Golf Gurus

DeMuth, who has all the personal magnetism and energy of the natural-born guru, has become an enthusiastic promoter of the philosophy “as in golf, so in life.” From the written self-assessment at the beginning of the process and DeMuth’s Zen-like attention to “intention,” to his innovative exercises in the virtual room, Performance in Motion accomplishes a holistic, thorough process of helping the client to clarify goals, overcome interference, and have a more productive personal and professional life. DeMuth has been described as a “golf whisperer,” and the title seems apt. He will not “teach” you anything, he will “coach” you, extracting from you all your possibilities and helping you first perceive and then overcome obstacles.

Greg Schulze Golf Learning Center, Stillwater(gregschulzegolflessons.com)

The Game: Lessons for everyone from juniors to seniors; individuals to corporate groups.

The Pro: The 2007 recipient of the Minnesota PGA Teacher of the Year Award and the 2006 Minnesota PGA Junior Golf Leader Award, St. Paul–native Greg Schulze has been teaching golf improvement for more than 22 years.

The Dance Floor: Schulze operates out of the Sawmill Golf Club in Stillwater. In summer, Schulze also gives lessons at Ironwoods Golf Range in Scandia, and in winter he teaches at Totally Driven in Oakdale and the Goodrich Golf Dome in Maplewood.

Schulze’s lessons focus on just about every area of golf improvement: “the psychology of improving, full swing, short-game shots, equipment evaluation, and physical training.” Schulze prides himself on his commitment to the individual golfer. “Each individual must be evaluated and taught as an individual,” he says. “There are so many mental and physical differences amongst golfers that everyone should be taught to match the technique with the mind and physique.”

Schulze uses the JC Video Computer Swing Analysis System, which captures golf swings digitally, allowing the instructor to burn a take-home CD with graphics and voice-over suggestions for the student. But he warns against over-reliance on technology. “I own over 200 books, 100 videos, and much research from some of golf’s greatest teachers, but my greatest teacher has been myself and my experience. I use specialized training aids more than video.”