TEACHING PHILOSOPHY Chris has provided golf instruction for over 16 years. He has learned teaching techniques from renowned golf instructors including Jim Flick, Stan Utley, putting guru Marius Filmalter, and PGA of America’s 2011 Teacher of the Year, Mike Malaska. Through incorporation of your existing knowledge and skills, Chris will help you achieve your goals. He regards his teaching style as "keeping it simple" with a goal for learners to walk away from a lesson knowing cause and effect. He intends for you to be able to work on your own swing and continue to see improvement in your golf game. Through use of state-of-the-art technology and Chris's expertise in golf instruction, he hopes that you will learn, grow confidence, and have fun as you play! ABOUT ME Chris is a PNW native, born and raised in Lacey, WA. After graduating from Western Washington University with a Bachelors degree in Recreation, he spent 5 years living in Oahu, Hawaii. He gained invaluable experience working at one of Hawaii's best golf courses, Ko Olina Golf Club. Starting there as an Assistant Golf Professional, he worked his way through the Professional Golf Management program and achieved Class A membership with the PGA of America. During this time, Chris also developed his passion and expertise for golf instruction. He provided countless individual golf lessons to locals and tourists, while also leading a junior golf program for underprivileged youth. Chris returned home to Olympia in 2011 to open Salish Cliffs Golf Club in Shelton, WA. During his 10 years at Salish Cliffs, Chris helped them achieve Top 100 Public Course accolades and worked as Head Golf Professional for the last 3 years of his time there. His proudest accomplishments include developing a junior golf program for Tribal youth, mentoring new PGA professionals, winning Merchandiser of the Year, running numerous events to support Tribal entities, and developing close relationships within the golf community. In the Fall of 2021, Chris seized the opportunity to create and open The Golf Loft, allowing him to pursue his passion for sharing and teaching the game of golf! ​ In his free time, you can find Chris doing house projects, restoring cars, and helping his wife chase after their 3 young kids. He is excited to be a new small business owner and connect with the Tumwater community! ​