Golf Lessons – Dave James, PGA

Bio

Dave James was elected into the PGA in October of 2002. As the Golf Course General Manager, Dave has been teaching for 30+ years and enjoys making the game fun for students. Growing the game is one of his passions as well as BBQ and being in the outdoors.

Dave was recognized as the Patriot Award Winner of the Nebraska Section of the PGA in 2023. This award is given to someone who demonstrates patriotism and commitment to those who have served the United Sates of America.  Teaching Veterans in the PGA HOPE Program has not only helped the Vets, but he-himself as well.

Dave’s philosophy on teaching to hit the ball straight is… to get the golf swing as compact as possible. Getting your swing set in the back swing is crucial. We have to make sure we can get our wrists cocked at the top of the swing so we can properly release the club at impact. The main reason for having a compact swing is to simplify the range of motion. The more moving parts to the golf swing the more errors we create. How to understand the golf swing? Students must learn the five laws to the golf swing. Two of the laws are for direction and three of the laws are for distance. The laws of the swing are face, path, club head speed, angle of approach and centeredness. Once a student understands the laws the swing will make better sense and the game should be easier to understand.  One of my favorite drills is keep our feet together and pitch balls 15-30 yards with a half swing. Releasing the club properly the student will be shocked how far the ball will travel. 

Dave’s Champs program has propelled juniors to compete at the next level. Several students (including his daughter Olivia) have competed in High School State Golf Tournaments, College Golf Tournaments and PGA Section Events.

He has wife Amy;  children Olivia, David III, Ellie and dogs Ivy & Riley. In the off season you may find Dave out on the water in a duck blind with his son David III. Dave is an active member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney is on the Social Committee and helps with small groups.

Below are Dave’s Lesson prices.