Eric Pollard has served as Director of Instruction for Empire Golf at Ancil Hoffman Golf Course since 2001. Pollard created a top flight golf instructional program (Eric Pollard Golf Academy) attracting promising juniors, amateurs and professionals from all corners of the NorCal region. Delivering hands on, passionate and innovative techniques Eric has developed a significantly loyal clientele which includes business and community leaders from the greater Sacramento area.

Pollard became a Staff Member for Titleist in 1995 and a quarter-century member of the PGA in 2013.

Pollard, one of the most respected golf instructors in the area, doesn’t take on just anybody as a student. The price of admission to his golf performance studio at Ancil Hoffman Golf Course – $3,000 for 20 one-hour lessons – tends to weed out those who aren’t absolutely committed. He likes to refer to golf as a journey.

“I interview people to take them on as clients,” Pollard said. “I’m looking for someone with the right attitude. It takes patience and perseverance. I don’t think there are any shortcuts.

“The key is, what is your motivation? If you shoot 95 now and you say you want to shoot 80, what are you willing to give up to do that? If you are not willing to practice as much as you need to, I just say, ‘It’s really nice to meet you and I hope you find the right person to help you.’ ”