Kyle Siegel, PGA Associate
WHAT IS YOUR TEACHING PHILOSOPHY?
Golf is widely viewed as one of the most difficult sports to play, causing some to believe that only elite athletes can become elite golfers. While having a bit of athleticism certainly helps, it is my belief that ANYONE can get to their desired skill level with proper instruction, a clear game plan and dedication.
First and foremost, it is my job to help determine realistic and specific goals related to your golf game and then come up with the most efficient game plan to achieve those goals. My goal with any client is to make the game of golf as simple as possible by focusing on the fundamentals in an organized and easy to understand manner. It is my job to make sure that you leave each in person or online lesson with a clear understanding of what to work on before our next lesson, giving you the power to teach yourself when practicing or playing without me.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING?
My journey into golf instruction began in 2015 at Jacaranda Golf Club (South Florida). While competing professionally on the Minor League Golf Tour, I was able to shadow Andrew Michael (PGA Director of Golf) where I gained invaluable teaching experience with all types of players. I quickly learned that my passion for teaching was just as strong as my passion for competing at a high level. I was able to run many junior golf camps as well as weekly clinics for the Broward County Junior Golf Association. Almost a decade later, I am still fully committed to the never ending learning process that comes with being a golf instructor and I take pride in having a holistic approach that focuses on creating well rounded players rather than just good looking swings. I am currently a Level 2 PGA Associate with a teaching and coaching focus where I am fortunate to pick the brains of some of the top instructors in the country.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PLAYING?
The start of my professional playing career is unique as I didn't compete in amateur events at a young age (no high school golf or junior tour events). Soccer and hockey were my focus throughout high school but thanks to my Scottish Heritage, I had a golf club in my hand at 3 years old and always played to around an 8 handicap. College golf and certainly professional golf never entered my mind and I ended up playing college soccer at SUNY ESF where I was an All-American in the USCAA my junior and senior years.
While playing soccer at ESF, I shot 66 at Drumlins and naively thought I'd be on tour in no time. My dream of being an environmental lawyer was put on hold and I moved to South Florida within weeks of graduating in 2014. A few months after working on maintenance crew to receive playing privileges at Lely Resort in Naples, FL, I entered my first professional golf tournament on the West Florida Tour. I continued to practice for hours after work every day and eventually made a few small paychecks on the Minor League Tour after moving to the East Coast of Florida. In 2018, I happily moved back home to CNY to start a family and I have been in the CNYPGA section since then.
The dream is never over and even though I am more focused on teaching, I still do everything I can to keep my game strong and I take pride in competing professionally in CNYPGA Section events as well as State Opens and US Open qualifiers.
IN PERSON OR ONLINE?
Both in person and online instruction can be very effective. All of my in person lessons utilize the Skillest app where you will receive a detailed analysis of our lesson which highlights key takeaways along with "homework" for you to practice before our next lesson. Months or years after an in person lesson, you'll still be able to view the analysis so there are no worries about forgetting what we worked on in any given session.
If you are unable to do in person lessons with me, the Skillest app is extremely useful for online or remote instruction. We will still have a discussion to determine goals and you can simply upload swing videos at your convenience to receive a detailed analysis. Just like an in person lesson, this analysis will highlight key takeaways along with "homework" that will help you achieve your golf goals.