Kevin Dorsch - Golf Channel Academy with David Impastato
I have been in the golf industry for over 20 years. My expertise can help you with all aspects of your game. I specialize in helping players of all levels experience a holistic approach to improving their golf game. Through analysis of your fitness level, golf swing dynamics, ball flight, short game, putting, and mental game. I will show you your strengths and weaknesses and use that information to create a personalized program to reach your goals, stay motivated, and commit to the process of improvement. I am not a “style” based teacher. I have studied and been a student of many different philosophies over the years. I believe that everyone is different and there is a style that can work for each individual based on their body type, swing type, eye dominance, physical and mental abilities.
The Club at Gateway is a world class facility. Our Golf Channel Academy Learning Center is a great place to train and is open to the public even though the club is private.
How old were you when you got started in golf and what eventually pulled you into becoming a golf professional?
I was 23 when I took up the game. I was hooked from the start and knew this was what I wanted to pursue as a career. I gave up a career in Electronics Engineering to start my first job managing a driving range part time and Starter/Ranger at a local course in Hollywood, Florida part time. After a short time I got a full time job at Miami Shores Country Club and the rest is history.
How do you stay current with the latest developments in teaching methods?
To stay current, I spend a lot of my spare time on teaching forums, online education, the PGA Merchandise Show, watching videos on YouTube, reading books, and talking to great teachers about their methodology.
What are 2 trends in golf that you’re excited about?
I am excited about the trend of professional golfers becoming world class athletes and changing the scope of the game. Also how I see an upturn in the growth of women’s and junior golf in my area.
Do you specialize in teaching any facets of the game?
I would have to say no, I don’t specialize in teaching a specific facet of the game. I have a passion for it all.
If I had to say what is my favorite things to teach, it would have to be the short game. I love spending time being creative and learning new ways to get up and down so I can pass it on to my students.
What sets you apart from other golf professionals?
I have the ability to see things with the naked eye in almost a slow motion kind of way. I still use video, but mostly to show my students what I see. I definitely use a launch monitor to get the numbers, but seeing ball flight is still much more informative to me as a coach. I learned this from being around a lot of old school coaches that emphasize the importance of having a keen eye and a sharp mind.
Understanding swing dynamics and how the body works in the golf swing is key to my teaching. I am able to diagnose a lot of problems through a physical assessment test even before I have a student hit a ball! I love when I ask them questions after a screening and they respond with, “Yeah! How’d you know that?! You haven’t even seen me hit a shot yet!”
What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for you personally or professionally?
I am currently working with a couple of World Long Drive competitors. I can’t wait to see how well they will perform next season after all the work we are doing to improve their efficiency and power. I’ll keep you informed of who they are when they get going next season!
What has been your most challenging experience with a student and how did you handle it? How did you overcome it?
I have had some challenges over the years with players experiencing the yips. I have had a lot of success using a program of over learning without a target to get them to overcome the fear of failure. I change the player’s mental image, including the player’s subconscious self-image to create a confident swing. Over a period of a few weeks, the yips are gone and the player can get back to feeling their shots and scoring better.
Do you actively play competitive golf? Any recent bragworthy performances you’d like to share?
I love to compete but have been sidelined for many years due to injuries. I still try and play a few holes once in a while, but nothing serious. I did shoot a 67 last year at Lost City Golf Club in Atlantis, Florida.
Any advice for someone considering pursuing a career as a golf teaching professional?
If you want to pursue a career as a golf teaching professional, you have to love it. There are a lot of peaks and valleys, meaning good times and bad. The journey is worth it if you don’t mind hard work and making sacrifices along the way. In the end, all the suffering is worth it because the reward is great. The reward I speak of is not money, but the joy of seeing people get excited about improving their golf game and showing their appreciation for all your hard work and dedication. Never give up. Never give in. Fight for your students and keep improving your craft so they see the value in that $125 an hour lesson.