Zack King - KingProGolf / Dairy Creek GC
I have been teaching and completing professionally since 2005 after graduating from Cal Poly. I started KingProGolf in 2011. I became a PGA member in 2014.
I believe in educating my golf students. Every golfer has their own swing style and body patterns. I like to take what a golfer already has and show them why it works and where it breaks down. My unique and effective teaching methods are based on developing a solid foundation, biomechanics, understanding habits, and assessing the body’s capabilities. My methods help golfers be more efficient, more educated, and prepared to play at their best.
How old were you when you got started in golf and what eventually pulled you into becoming a golf professional?
I have always been in the game of golf. I have pictures of me in diapers holding a putter. My first round was at age 3 and I began competing at age 7. Growing up I played as many sports as I could. Baseball, Basketball, and Club Soccer. I grew up in the beach town of Ventura where I learned to surf at a young age. With a solid mix of athletics I learned to use my body as an athlete. As a junior I was fortunate enough to travel the country competing in golf. In 2000 I started my college career at Cal Poly were I played on the division I golf team. In 2005 after graduating college I decided to turn professional both competitively and professionally. In 2014 I became a class A PGA while living and working in the Bay Area.
Helping others in the game has always been a passion of mine. My understanding of the competitive side, a background as an athlete, and my ability to communicate the cause and effects of the biomechanics of the golf swing has given me a unique ability to better golfers games effectively.
How do you stay current with the latest developments in teaching methods?
The biomechanics of the golf swing from some of histories most iconic Golf figures has not changed all that much. The part of golf that has changed is the equipment and technology of the game. We now have the ability to watch a golf swing at 240 frames per second at the palm of our hands. Or dissect the efficiency of a swing or equipment in a device that can fit in our bag. There is no more guessing of how the magic of a pure golf swing happens. We have the ability to teach that magic to any golfer that is physically and mentally able to take on the challenge. I personally have developed a system build around athletic movements that help training golfers effectively and efficiently even if I have to trick them into moving the way I want them to. Golfers tend to move in patterns. The toughest part of teaching is changing a golfers normal pattern and create a process to make it stick.
What are 2 trends in golf that you’re excited about?
I am excited about the diversity of golfers that is growing in the game. This change has allowed the game to be played all around the world and now in the Olympics.
I am also excited about how the golf industry has diversified itself to make entering the game less scary. Top Golf, Top Tracer, virtual simulators, video games, the First Tee, and your local golf pro’s innovative ideas are making a big difference in bringing excitement to the game.
Do you specialize in teaching any facets of the game?
I specialize in the footwork of the golf swing. This is the movement from your feet to your hips and is your foundation to movement. Every sport out there first teaches footwork. I believe that is where golfers should learn too. My YouTube slogan is “If your feet aren’t working, then your swings not working.” And I truly believe it.
What sets you apart from other golf professionals?
The three areas that I feel set me apart are my competitive experience at a national level, athletic background that allows me to relate to where a student is coming from, and My ability to visually breakdown a golf swing in my mind to the point I can feel what the golfer is doing in their swing.
What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for you personally or professionally?
I have been working on growing my teaching and branding through being a YouTube Creator for the past year. I have now over 40+ instructional videos on a variety of different aspects of the game. I work to put out videos on a weekly basis. It’s fun to watch the channel grow and the reach of the platform of KingProGolf being viewed all around the world. Even more amazing to me is only 45% of my views are originating in the USA. I am looking to continue growing my abilities in this arena as well as growing my businesses offerings through my website and teachings.
What has been your most challenging experience with a student and how did you handle it? How did you overcome it?
Every golfer I think of them as a puzzle. The process of putting them back together is a challenge but also extremely rewarding. I can’t nail down one experience but I enjoy working with all of my clients.
Do you actively play competitive golf? Any recent bragworthy performances you’d like to share?
I competed for over 30 years straight until 2018 when I went through a life saving surgery on one of my kidneys. The year after I focused on recovery. Then when Covid hit I became a part time teacher for my children. So competition has not been at the top of my list the last couple of years. I did get to play in an event recently and was able to finish 3rd shooting 67. My game is feeling very good right now and am looking forward to getting out to compete more in the future.
Is there a highlight from your career in golf that stands out above the rest?
In 2015 I competed in the PGA National Championship by qualifying 2nd in a playoff at the NorCal Section Championship (68-68: 136). At the PGA National championship I got to play all 4 rounds finishing 41st. It was a great experience where I learned a lot about myself and my game.
Any advice for someone considering pursuing a career as a golf teaching professional?
Being a Teaching Professional is a great career for a person who wants to dedicate their life to helping others. From a mentor to the youth, to helping seniors become more confident in their ability to move. Golf is a community connected worldwide. This opens the door to an infinite amount of possibilities in the industry. My advice to someone interested in the pursuit is to become a student of all types of movement. Then learn to relate back to the golf swing. Keep it simple, easy to understand, and easy to implement.