BACK AT THE RANCH
SHOOTING FOR PAR By Katie Dillard, Player Development Coordinator and Coach Photography by Kelsey Grudle
THE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AT THE GOLF CLUB RECEIVE RAVE REVIEWS Private instruction, monthly clinics and other golf programs have helped members improve their game, and they’re here to tell us all about it.
Tyler Chapman
Richie Merck
TYLER CHAPMAN The monthly clinics Katie puts on are first class! Over the past year, I’ve been working to improve my game and decided to give the clinics a try in addition to my swing lessons with Corey. These clinics have helped me improve other aspects of my game that I haven’t traditionally given much thought. So far, I’ve attended sessions for improving swing speed, assessing club gapping, a putting clinic from one of the best putting coaches in the business, and most recently, a golf ball fitting. I have been playing golf for 27 years, and the putting clinic alone has completely changed my putting approach and technique. I also would have never considered switching from a ProV1, but after the golf ball fitting lesson and the data provided by the Trackman, the need for a switch was undeniable. I am now hitting a golf ball that creates more spin around the greens and allows me much more forgiveness. If you are serious about improving your game outside of the traditional swing mechanics, then these monthly clinics are meant for you!
had always played golf, but I never had, so I decided to take it up to stay connected socially. It has been a fantastic way to stay active and involved. Since I was new to the sport, I knew I needed to take lessons. I have taken them regularly ever since. Having that one-on-one coaching experience keeps me focused on technique and improvement. And — perhaps most importantly — it keeps my frustration level under control. The lessons help keep things in perspective. When the Golf Performance Center opened, having a coaching session is easier than ever. Being out of the elements makes a lesson possible in all weather, and the technology provides immediate feedback. Attention can be given to each tiny detail of my swing, both good and bad! When I combine my lessons with the regular clinics that are conducted here at the Club, my game improves. In the last year, I have gained distance from my one-on-one lessons, and I have become a better putter as a direct result of the putting clinics. What more can you ask for?
RICHIE MERCK
GERALDO ORTIZ
Jerry and I have lived in Cordillera Ranch for almost 19 years. We moved here when there was no golf course, but when the course was being built, that was all the neighborhood talk. Jerry
I have been working with Katie for a little over a year now. Her instruction, along with the technology at the Golf Performance Center, have been incredibly helpful to my game. My iron play is
18 | MAY/JUNE 2021
