Trevor Cassidy - El Caballero Country Club
El Caballero Country Club is the premiere club of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. I’ve been a part of the El Cab golf staff for over 6 years and I’m so glad to be here. I have a passion for problem-solving and teaching the golf swing has been a great outlet for that. A golf swing is so personal–even more so than a thumbprint. Your thumbprint is uniquely and truly yours, and so is your golf swing. But you can change your golf swing. You have agency over it. To help somebody try to improve on something so personal is a privilege that I treasure.
How old were you when you got started in golf and what eventually pulled you into becoming a golf professional?
My dad and I took our first lesson together. I was 6. I didn’t really get into golf until I was on a high school team and had people to practice and play with on a consistent basis. After graduating from Cal Poly with a cum laude degree in Landscape Architecture, I decided to try becoming a golf pro until I disliked it or got bored. I’m still a golf pro, so I guess I like it and I’m not bored. I want to be around the game forever, and PGA golf pro is a great way to do that.
How do you stay current with the latest developments in teaching methods?
I follow different instagram accounts of instructors with wildly different philosophies. I also chat with other PGA friends I have about lessons I’ve given to get their perspective and what they might see differently.
I’ve been lucky enough to work at a facility with Tasha Bohlig, a Golf Digest Top Young Teacher to go along with many other accolades. Being able to pick her brain and learn from her daily has been huge for my development as an instructor.
What are 2 trends in golf that you’re excited about?
About a decade ago, Jack Nicklaus was pushing for more golf courses to be built with fewer holes. I think 12, 6, or even 3 hole courses are a great way to play golf in a limited time span. On an hour lunch break, you could totally go and play a 3-hole course. That’s a trend that hasn’t taken off yet, but I think it should. A second trend that I’m liking is the expansion of TopGolf and similar competing businesses. I think bringing people to a driving range with food, drinks, and even a swimming pool if you’re in Las Vegas is a great way to bring people to the game who never would’ve tried it otherwise. Dairy Creek in San Luis Obispo, CA was a golf course I played a lot in college. They’re now a 9-hole facility with some practice holes (the Cal Poly golf team practice facility), and a Swing Time TopTracer practice facility that brings nighttime party atmosphere to golf that is perfect for a college town.
Do you specialize in teaching any facets of the game?
I wouldn’t say I necessarily specialize in any one facet, but there are parts I like teaching more than others. I love teaching short game. Not only is it the most important part of the game, but so many people overlook simple but monumental aspects of it.
What sets you apart from other golf professionals?
My youth is definitely a positive thing for my “brand” as a golf professional. I just turned 29 and have been a PGA pro for 3 years. I’ve been playing golf for 22 years. My experience combined with my youth is unique.
What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for you personally or professionally?
I’m getting married next October! That’s pretty exciting.
Do you actively play competitive golf? Any recent bragworthy performances you’d like to share?
I play competitively when I can. Last year I took 2nd in the Northern Chapter Stroke Play Championship after shooting 65 and losing in a playoff. I took 2nd in the 2021 Garmany Golf Pebble Beach Pro-Am after shooting 78-74-74. Lost by 1 stroke. The game is almost there…one day.
Is there a highlight from your career in golf that stands out above the rest?
I have 4 holes-in-one and an albatross. 3 of those were in competition. Pretty fun memories.
Any advice for someone considering pursuing a career as a golf teaching professional?
If you like playing golf, maybe consider a different career. In my experience and the experience of most of my PGA friends, you spend a lot of time in the shop and some time on the lesson tee. By the time you’re done with work, even if you do get to play your facility for free, a lot of the time you just want to go home. It’s tough working in the shop 6:30-2:00, then being on the lesson tee 2:00-5:00. In the summer that’s still enough time for 18 holes but…it’s exhausting.