Meet Lucas Wald | Golf Teaching Professional

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lucas Wald and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lucas, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
• My approach to training. My approach with my students incorporates some of the work of people whose field of study is all about how people learn skills and develop expertise. o My approach with golf is the same way that you’d learn a foreign language or a musical instrument. I get my students to break things down and move at slow speeds until they can master a movement. Then we speed things up.
o Get off the driving range. I get my students off the driving range. On the range they’re focused on outcomes – they want to see where the ball is going. And at full speed trying to hit balls, things are just moving too fast to make meaningful change.
o Slow motion training. I go inside with my students and we work in front of mirrors – the idea is that they focus on making the proper movements at slow speeds first. Then we speed it up once they’ve mastered it.
o Short, intense practice – it’s not easy, but I’ve found that focused practice sessions can produce tremendous results. That should be encouraging to people out there – this doesn’t mean tons of time and years to see improvement. This is about practicing hard and smart, and it produces results.
o We focus on the engine – we want a Ferrari. Don’t care if it’s canary yellow or cherry red.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m currently teaching in Los Angeles.  I have a great indoor studio fully equipped with a Trackman simulator.  I offer speed training, sequence training, and performance training along with classes for kids.  It’s super important for kids to be an athlete first and a golfer second.  For kids, learning gross movements and simple body awareness activities including, but not limited to, skipping and throwing a ball are hugely important for development.  This is an exciting time to be in the golf business because technology allows us to precisely measure and see (we all have camera phones) aspects of a golf swing and understand what the best golfers do.  You might not swing exactly like Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy, but come see me and I can get you moving in that direction!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Weather permitting, I would take him/her to Manhattan Beach where we could relax on the sand, walk the pier, and have a refreshing meal enjoying the ocean breeze in Tacolicious. They have great tacos, salsa, and house made tortilla chips. Then, I would take us to Beverly Hills so we can enjoy the people watching and shop along Rodeo drive. Finally, I would end the day in West Hollywood where there are a lot of great restaurants and night life.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My history with golf swing instruction is rich. I owe a lot to Kelvin Miyahira. He got me started with looking at the deeper parts of the golf swing. He was definitely a mentor and friend.

Website: lucaswaldgolf.com

Instagram: @waldlucas

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-wald-aa7512b3

Twitter: @lucaswald

Facebook: Lucas Wald

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LucasWaldGolf