PGA Teaching Professional

Matt McConnin grew up in Greenwich, CT playing many competitive sports and graduated from the University Of Michigan with a BA in Political Science. He then moved to San Diego, CA in 1993. Matt went on to receive 3 master's degress in business; while working for Education Corporation of America. 

As one of the original team members, he assisted in opening the popular Encinitas Ranch Golf Course in 1998 and received full PGA membership in 2000. 

Matt received the PGA President's Council Award in 2005, 2007, 2008 & 2009.

In January 2011, Matt and Valerie married at sunset on the first tee at Encinitas Ranch Golf Course, surrounded by friends and family. They welcomed their first child in September 2012.

Now, taking his business to the next level, Matt and Valerie are focusing on private lessons, playing lessons, golf schools and informal clinics. Matt is available for golf instruction, teaching seminars and speaking engagements too.

If you want to shoot your best score ever on the course, hire Matt as your caddie!

Business Partner & Wife

Valerie McConnin grew up near Sacramento, CA and moved to San Diego, CA in 1992. Working in high-tech industries since 1993, Valerie joins Matt in offering social networking, marketing, website design, golf school administration and computer technology expertise.

Mexico "Grace Children's Home"

Sudan "In Deed and Truth Ministries"

 Thailand "Mercy Ministries Foundation"

 Matt McConnin on the importance of marketing golf clinics on the web through Play Golf America:
You never know where a good idea might come from. I had a student ask me one day if I’d consider holding a golf clinic to entertain 20 of his business customers. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t already thought of this idea, so I’ve run with the concept and am now hosting corporate golf clinics. The standard format is a two-hour clinic that covers different aspects of the golf swing and how golfers can use everyday technology; such as apps on their smartphones; to improve their golf games. Then I host a luncheon, and I do a Q&A session with the attendees. It’s a great way to find new instruction clients, and to bring new golfers into the game in a relaxing, pressure-free setting.

Matt McConnin on the business impact of marketing golf clinics on the web through Play Golf America:
In trying to grow this program, I’ve started promoting my clinics on PlayGolfAmerica.com. I’m big into technology, and I really appreciate what a great site this is for PGA Professionals. It has a clean design, the presentation is great, and I can directly benefit from the marketing and branding that The PGA is providing. I think more PGA Professionals should take advantage of this no-cost marketing opportunity, and I’m interested in seeing how it helps my golf clinics grow.



Golf Tips

1.  In order to improve impact, fix your eyes on the forward edge of the ball (target side) to encourage proper ball/turf contact.

2.  Approximately, 90% of amateur golfers swing too much from the balls of their feet. In order to correct this, feel as though you are setting up on and swinging from...... your heels. 

3.  With full swing, hold the club just firmly enough to prevent the club from flying out of your hands. Light grip pressure promotes club face rotation, greater club head speed and the ability to draw the ball.

4.  Putting... if you want to roll the ball your best, strike the ball on a 2 degree upswing with a forward leaning shaft.

Great Quotes

"The harder you work, the luckier you get." Gary Player

"The most rewarding things you do in life are often the ones that look like they can not be done." Arnold Palmer

"Resolve never to quit, never to give up, no matter what the situation." Jack Nicklaus

"The only time my prayers are never answered is on the golf course." Billy Graham

"An interesting thing about golf, is that no matter how badly you play, it is always possible to get worse!.""  Anonymous

"When I die, bury me on the golf course, so my husband will visit." Anonymous

"A golfers diet, live on greens as much as possible" Anonymous