Person of Interest

VITAL STATS

Leads the Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy at Mission Inn Resort in Howey-in-the-Hills.

Coaches some of the world’s best women golfers, including Ariya Jutanugarn, Lydia Ko, and Shanshan Feng.

Recognized by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as one of the top teachers in America.

Born in Durban, South Africa, and played professionally on the South African Sunshine Tour.

Gary Gilchrist Golf instructor

How did you start coaching?

I assisted [instructor] David Leadbetter for two years in my early 20s and developed a love of coaching. Those fi rst few years led to an opportunity for me to be the director of golf at the world’s fi rst junior golf academy, now known as IMG Academy in Bradenton. We started the program with three students in 1994. We grew the program between 1995-2004 to 120 students.

How is coaching Lydia Ko

working out? It has been a great experience to work with one of the best players on the LPGA. She is a special young woman who is dedicated to her game but has a great time practicing and trying to improve. Coaching three of the world’s top 10 players keeps things very exciting for me. There is never a dull moment when I’m watching a tournament.

Is coaching women diff erent than coaching

men? Ladies tend to be more emotional. They worry more when things are not perfect.

Why are Asians more successful than Americans on the LPGA Tour? The

Asian regions have much greater fi nancial support from sports federations and governments. Parents are also very dedicated to ensuring their children receive the best coaching in the sport. Parents also introduce the game at a very early age.

How can American women

gain? The USGA [United States Golf Association] must get more involved in supporting every state in the U.S. I would love to see regional tournaments take place in the U.S. to highlight the up-and-coming talent that America has. Every country that I know of has fi nancial support for the promising athletes.

Greatest accomplishment?

It’s a three-way tie: My daughter, starting my own academy, and being selected to represent my home country of South Africa (on its national team).

Best round? When I won a South African tour event and shot 64 (and 17-under for the tournament).

Favorite 19th hole beverage?

Arnold Palmer (iced tea and lemonade).

Favorite quote? Arnold

Palmer: “Swing your swing.”

“We like our relationship with Vann Gannaway. There’s no high pressure. Wayne Davenport worked it three different ways to give us the best deal. They don’t have a big turnover—it’s like ‘Cheers,’ everybody knows your name.”

SCOTT AND SHARON DUNCAN

— UMATILLA