PGA/LPGA Professional Spotlight

Doug Hammer

Director of Instruction, Troon North Golf Club

Doug Hammer.png
Doug Hammer

PROFILE
Title: Director of Instruction, Troon North Golf Club, Scottsdale, Arizona.
Years as a PGA Professional: 22.
Top achievements / honors: Southwest Section PGA Youth Player Development Award (2019). Seven-time Golf Range Association of America Top 50 Growth of the Game Instructor. Certified PGA Professional in player development.

SOCIAL MEDIA / ONLINE
Instagram: @hammertheball
Twitter: @HammerTheBall
.
TAP-INS
What app is a must-have on your phone? CoachNow.
What books would you recommend? "The Talent Code" by Daniel Coyle and "Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf" by Ben Hogan.
What podcasts would you recommend? I don't listen to many of these, so not sure.
Who is your favorite golfer? I have many, but I follow Xander Schauffele the most.
What is your most memorable round of golf? A 69 in the first round of Quail Cup at Desert Forest.

RELATED: PGA Professional Spotlight archive

Q&A
The First Call: What made you want to pursue a career in golf?
Doug Hammer: It has always been a passion of mine.

TFC: What is your favorite instructional tip to share with a golfer?
DH: Too many to list.

TFC: What advice do you have for someone considering a career in golf?
DH: Absolutely do it. There is nothing more rewarding. Keep an open mind when choosing your career path as you never know what part of the industry will drive you.

TFC: What is the best advice you have received on your career path?
DH: I am not sure on this one.

TFC: Is there a particular area of your job that you find most rewarding?
DH: I really enjoy working with junior golfers and bringing new golfers to the game.

TFC: What is one challenge you currently see in the industry? Thoughts on how to address it?
DH: Player retention. We need to do more to encourage those who have recently picked up the game to continue to stay with it. With rates rising and not enough options for quick rounds, I fear we will lose much of what we have gained in recent years.

TFC: Do you have a preferred style or philosophy for teaching golf?
DH: I prefer to work with the individual and not follow a method.

TFC: Where is there room for growth within the industry?
DH: Everywhere.

TFC: When you look at your career, in what area(s) do you believe you have evolved for the better?
DH: I feel I improve my coaching each and every year.

TFC: How does being a PGA Professional add value to your brand?
DH: It adds credibility and the networking among other professionals helps me to become better at my job.


Share