There are highlights every day in my career, but nothing better than students sending me a nice message about how their golf game has improved.

Golf Professional

Todd McDaniel

PGA Teaching Professional
Greenbrier Country Club
Chesapeake, VA

Golf Professional Since: 2012

How to Find Todd:

Credentials / Certifications:

Trackman Professional Level 2
Top 5 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year 2017 – ClubCorp

Todd McDaniel - Todd McDaniel Golf

Meet Todd McDaniel, PGA
Todd has been a Golf Professional since 2012 and started his career here in Chesapeake, VA, at Greenbrier Country Club. Through the years, he has worked at high-end, exclusive clubs in the D.C./Baltimore area.

Glad to be back in the Tidewater area, Todd is proud to be serving his hometown and helping golfers improve their game. His mission is to help give golfers of all levels the direction they need to play their best golf, achieve their goals and IMPROVE their games.

I am absolutely committed to being the best golf coach I can possibly be. Through hard work, constant self assessment, study, and seeking out the world’s foremost experts in golf.

In addition, Todd uses the #1 training tool on all Tours, TRACKMAN 4.This powerful combination of data, video, and overlay graphics is an indispensable feature of Todd’s Coaching that speeds up the learning curve of any player. Add loads of up-to-date tour player swing video plus data and you have the most sophisticated learning platform available to golf instruction programs with Todd McDaniel in the Hampton Roads area.

I truly have a passion for helping golfers, of all skill levels, improve and enjoy this beautiful game.

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

I started golf late! I had played a handful of times when I was young, but most of my time was focused on baseball, basketball, and wrestling. It wasn’t until I was 22 years old, when I found golf. My brothers and I decided to take my dad out for a Father’s Day round of golf. They day before, we decided to hit some balls at the range. When we arrived, we were told we couldn’t hit balls, because we didn’t have on collared shirts. To the pro’s surprise, we were back in 10 minutes to try again! Ha!

I’ll never forget that range session. I did what every amateur player does, swing the driver as hard as I can! I absolutely hit a rocket and I was hooked from there on out!

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

Social media is a big one for me. With Covid putting a halt on the traveling and in person, social media became a great source. In my area, we do conduct town hall meetings with other local pros to discuss industry topics and best practices.

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

The two trends I am most excited about are:

Quicker/Shorter Events – This allows golf to be more accessible. Not as demanding on the schedule, still fun, and just another option that isn’t the norm.

Fashion Trends – Golf is trying to move away from the stuffy, white collar look. We want golfers to be comfortable and to enjoy this game how they want. Not everyone wants to dress in Peter Millar head to toe. Relax the dress code and lets play golf!

Do you specialize in teaching any facets of the game?

I wouldn’t say I specialize in any facets of the game, but I do mostly work with the Full Swing. However, short game is my favorite piece of the game to work on. Fixing a golfer’s setup can be a game changer in their short game. Most golfers have their setup wrong, which leads to poor shoots around the green.

What sets you apart from other golf professionals?

In my area, I honestly think its my website. Golf Professionals are not good at promoting themselves. This day and age, consumers want something that is fast and easy to use. 90% of my bookings come right from my website and the student can do that without even having to talk to anyone. It’s very convenient for them and myself!

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

In 2022, I will have my own indoor facility. I will be offering instruction, fittings, and repair. As I scale the business, I will be looking to hire more instructors and fitters. This will be a first in my area where players can come in and practice, play, learn, and get fit.

What has been your most challenging experience with a student and how did you handle it? How did you overcome it?

Negativity. When working with a student, I’ll often hear, “I can’t do that!” Well, the student hasn’t even tried it yet, nor put in enough effort. I literally tell the student “you can, but give it time.”

We go through the positions, feedback stations, and training aids. At the end, I let the ball flight do the talking and their attitude changes right away.

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

I don’t play competitive, I am just too busy with the business and my family. I will play in some 2 man sections events, but I go out there to have fun with my peers.

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

There are highlights every day in my career, but nothing better than students sending me a nice message about how their golf game has improved. Nothing is better than that and that is my “WHY.”

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

Our industry is different than most. We work when everyone else has off (holidays/weekends). This industry can be demanding, so whatever you choose to do, make sure you find balance. Find a great mentor and ask a lot of questions. There are so many things to do in this industry and teaching can be the most rewarding.

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