Learn Golf with Philip

5.0 (14)
😊90
💰$60 weekly lessons

I’ve been teaching golf for 10 years and have been a professional for the last 5. As a former college golfer with a +3 handicap, I bring a deep understanding of the game and a passion for helping others improve. My coaching approach focuses on making golf enjoyable while refining technique and building confidence. Whether you're just starting or looking to fine-tune your skills, I'm dedicated to helping you enjoy the game more and play your best golf!

Background checked
Levels taught: Beginners, Intermediates
Teaches: Kids, Teenagers, Adults, Seniors
😊90 Happy student score
🏅Mini-Tour Competitor
📝Certified Club Fitter
🎓10 years coaching
🔥31 Lessons
⭐️Henry Griffits certified teacher club fitter.
As a player, I'm rated:
⛳️ 0Handicap

Reviews

Total reviews14
Average rating
5.0
Frank P.Verified ✓
Level: IntermediateLessons taken: 1
Awesome! Thanks!!
Dylan S
Lessons taken: 1
Phil is very knowledgeable and does a great job of tailoring his teaching style to meet the needs of his clients. I have three daughters that take lessons from Phil, all are in different stages of their game. He has unique and insightful tips for each of them and makes the game enjoyable for all skill levels. We look forward to seeing him every week!
Mary Catherine P
Lessons taken: 1
Philip is an incredibly patient and creative golf instructor; he puts in a lot of effort to build meaningful relationships with his clients, which enhances the learning environment. He carefully makes bite-sized adjustments to my swing, making this daunting process realistic for new golfers like myself.
Toren H
Lessons taken: 1
Philip is easy to get along with and his teaching style is easy to follow. I’ve worked with Phil the past few years and went from a 20 handicap to a 9. He not only provides great swing analysis but also gives practice strategies to help what I learn translate to my game. I could t recommend him more!
Guy l.
Lessons taken: 1
Phil has the innate ability to work within each individual’s capabilities in an effortless manner. He leads you thru step by step resulting in immediate improvements after each lesson. His teaching style will put you at ease while building your confidence. A wonderful experience!

Locations

These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:
2 courses available
Indian Lakes Golf Club

4700 S Umatilla Ave, Boise, ID, 83709-6139

1720.4 miles away
Outdoors
Golf365 Boise

6456 South Federal Way, Boise, ID 83716, United States

1715 miles away
Outdoors

Availability

These are the times I've set as being available for lessons.
mondays
3 PM - 7 PM
tuesdays
10 AM - 5 PM
wednesdays
5 PM - 7 PM
thursdays
3 PM - 6 PM
fridays
3 PM - 7 PM
saturdays
9 AM - 7 PM

Beginner training plan
Your first lessonLesson Outline 1. Introduction (5-10 minutes) • Welcome and Rapport Building: • Greet the student and ask about their experience with golf or other sports. • Share the structure and goals for the lesson. • Safety Briefing: • Discuss basic safety around the golf course and practice area (e.g., being aware of others when swinging). 2. Equipment Overview (5 minutes) • Introduce basic equipment: • Golf clubs (driver, irons, putter). • Golf balls and tees. • Explain how to hold and carry a club safely. 3. Grip Fundamentals (10 minutes) • Demonstration: • Show the correct grip (e.g., interlocking, overlapping, or 10-finger grip). • Explain the importance of hand placement for control and power. • Practice: • Guide the student in finding a comfortable grip. • Provide feedback as they practice holding the club. 4. Stance and Posture (10 minutes) • Demonstration: • Show proper stance: feet shoulder-width apart, slight knee flex, weight evenly distributed. • Explain the importance of balance and alignment with the target. • Practice: • Have the student mimic the stance and posture. • Adjust and provide feedback. 5. Basic Swing Mechanics (20 minutes) • Concept Introduction: • Explain the swing as a fluid motion involving the whole body. • Break it into phases: setup, backswing, downswing, and follow-through. • Demonstration: • Perform a slow-motion swing, highlighting key checkpoints. • Practice Drills: • Practice half-swings with an iron, focusing on rhythm and balance. • Emphasize starting slow and avoiding power-focused swings. • Provide corrections and encouragement as needed. 6. Wrapping Up (5 minutes) • Review: • Summarize the key points covered (grip, stance, posture, and swing basics). • Homework/Practice Tips: • Suggest practicing grip and stance at home or at a driving range. • Encouragement: • Reassure the student that progress takes time and consistency. • Next Steps: • Mention what they’ll learn in the next lesson (e.g., refining the swing or short game basics).
Lesson 11+After 10 lessons with me, a beginner golfer should be ready to refine their skills, build consistency, and start developing a more strategic approach to the game. Here’s a structured training plan to help continue progressing, focusing on key areas of improvement while building a deeper understanding of the game.
Lesson 4-10Beginner Golf Lesson Plan: Lesson 4 Lesson Title: Course Awareness and Putting Fundamentals Lesson Duration: 60 minutes Objective: Introduce putting mechanics, basic green-reading skills, and reinforce on-course awareness. Lesson Outline 1. Warm-Up and Quick Recap (5 minutes) • Light stretches and practice a few swings and chips. • Briefly revisit lessons learned so far (swing, chipping, and pitching). 2. Introduction to Putting (20 minutes) • Basics of Putting: • Grip: Show a standard putting grip (e.g., reverse overlap). • Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, eyes over the ball, weight balanced. • Motion: Focus on a smooth, pendulum-like stroke with minimal wrist movement. • Practice Drill: • Start with short putts (3–5 feet) to build confidence. • Gradually increase distance while maintaining focus on alignment and pace. 3. Reading the Green (15 minutes) • Concepts: • Introduce slope, speed, and break. • Demonstrate how to assess the green’s contours by walking around and observing. • Practice Drill: • Have the student practice putting toward targets on slightly sloped areas to understand how the ball reacts. 4. On-Course Awareness (15 minutes) • Introduction to Course Strategy: • Explain basic golf course layout (tee box, fairway, green, hazards). • Discuss concepts like aiming for safe zones and club selection. • Mini On-Course Practice (if available): • Use a short hole (or simulate one) to practice integrating putting, chipping, and basic decision-making. 5. Wrap-Up and Next Steps (5 minutes) • Review: • Highlight progress in putting and course strategy. • Reinforce the importance of practicing short game skills. • Homework: • Practice short putts and experiment with reading greens at a local course or practice facility. • Next Steps: • Preview upcoming lessons focusing on bunker shots or driving.
Lesson 2-3Beginner Golf Lesson Plan: Lesson 2 Lesson Title: Refining the Swing and Introducing the Short Game Lesson Duration: 45 minutes Objective: Build on basic swing mechanics, introduce pitching and chipping, and improve consistency. Lesson Outline 1. Warm-Up and Recap (5 minutes) • Warm-Up: Light stretches and practice swings. • Recap: Review grip, stance, and key points from the first lesson. 2. Refining the Full Swing (20 minutes) • Drills for Improvement: • Practice smooth backswing and follow-through. • Focus on weight transfer and balanced finish. • Feedback: • Provide individual corrections and encourage steady improvement. • Target Practice: • Hit balls toward a target, focusing on accuracy over power. 2. Refining the Full Swing (20 minutes) • Drills for Improvement: • Practice smooth backswing and follow-through. • Focus on weight transfer and balanced finish. • Feedback: • Provide individual corrections and encourage steady improvement. • Target Practice: • Hit balls toward a target, focusing on accuracy over power. 4. Wrap-Up (5 minutes) • Review: • Highlight key improvements and areas to practice (e.g., swing balance or short game setup). • Homework: • Encourage practicing chipping and refining swing mechanics at a range or backyard. • Next Steps: • Preview putting and more advanced short game strategies for the next lesson. Teaching Notes: • Keep drills simple and ensure plenty of practice opportunities. • Balance technical corrections with positive reinforcement.

Advanced training plan
Your first lessonan advanced golfer’s first lesson with me will focus on assessing current skills, identifying areas for refinement, and developing a tailored plan to help the golfer improve further. The pro will analyze the swing, short game, and course strategy while providing personalized feedback and drills. The goal is to help the advanced golfer become more consistent, efficient, and strategic, ultimately lowering their scores and achieving greater success on the course.
Lesson 11+ • Shot Shaping & Advanced Ball Control: • Work on hitting specialized shots (e.g., low punch shots, high lob shots, or fades and draws on command). • Focus on trajectory control and shot execution in varied course conditions (e.g., wind, different lies, or off the tee). • Emphasis on creating more control over distance and flight path with different clubs. • On-Course Play and Simulation: • If possible, the pro may take the golfer onto the course for real-time strategy lessons, guiding them through actual game situations. • Focus on shot selection, handling pressure situations, and refining course strategy in a live setting. • Physical & Mental Preparation: • Enhancing pre-shot routines, visualization techniques, and maintaining mental focus during critical shots. • Developing a mindset for managing stress and maintaining peak performance during competition. • Fine-Tuning Specific Areas: • Focus on any remaining weak spots, whether it’s a specific part of the swing, short game, or course strategy. • Work on any lingering technical issues (e.g., swing path inconsistencies, or tempo problems) and further refine advanced shot-making. • Advanced Putting & Green Reading: • Delving deeper into reading greens, understanding break and speed, and putting with confidence under pressure. • Refining putting mechanics and mental strategies for sinking crucial putts. • Performance Evaluation & Adjustments: • Assessing overall progress and adjusting the game plan for continued improvement. • Developing practice routines for ongoing improvement, including physical fitness, mental game techniques, and specific skills development. Summary of Key Expectations • Refined Swing Mechanics: Continued focus on optimizing swing consistency, power, and accuracy. • Mastery of Short Game & Putting: Advanced techniques for chipping, pitching, bunker play, and putting under pressure. • Advanced Course Management & Shotmaking: More nuanced strategies for managing difficult course situations and executing specialty shots (e.g., fades, draws, low punch shots). • Mental & Physical Conditioning: Increased focus on mental game, maintaining composure, and physical fitness to enhance performance. • Performance Evaluation: Regular assessments to measure progress, identify new areas for improvement, and adjust the learning plan. By the 10th lesson, an advanced golfer will typically see significant improvements in their game, focusing on mastering the finer points of technique, strategy, and mental performance.
Lesson 4-10 • Continued Swing Refinement: • Further fine-tuning of swing mechanics, focusing on consistency, power generation, and swing plane. • Specific attention to creating a more efficient swing with better tempo, clubface control, and accuracy. • Work on advanced drills to refine shot shapes, ball flight control, and strike consistency (e.g., high draws, low fades). • Short Game Mastery: • In-depth work on chipping, pitching, and putting, with an emphasis on controlling spin, trajectory, and distance. • Practice advanced short game techniques, like bunker shots, flop shots, and shots from difficult lies. • Developing a better feel for reading greens and enhancing putting under pressure. • Course Strategy & Mental Approach: • Developing advanced course management strategies, such as handling difficult pin placements, reading course layouts, and making strategic club choices. • Mental game work to improve focus, confidence, and composure under pressure.
Lesson 2-3For an advanced golfer, the second and third lessons should build on the initial assessment and further refine their skills. At this stage, the focus should shift toward enhancing consistency, advanced shot-making, and strategy, while continuing to fine-tune swing mechanics and short game techniques.

Youth players
Working with kids1. Focus on Fun and Engagement Kids have short attention spans, so it’s important to keep the lessons exciting and dynamic. Use games, challenges, and rewards to maintain their interest. • Incorporate Games: Turn drills into games (e.g., “Golf Obstacle Course,” where they have to hit certain targets) to keep the atmosphere playful and motivating. • Use Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate small successes with praise and encouragement. Use a reward system (stickers, points) for effort and progress. • Break Up the Lesson: Instead of long periods of instruction, keep the lesson moving by alternating between different activities (e.g., 10 minutes of swing drills, 10 minutes of putting, 10 minutes of fun games). 2. Keep the Language Simple and Clear Kids might not understand technical golfing terms right away, so keep instructions clear, simple, and easy to grasp. • Use Analogies: Kids relate better to fun analogies. For example, you could describe a “follow-through” as a “superhero pose” to keep it light-hearted and relatable. • Demonstrate First: Always show them how to do something before they try it, using simple steps and physical demonstrations. Kids learn well through visual cues. 3. Break Down Skills into Smaller Steps Start with the basics, and break down each skill into smaller, digestible pieces. Kids need a solid foundation before advancing to more complex techniques. • Grip and Posture: Make sure kids understand how to hold the club properly and the basic stance. You might use games like “Pin the Golf Grip” to reinforce proper hand positioning. • Swing Fundamentals: Focus on short, controlled swings at first, gradually increasing the length of the swing as they gain confidence. Use drills that encourage them to swing smoothly rather than focusing on hitting the ball hard. • Putting: Putting is a great way to introduce kids to the game. Set up simple putting drills that require them to roll the ball toward a target or through a “gate” made of cones. 4. Use Age-Appropriate Equipment Ensure the equipment fits the child’s size and strength. • Smaller Clubs: Use junior-sized clubs or lighter clubs designed for kids. This makes the game feel more accessible and fun. • Soft Balls: Consider using softer balls (like foam or plastic balls) for beginners, as they’re less intimidating and safer. They also make it easier for kids to focus on their technique. 5. Develop Their Short Game First Focusing on the short game (putting, chipping, and pitching) is usually the best way to start with kids. These skills are easier to learn and have a more immediate payoff, which helps build confidence. • Putting Practice: Use fun drills like “putting races” or “putt the ball into a target” to keep them engaged. • Chipping Drills: Start with short chips to a target, and gradually increase difficulty by adding obstacles or varying the distances. 6. Keep It Safe and Structured Safety is key, especially when working with kids. Always ensure proper supervision and make sure they understand the importance of safety on the golf course or range. • Safe Space for Swinging: Ensure the practice area is free of distractions and that kids have enough space to practice swings without risk to others. • Basic Etiquette: Introduce basic golf etiquette early, such as waiting for their turn, respecting others’ space, and handling clubs carefully. 7. Foster a Growth Mindset Encourage kids to enjoy the learning process and to not worry about making mistakes. Focus on progress, effort, and enjoying the game rather than perfection. • Encourage Persistence: Praise their efforts and persistence. Let them know that mistakes are part of learning. • Set Small, Achievable Goals: Help them set personal goals (e.g., “Can you get the ball closer to the hole this time?”) that are achievable and build their confidence. 8. Keep Lessons Short and Focused Kids typically have shorter attention spans, so keep lessons around 30-45 minutes long. Avoid overwhelming them with too much technical instruction. • Frequent Breaks: Provide short breaks to prevent frustration or boredom, especially for younger kids. Use breaks for water, rest, or a quick chat about what they’ve learned. 9. Involve Parents Especially for younger children, involving parents can help reinforce learning outside of lessons. • Homework/Practice Tips: Give parents simple drills or fun activities they can do together at home or in the yard, such as practicing putting with household objects as targets. • Positive Reinforcement at Home: Encourage parents to praise effort and improvement at home to keep motivation high. 10. Create a Positive Environment Above all, make the learning environment positive and encouraging. • Build Confidence: Make sure that every child feels successful by ensuring they have plenty of small wins during the lesson. • Be Patient: Kids may take time to develop their skills, so patience and positive reinforcement are key to keeping them engaged and excited about the game.

Working with teenagersAdapting golf lessons for teens requires a slightly different approach than with younger kids or adults, as teens are typically more independent, have longer attention spans, and may have a greater desire to improve their skills quickly. However, they also may still be developing a sense of focus and discipline, so creating an engaging yet structured environment is key. For teens, the key is to blend structure with flexibility, providing them with clear goals, practical feedback, and engaging challenges. The focus should be on improving technique, building mental toughness, and teaching course management, while also keeping the lessons dynamic, interactive, and aligned with their social and competitive interests.

What you need to bringOutside lessons you will need to have golf attire indoor lessons please wear athletic clothes, water bottle, sunscreen, Golf clubs if available. Golf shoes are optional.

What I can bringI will provide range balls, training aids, limited selection of rental clubs mostly right handed. Water if you do not have golf clubs I can assist you in making an educated purchase by determining the needed shaft length, flexibility and lie angle

Frequently asked questions

Cancellation Policy

We totally understand that life can be unpredictable and plans might change. That's why we've got your back with our flexible cancellation policy, designed to give you peace of mind when booking private sports lessons with our awesome local instructors!

If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.

And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.

Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
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Book Philip - Golf coach near Boise, Idaho