I teach all aspects of the game from the driver to the putter, but my favorite parts of the game of golf are the short game and mental approach.

GOLFTEC - Spokane

Josh McKinley

PGA Golf Professional
GOLFTEC - Spokane
Spokane, WA

Golf Professional Since: 2008

How to Find Josh:

Credentials / Certifications:

Golf Digest Best in State Award 2017-18 and 2019-20.
Teacher of the Year, Inland Empire PGA Chapter, 2016 and 2018

Josh McKinley GOLFTEC - Spokane

At GOLFTEC our mission is simple, “To help people play better golf”.

To achieve this, we continue to innovate the most advanced technology used in golf instruction including motion measurement and high definition video.
We also continue to learn as instructors, focusing on the best methods to communicate and tailor golf instruction to each of our players.

Our Certified Personal Coaches have years of instructional experience and they all use the latest golf technology to help players of any age or skill level reach their goals. In addition to all of our indoor services, we offer outdoor and on-course golf lessons at various courses in the area.

Personally, I am a Certified PGA Professional in Teaching and Coaching. I strive to help my players to become better in both the physical and mental parts of the game. Since becoming a full time instructor in 2013, I have taught over 15,000 lessons to players of all levels.

Whether you’re looking to win your club championship, or you’re just getting started with the game, golf lessons with GOLFTEC are the perfect solution for you.

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

I played golf for the first time with my father when I was 12 years old on a little public par 3 course. I chipped in for birdie on 2nd hole, and have been hooked ever since. At first, it was just a fun time to spend with my dad, but quickly became a passion.

When I was getting out of the Army, I was trying to figure out what to do with my life, and golf was still a passion. I knew that a career in golf would be something I would enjoy for my entire life, and decided to pursue it. My first golf job started as 2 days a week in the pro shop at Ko’olau Golf Club in Hawaii, and I quickly worked up to a full time assistant.

After 5 years that included a move back to Oregon and becoming the Head Professional at Aspen Lakes Golf Course, I made the move to being a full time instructor. That is the best move I’ve ever made. I love sharing in the joy of my students’ success, from a beginner hitting a solid shot for the first time to my college players winning a tournament. I enjoy everyday I get to spend helping people play better golf!

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

Being the best coach I can be requires continual learning and growth in my abilities to teach and communicate. I read, and reread, books from some of the best instructors past and present. I attend teaching summits and seminars to interact and learn with and from my peers. And, at GOLFTEC, we have a strong belief in continuing education within the GOLFTEC system, and a network of peers to provide lesson reviews and critiques to help sharpen our skills as instructors.

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

First, I am excited that golf is growing rapidly again. More players have come back to the game and more new players are joining. It’s great to see the game I love continue to expand and include more people!

As a coach, I am very intrigued by the technology that continues to be developed to help people learn the game easier and play better. New advances in high definition video, motion measurement technologies, and mobile video platforms make it easier for me to teach and my students to learn.

On the equipment side, clubs keep making the game easier with more distance and forgiveness every year.

Do you specialize in teaching any facets of the game?

I teach all aspects of the game from the driver to the putter, but my favorite parts of the game of golf are the short game and mental approach.

I love the creativity that the short game allows. What shot is the best option to get close to the hole? High and soft, low and running, mid trajectory with some spin? It is fun helping people learn all the different options available, and then find their most consistent method for finishing close to the hole.

I also really enjoy spending time on the course with my players to help them learn the mental approach to the game. How do you plan out a hole and pick a safe target to avoid penalties and higher scores? How do you plan and execute a good recovery shot to help minimize the damage after a miss? Basically, helping players score their best at their current level of physical ability.

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

If you are an aspiring teaching professional, the best thing you can do is study and observe good, experienced instructors. That can mean reading their books, watching and attending teaching seminars, or taking lessons from them yourself. One of the most valuable experiences is to spend a few hours or a day observing a good coach teaching lessons in person. Just sit in the background and take notes, pay attention not only to their teaching method and drills, but also how they interact and communicate with their students. You can have all the best information in the world, but if you don’t have the skills to communicate it effectively, you won’t be successful in helping your students improve.

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