw by allowing me to change my grip pressure to gain explosive power that felt effortless. Was very nice talking golf with you today, thanks for all the help. I currently play club golf at cal poly Pomona and shoot around 80-81 on an average 18 holes, this drill helped me tremendously, never figured changing grip pressure could help so much. —Rodrigo
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I literally just had the best range day of my life! Best ball striking that I can remember and I'm barely holding on to the club. Maybe 75% swing! —Brian C, Las Vegas
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With a few tweaks Matt improved my swing.I appreciated that he did not try and change my swing. He just added a few bonuses to it. And as I striped the ball farther and straighter with less effort he said, "And the angels sing"! —Jack S Southern California
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Hey Matt. Just wanted to say that I'm enjoying golf! I'm not shooting in the 70's but I have minimized my margin of error. You have given me great thought sequence and actual cues and techniques to focus on or use to understand and correct. Cannot wait for my next lesson! —Donna S.
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My wife and I aren’t new to golf, but stopping and starting is not the way to enhance your game. Then I was introduced to Matt and he knew how to get things rolling and the enthusiasm back for this great game. I kind of knew the basics but it was too wooden and mechanical which is not what Matt teaches. He wants you to free your mind and play loose and light which brings results which makes you very happy. The more you can keep that little voice inside you from being distracting, and learn that the golf swing can be free from tension and therefore free flowing, yet purposeful. Then you’re in business. Matt is so good at explaining his concepts and and getting them across which is much more than what I’ve gotten from previous instructors. He has taught my wife to play and that has allowed us to enjoy the golf course as a couple. What more can I say? He has been my mentor and friend, and that’s why I can recommend him wholeheartedly without reservation. You might be able to learn golf from someone else, but you won’t have nearly the fun and the dedication Matt brings to it. —Dr. Richard M.
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I am 34 years old and have been golfing since I was 18. I have taken maybe 4 or 5 lessons in my lifetime because I have always been self-taught by watching tons of YouTube videos.I met Matt Dettman at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando this spring while I was watching the comeback of Tiger Woods. I am a MasterCard holder and they had free putting lessons with selected PGA Professionals and Matt was my draw! And boy, I am glad he was my instructor. From the moment he started to evaluate my putting stroke, we just clicked. We spent a little extra time talking about my golf swing and game. I took one of his cards and was on my way. A few weeks later back home in Iowa, I texted Matt and asked if I could fly back to Florida and take a 2-day golf lesson. We decided on 9 hours of instruction and Matt shared with me some of the best concepts of the golf swing I have ever come across since I have been playing. Now that I am back home and have been implementing my new stuff, I have definitely improved my game all around. I record my swings and upload them to his app and he calls me to help every time! You won't be disappointed if you take golf lessons from Matt! I am looking forward to doing follow up lessons in Vegas towards the end of summer!Thank you Matt! —Kameron K. Iowa 5-2018
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I’ve taken lessons from some very well-respected professionals, including one whose name most golfers would recognize. However, I have never improved as dramatically after one lesson as I did with Matt Dettman. Although I was once a pretty decent putter, for the last five or six years I have suffered from putting yips. As a remedy I tried different putters, different grips, various sizes and shapes of putter grips, lead tape, you name it, but nothing worked. In my first putting lesson Matt put a Directed Force putter in my hands and then worked with me on my stroke and grip pressure. That was three months ago and I’ve yet to make a single yip stroke since. I cannot say enough good things about Matt and how much he’s helped me. —Bob Peck, Author of Golf Pro, Austin, Texas
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I’m finding your guidance about moving my weight distribution back to my heels at address has provided more consistency, distance and accuracy. Flop shots w/ the 56 & 60 degree clubs have surprised my playing partners. Putting has suffered as the club I play most doesn’t do a good job on poa annua. The greens are bumpy and the ball doesn’t roll true. I’m always around the hole; not in it. My handicap is now down to 11; from an 18 when we started working together in spring 2017. —Greg K. ______________________<up> _______
Great lessons, each lesson takes you to the next level. Each one is a carryover from the last. I have already talked to Matt about 3 more in May before I head back north. Matt, feel free to let people contact me. —Jeff M.
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Great lesson yesterday. Played Crescent Oaks today and lowered my score by 8 strokes. Learning how to relax was paramount with me. Thanks, —Jeff M.
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I have been golfing for over 25 yrs and have always been a “grip it and rip it” golfer. In my younger years, I fought the slice and usually the slice won. I was able to adjust and get my handicap to 15 but I could not understand why I was being out-driven and always all over the course versus within the fairway. Matt has helped me calm down my swing and use my whole body versus just my arms. I swing easier and hit the hall farther with significantly less effort. I have increased my understanding of the dynamics of the swing and look forward to fixing my short game. I recommend Matt as not only an excellent teacher of the swing but also as a person who can simplify your approach to the game.. —Tom W.
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I took my last lesson set of 5 yesterday, I can not wait to put the whole package together, and take it to the golf course. I got the lesson's, is up to me to in put the time. After the first lesson, I was feeling confident I can take it to the golf course. Matt understands and explains everything very easy, and visually, which is what I am, a visual and feel player, I don't even use gloves, everything is about visual and feel. I got my draw on my shots back, which I have lost, it is my shot shape since my first lesson in 2001. That is how I know I'm hitting the ball as I'm suppose too. That was gone and it drove me crazy, plus when that draw is not there, I know I'm in trouble. Matt was able to identify what I was doing wrong, and set me up properly. Since I have taken so many lesson's, it was easy for me to get the feel of what I was doing wrong, "Not setting up Square" was my big fault.
Also chipping was fixed after one lesson. Putting was fixed after one lesson. Now I got the visuals and all I have to do is put the time to fine tune it and take it back out to the course. Not to brag but my handicap was a 3 five years ago. Then I lost my draw. I started taking lessons with PGA Teaching Professional's as you should. Some pointed me to You Tube videos, Or tried to make me swing like Adam Scott or Justin Rose, which NO ONE SHOULD DO BY THE WAY,. That is just bad. You are you and you would go in a path that you would just get worse and worse watching videos or not finding the proper PGA Teaching pro for you.
So take a lesson, find the Pro that answer your question's, and not just manipulates your body and put it in a position, that your own body, knows is not or does not feel good. For me that was Matt, since he is also a feel player, it was easy for me to understand and apply my own to what we found I was doing wrong. So thank you again. I can't wait to get my game back. —Maximo Vladamir S.
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As a beginner, I went to Matt to learn swing fundamentals. Simple, easy to understand changes in grip, stance, and swing have quickly paid off and I'm routinely swinging through the ball for long, straight shots. What's more, I can take what I have learned and apply at the range and the course with the same results (the consistency still requires practice though!!!). My 8 year old son is enrolled in First Tee at TB Downs. He requested private lessons and after just two of them, he is crisply hitting the ball over 100 yards. Thanks from us both. —Brandon L. and Tommy L.
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Matt's ability to open the world of golf to my wife and I has been nothing short of amazing. We were both new to the game - he met and exceeded all our expectations. We are retired and now live on the 9th fairway of Sand Piper Golf CC. His ability to make the game so enjoyable has opened the door to new friends and experiences. His instructional ability spans all ages, after five of Matt's instructional periods with my grandson (12 yrs old), he is now playing with us. Priceless! —Kevin Kelly _____________________________
"Matt is a knowledgeable golf professional whom I recommend to anyone at any level looking to make improvements in their golf game. In six short lessons, Matt taught me the proper mechanics of a golf swing and has helped to eliminate many of the frustrations I had with learning the fundamentals of the game of golf. Since completing his instruction, I consistently make solid and crisp contact with all of my irons and I am seeing continued improvement in my golf scores. Most important, Matt gave me the confidence in my swing that now makes golfing a much more enjoyable experience." —Marion S.
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Matt is an excellent communicator and instructor on many levels: full swing, short game, putting, course management and on-course psychology. I enlisted his services a day after he provided a swing analysis and found his teaching technique to be clear and straightforward. The results were impressive as my swing was transformed and I began to experience more length and consistency in my shot making. His teaching demeanor is pleasant and engaging. You won't be bogged down mentally with a lot of swing thoughts when you work with Matt. His teaching sessions are enjoyable, with his instructional comments actionable, encouraging and stress-free. I would recommend Matt as a golf instructor for any age golfer, at any skill level. Try him out and see the results for yourself! —Greg K.,
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Thanks Matt! I am more comfortable with my swing now than I have been in a long time. Looking forward to more time on the course than the range in the new year.
"Turn without Tension" is going to make golf FUN! —Gil Cruz
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10 minutes with Matt Dettman...I just started playing the Directed Force Putter and was putting decently but could not understand why I had completely lost confidence on any 3 foot putt. Matt pointed out my alignment was off and suggested a "left hand low" grip. I practiced for 10 minutes with his new suggested grip. I teed off 20 minutes later... and "BAM"... made every putt within 10 feet. So thankful Matt took the time to show me what needed to be done. —Matt Adler, Grande Oaks Country Club
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Since working with Matt and using a new Directed Force putter, I have never putted better in my life! My playing partners constantly comment on what an incredible roll the Reno putter puts on the ball.It's like, if I read it right, it's going in. Even from long distance. My confidence has never been higher. —Steve Hansey, Belleair Country Club
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Putter Fitting Experience
I have been using the Daddy Long Legs spider putter for the past few years and have had great success with it. My only complaint is the way the toe turns in when you sole it on the ground. I find myself fighting this tendency by trying to keep the heel coming through first and on some days I putt lights out and others, not so much.
I contacted Matt after researching the Directed Force putter and met him at the Tampa Bay Downs golf facility to try the Reno putter. Matt was extremely knowledgeable and proceeded to demonstrate and explain all of the "science" behind this putter. We proceeded through the fitting process to arrive at the proper specs.
I left feeling that my future putting issues would be more "stoke related" vs putter related. This putter, when properly fitted, sets up great and requires no manipulation through the stroke. If I can stay out of it's way, this putter rolls the ball beautifully. Matt's patient mannerism made it a great fitting experience.
As a side note, Matt mentioned using this putter from off the green when your lie is in a patch of rough grass....I would never have believed it but if you put the ball back by your back foot and hit down on the ball with a lot of forward shaft lean, the results are amazing... the ball fights through the rough and has so much top spin that it is like it has a second gear when the ball starts rolling on the green. This is hard to explain but you will know what I mean when you try this...if you get the distance control down, it is very surprising. —Ted P., Tampa
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Awesome putter...really rolling the rock. Took less than one round and 45 minutes practicing. Making them from everywhere! Sure your lesson had a lot to do with it. Thanks, now let's get my driver fixed! —Steve Hasley, Belle Air Country Club, Belle Air, Florida
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On Wednesday afternoon we held our traditional multi-vendor demo day here at the club. We invited Matt Dettman to come by and do putter fittings as well. The demo day was scheduled for 12:00 to 4:00. Matt arrived at 8:30 am and spent the entire day meeting with our members and staff who had interest in the putter, educating them about the product and doing a number of fittings. I believe we sold six putters and have a few on the back burner for follow-ups. I personally spent time watching and listening to Matt interact and fit our people. We have had other putter companies for demo days in the past with very little to no success. Although we believe in the product, Matt’s knowledge and ability to connect with the customer really enhanced the fitting experience in a way that made Wednesday a success.I just wanted you to know that we were impressed with Matt and feel you have the perfect guy selling your product!! —Mike Kostelnik, Assistant Golf Professional, Lost Tree Club, North Palm Beach, FL
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If you made it this far, THANK YOU! As an added bonus, if you book a series of lessons with me, I will give you a bonus playing lesson at no charge. Call me for details
Oh Yeah, Putting!
These famous words were uttered by Adam Sandler playing Happy Gilmore. Best line in the movie, BTW!
There are as many ways to putt as there are golfers.
There is however, a relatively short list of similarities that the best putters share, regarding both physical technique and visualization of the task at hand.
"Putting is the most important part of the game". We have all heard this old saw time and time again. Very few players will argue the point. Yet in my many years of teaching, I am continually amazed at how many golfers buy a large bucket of practice balls, then walk right past the putting and chipping greens located ON THE WAY to the driving range! They proceed to hit a few iron shots then grab their driver and hit literally 75 driver shots in a row. Frustrated and worn out, they walk right past the chipping and putting green back to their car.
If you can relate in any way to this exercise, you are NOT alone. I can help you immeasurably in a short period of time!
We play golf from the green back to the tee. The average 100 shooter has 36 or more putts and up to 20 chip shots per round. That adds up to more than HALF of their shots. So logic would dictate they should practice chipping and putting more than half the time they devote to practice.
To quote Bobby Jones, "Anyone who hopes to reduce putting—or any other department of the game of golf for that matter—to an exact science, is in for a serious disappointment, and will only suffer from the attempt".
My 39 years of teaching golf has proved over and over that building muscular controls into our games, which we can perform without concern of state of mind, is the most productive path to becoming a better ball striker, putter and player.
Engaging our mind in visualization and attention to feedback from our bodies, rather than a long list of things to "do" correctly each time we endeavor to move the ball, is a worthy exercise. This is proved when we sometimes surprise ourselves with an exceptionally pure shot and wonder, out loud, "what did I just do there, and why don't I repeat it"?
Join me to help you unlock your existing inner ability and begin playing a different, far more relaxing and rewarding game of golf.
I learned very early in my teaching career that we all swing the club the way we think. If we change the way we think, our body will change the way it swings.
Understanding and owning this concept takes us on a much simpler and far more satisfying journey to both golf improvement, and especially enjoyment!
Let me assist you in your own journey to better golf!
The Six Essentials of the modern golf swing
From the seminal work of Percy Boomer's "On Learning Golf". first printing 1942
Percy Boomer was decades ahead of his time. His book has been the inspiration for hundreds of Golf Instructors including me!
It is important to know that Percy did not teach a "method" for learning golf. He believed as I do, that everyone has a unique swing because everyone has a unique physical and mental make-up.
1. It is essential to turn the body round to the right and then back and round to the left, without moving either way. In other words this turning movement must be from a fixed pivot.
2. It is essential to keep the arms at full stretch throughout the swing—through the turn back, the transition to the forward tun, and the follow through to a beautifully balanced finish.
3. It is essential to allow the wrists to break fully back at the top of the turn back. (much more on this when we get together)!
4. It is essential to delay the actual contact with the ball until as late in the swing as possible.
5. It is essential not to tighten any muscle concerned in the reactive part of the swing (movement above the waist).
6. It is essential to feel and control the swing as a whole and not to concentrate upon any part of it.
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The swing as a whole...there is no back-swing or down-swing...there is just the swing, one and indivisible.
Chain reaction of torque starting with "active" feet, knees, and hips followed by the inevitable, "passive" re-action of the shoulders, arms, hands, and finally the club head.
The Force Center
Centripetal Force produced by the Pivot is what generates club head speed as opposed to upper body strength.
Pivot...
"Active" lower body - proved by the spikes on the bottom of our shoes.
"Passive" upper body - Club head speed is delayed by the passivity of the muscles in the back, shoulders, arms, and hands, unleashing tremendous speed through the impact zone as the club whirls around our anchored "Force Center" gathering up and dispatching the ball with uncontrollable fury, terminating in a relaxed, balanced, inevitable finish position.
Subsequent full swing lessons...
The swing is further developed by instilling in the student, the proper "controls" necessary for building a swing based upon the six proven principles, (above), that are simple, powerful, and dependable, with no concern regarding state of mind.
The "Concentration" fallacy...
Building "controls" rather than concentration. Engaging the mind in matters not concerned with the swing allows our bodies to perform as trained. Relaxed, target-visualization brings the desired result of a satisfactory golf shot by a matter of course, rather than intense, focused concentration.
Learning to play shots by feel...
As the student builds "controls", producing the desired shot is made simple due to the increased confidence in the basic principles of the golf motion.
Putting, chipping and pitching...
We putt as we drive...
Pitching and chipping are simply shorter versions of the full swing with the same principals of the pivot producing the power and feel through body rotation rather than hitting with the shoulders, arms and hands.
Be sure to read the TESTIMONIALS page above.