Dr. Jerry Elwell

Dr. Jerry Elwell, is a PGA Teaching Professional at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort in Palm Springs, Calif., and Director of Boothbay Golf Academy in Boothbay, Maine. He was the first Director of Instruction at renowned Congressional Country Club, home of the 2011 U.S. Open.

Jerry has authored several instruction books and numerous articles, including an article in the first PGA Journal of Instruction and a three-page article in PGA Magazine. In addition, he served on the PGA Magazine's Advisory Board for six years. Jerry has worked with players of all ages and abilities during his teaching career, including former PGA Tour and Major Championship winner, as well as World Golf Hall of Fame members. He also has won multiple awards for his teaching ability.

Jerry's philosophy on the golf swing was formulated during his conversations with Byron Nelson about his approach to consistency. The centerpiece of Jerry's approach is overcoming tension in the swing, which he believes often is the heartbeat of a player's swing flaws. Tension is the primary challenge he sees with players of all skills levels from beginners to major championship winners. The second biggest challenge he sees for all players is alignment. He has worked some with eight Hall of Fame players throughout his career and believes that if only two of them could aim correctly on a straight away shot then alignment should be a primary concern for every player.

• Ernie Els

  “Thanks so much for pointing out that fatal flaw with my balance. No wonder I was lackluster in my performance. Thank you for your insight on how I could get back to that winning form I had at the U.S. Open in 1997. You’re the best.”

• Johnny Miller

  “Wow, I had no idea how far off I was. I thought I was doing everything right because the shots were going straight. That is why I wanted your eyes because I was obviously feeling one thing and doing another. Thanks for helping me get to putting like I did when I was a kid. You are my Coach, my SWING Guru.”