I take a big picture view when teaching from mechanics to the mental game, but swing plane has become an area of focus.

BJ Hathaway

PGA Golf Professional
Augusta Golf Instruction
,

Golf Professional Since: 2005

How to Find BJ:

Credentials / Certifications:

Ben Hogan Ambassador Professional
Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Level 2 Golf Coach
Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certified Junior Coach 2
Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certified Level 1 Fitness
Author: Master of Chipping: Short Game Lessons from Augusta
Author: Master of Impact: Golf is a Contact Sport
Contributing Writer: GolfInstruction.com
Hank Haney Associate Professional 2
The Mind Factor Master Coach
New Rules Golf Coach
Certified Golf Coaches Association
K-vest TPI 3D Certified Instructor 1
Medicus Golf Certified Instructor
The Golfing Machine Authorized Instructor
Stack & Tilt® Network Instructor
USGTF Instructor
SKLZ Golf Staff Professional
V1 Golf Faculty Trainer

BJ Hathaway - Augusta Golf Instruction

I began golf at an early age and was always interested in improving and learning about the golf swing which eventually led to the creation of Augusta Golf Instruction. We work hard every year to improve our offerings to help golfers improve and enjoy the game and now offer balance plate, 3D movement analysis, and other technologies in our indoor studio.

How old were you when you got started in golf and what eventually pulled you into becoming a golf professional?

I had never heard of golf until age ten when my parents took me to the practice rounds at the Masters. I was able to see Nicklaus and Palmer and how they hit the ball low and it rose up quickly which fascinated me. When we got home luckily my neighbor’s brother had some clubs, and that’s the short story of what got me started. Even as a child I was very interested in figuring out how to swing the club properly and that interest led me to eventually teaching the game.

How do you stay current with the latest developments in teaching methods?

I have always been a reader of current and historical documents on swing mechanics and I typically go through at least one certification course a year on new methods and ideas.

What are 2 trends in golf that you’re excited about?

I think growing the game and helping golfers interests me more than trends.

Do you specialize in teaching any facets of the game?

I take a big picture view when teaching from mechanics to the mental game, but swing plane has become an area of focus.

What sets you apart from other golf professionals?

I make an effort to be extremely thorough whenever possible and try to make people feel comfortable and welcome.

What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for you personally or professionally?

I have a new interest in hickory clubs and how they perform compared to new equipment so that will be a new area of study and testing.

Do you actively play competitive golf? Any recent bragworthy performances you’d like to share?

No, teaching keeps me busy so that I’m lucky to even have time to practice much less play.

Is there a highlight from your career in golf that stands out above the rest?

The first lesson that I gave was to a former PGA Tour player. He had played in the Masters and U.S. Open as well as regular Tour events and was a two-time All American at Georgia. I was as nervous as could be, but he was as kind and normal of a person as you could meet and we had a great time.

Any advice for someone considering pursuing a career as a golf teaching professional?

Study swings, read all the time, get to know good teachers and ask them questions. Also take advantage of some of the good teaching courses and summits.

The Backswing Fix

Delivered to Your Inbox

Get swing tips delivered to your inbox every week.