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Home » Recent posts » Sharpen Your Swing with These 5 Best Golf Coaches in San Diego

Sharpen Your Swing with These 5 Best Golf Coaches in San Diego

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We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.

Certifications and Coaching Credentials: We prioritized golf coaches with recognized PGA or equivalent certifications.

Experience and Playing Specialization: We reviewed each coach’s years of experience and areas of expertise, including beginner development, junior golf, and on-course strategy for competitive players.

Pricing and Value for Money: We favored coaches who are transparent about their fees and offer fair pricing relative to lesson quality, technology used, and the level of personal attention provided.

Coaching Approach and Customization: We selected instructors who tailor lessons to individual swing characteristics and goals, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Location and Accessibility: We assessed the convenience of each coach for visitors and locals, prioritizing academies near major courses, resorts, or central areas of San Diego.

Technology and Additional Support: We gave extra weight to coaches who use tools like launch monitors, video analysis, and performance tracking, as well as those who provide follow-up guidance beyond the lesson itself.

We once tagged along with friends to a driving range, fully convinced golf was simply about hitting the ball straight. A few awkward swings, missed shots, and sore wrists later, reality humbled us very quickly.

Watching experienced players train with a golf coach in San Diego demonstrated how much technique, patience, and strategy the game demands. From grip and stance to timing and follow-through, even the smallest adjustments can completely change how the game feels.

That experience is why we compiled this list: to help golfers sharpen their swing, understand the fundamentals, and step onto the course with greater confidence. 

How much does a golf coach charge in San Diego?

A golf coach in San Diego typically charges between $90 and $200 per session. However, the final amount depends on the coach’s credentials, lesson length, and use of technology such as launch monitors or video analysis.

1. Hicks Golf

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Address: 2990 Murphy Canyon Rd, CA 92123

Contact Details: +18582540889

Business Hours: 

  • Tuesday: 8 AM – 5 PM
  • Thursday and Friday: 8 AM – 4 PM
  • Sunday: 8 AM – 1 PM

Website

HicksGolf is run by Justin B. Hicks, PGA, operating out of Stadium Golf Center on Murphy Canyon Road in San Diego. 

Coaching here reflects decades of experience, backed by PGA certification, a San Diego Chapter Teacher of the Year award, and competitive PGA Tour play history.

We appreciate that lessons focus on simplified instruction, supported by JC Video swing capture and ball-flight analysis. After sessions, video recaps with voice-over breakdowns make it easy to revisit corrections and track changes without relying on memory alone.

Short game instruction is highlighted by the dedicated Short Game School. It’s a two-hour clinic covering putting, chipping, pitching, and bunker play, held in small groups of four to five students. 

Their pricing is reasonable, ranging from $80 to $100 per person. This focuses on scoring shots that statistically have the greatest impact on results. Also, private lessons run about $140 per hour for adults, with series packages priced around $300 to $385 for structured progression. 

Scheduling, however, can be limiting. Lesson availability depends on Stadium Golf Center hours and fills quickly on peak days.

Pros

  • PGA-certified instructor with award-winning credentials
  • JC Video swing analysis with post-lesson video recaps
  • Dedicated Short Game School
  • Structured lesson packages and on-course playing lessons

Cons

  • Limited lesson availability

Clear and easy to follow

“I’ve taken lessons with Justin for almost three years now. My game has improved dramatically, I feel confident on the course, and I genuinely can’t wait to get back to the golf course every weekend. Justin’s lessons have been a big factor in that. His instruction method is clear, easy to follow, and is paired with visual feedback to ensure that the lesson’s main points are tangible and can be referenced later. Justin works with your swing characteristics instead of forcing a pre made swing. He also works with golfers of varying skill levels and treats all of his students with the same respect. I can’t recommend lessons here enough.”

– Nick Foster, Google Review

Makes the game more enjoyable and fun

“Justin is phenomenal. After just three lessons, even strangers I was paired with thought I had been golfing for much longer than I have. He has a unique ability to break down this complex, technical game and make it feel simple. That’s the mark of someone who truly understands golf. Instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all swing, Justin refines your existing motion, making adjustments that feel natural and effective. I cannot recommend Justin enough. Above all, he makes the game more enjoyable and fun, as it should be!”

– Daren Preece, Google Review

2. Hassey Golf 

hassey-golf-logo

Address: 9200 Inwood Dr, Santee, CA 92071

Contact Details: +16193697777

Business Hours: 

  • Monday to Friday: 1 PM – 5 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM – 1 PM

Website

Instagram

Jim Hassey of Hassey Golf primarily teaches at Carlton Oaks Country Club in Santee, with additional programs at JR Southbay Golf Range in Bonita. 

His coaching background is rooted in swing physics and biomechanics, with lessons designed to explain both the mechanics and the rationale behind them.

Video analysis plays a central role during sessions here, with swings recorded and reviewed against optimal movement patterns. Students typically receive recap videos, allowing them to revisit technical points and continue self-correction between lessons.

Program pricing reflects the depth of instruction. Intensive half-day classes are priced at approximately $700 per golfer for a three-hour session in small groups, which is a bit on the higher end. 

Beyond private coaching, Jim offers structured two-day short-game schools and stay-learn-play programs that combine on-course instruction with video analysis and amenities.

Junior development and women-focused academies are also part of his offering. These features include clearly structured weekly sessions and fixed-term programs, such as the 10-week junior academy.

Pros

  • Biomechanics- and physics-based instruction
  • Video analysis with take-home recap feedback
  • Intensive half-day and multi-day golf schools
  • Structured junior and women’s programs
  • On-course instruction through stay-learn-play schools

Cons

  • Higher cost compared to standard hourly golf lessons

Makes the process enjoyable and productive

“My time Jim has significantly improved my golf swing. In 3 lessons, I’ve been able to re-invent my golf swing and shape/add new shots into my game that would not have been possible without his knowledge and coaching. Jim has a sharp eye for detail, focusing on the core fundamentals within a golf swing such as hand placement, wrist positioning through impact and everything in between. His ability to break down the swing and explain it in a simple, effective way makes the learning process both enjoyable and productive. I look forward to continuing my work with Jim and even more success in my golf game. Highly recommend him to anyone serious about improving their skills. Thank you, Jim!”

– Daniel Madsen, Google Review

Extremely honest and a great coach

“Training with Jim was great, he immediately identified my issues and got right to fixing them. Jim has a great way of explaining issues in the swing and how the body should work to achieve a great shot, as well as explaining clearly how to fix swing faults. Jim has tons of patience and even risked his safety standing in front of me and asking to make a shot and I almost hit him; but he didn’t stop my lesson and kept encouraging me to do better. Jim is extremely honest and a great coach. Highly recommended taking lessons with him!”

– Carlos P., Google Review

3. Get It Golf

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Address: 11689 Sorrento Valley Rd, CA 92121

Contact Details: +18583248940

Business Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 7 PM

Website

Get It Golf operates across San Diego under Coach Brandt Everest Pfeifer, with instruction available at Sorrento Canyon Golf Center and a private indoor studio near Torrey Pines. 

Training on both outdoor turf and an indoor simulator makes sessions adaptable to weather, schedule, and practice focus. Lessons rely heavily on video analysis paired with launch monitor data to measure ball speed, launch angle, and club path.

In fact, we love that instruction extends beyond full-swing mechanics to short-game work, mental routines, and course-management planning. It’s also great that lesson formats range from private one-on-one sessions to small group coaching, simulator-based lessons, and on-course instruction. 

Pricing remains competitive. A three-lesson package is $300, and a single-hour session averages $130, aligning with mid-tier San Diego coaching rates.

One limitation, though, is that their packages must be completed within six to twelve months. Cancellations require at least 24 hours’ notice, or fees apply.

Pros

  • Multi-location coaching across San Diego
  • Indoor simulator and outdoor range instruction
  • Video analysis with launch monitor data
  • Full-game curriculum
  • Flexible lesson formats and competitive pricing

Cons

  • Strict cancellation and lesson expiry policies

Fantastic coach

“Brandt is a fantastic coach.  I could not give a higher recommendation for him. He has a deep understanding of the mechanics of golf and is able to very clearly and simply communicate in a way that makes the game accessible for any skill level. He is very quickly able to recognize his students’ needs and build his coaching around what they need as an individual.  Any person of any skill level or age would benefit from his coaching, from beginner (like me) to a seasoned veteran.”

– Theranne Nesheim, Google Review

Great coach for beginners

“I think I’ve gotten 9 lessons so far including a short game lesson at admiral baker practice area. I think Brandt is a great coach for beginners. It’s always helps to get a second eye on things. They can point things out you probably didn’t realize or notice as well as guide you to a more fundamentally correct swing. As with anything else, coaching alone will never be sufficient. You need to practice on your own too.”

– David P., Google Review

4. Epiphany Golf

epiphany-golf-logo

Address: Riverwalk Golf Club, 1150 Fashion Valley Rd, CA 92108

Contact Details: +18587548969

Business Hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday: 9 AM – 5 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday: 9 AM – 3 PM

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Epiphany Golf is located on Fashion Valley Road in San Diego, placing sessions within easy reach of central courses and major routes. Coaching is led by Devin Fitzmaurice, whose thirty-plus years of playing and teaching experience shape every structured lesson plan.

Sessions rely heavily on Doppler radar and 3D motion-capture software that records club speed, launch angle, and detailed body movement. However, lesson structure is fixed at roughly fifty-five minutes, which limits how much ground can be covered in one visit.

Nevertheless, instruction extends well beyond swing mechanics to include shot-shaping, course strategy, and problem patterns such as early release or persistent slicing. 

Their progress tracking across sessions also created a clear sense of direction rather than isolated tips that fade after leaving the range.

Pricing is in the premium local range, estimated at $120-$175 per session, with prepaid packages and a strict 24-hour cancellation policy.

Pros

  • Advanced Doppler radar and 3D motion-capture analysis
  • Highly customized lesson plans
  • Focus on shot shaping and real play transfer
  • Central San Diego location
  • Structured progress tracking

Cons

  • Lessons are limited to fixed 55-minute sessions only

Very easy to work with

“I was recommended to Epiphany golf by a friend who was getting lessons from Devin. I was honestly shocked by his game improvement and had to ask who he was working with. I contacted Devin and signed up with a package of lessons. After my first lesson he identified my swing flaws and had me on the the correct path with solid ball striking. I came into it expecting some complex explanations and swing theories but it was completely the opposite. He kept it very simple and effective without having too many swing thoughts. With a little work on the range my game went from  low 90’s down to mid to low 80’s in a few lessons.  I look forward to continuing instruction from Devin and hopefully breaking into the 70’s soon. On top of good instruction, Devin is a great guy who is very easy to work with and I highly recommend.”

– Matt Morrison, Google Review

Patient and knowledgeable

“Devin is patient, knowledgeable, and most of all makes golf way more fun and approachable then I my experiences with the sport had ever let me. I started using Devin as my coach a few years ago and on top of genuine improvement in all aspects of my game, Devin has become a true friend that helps me approach the game. I would recommend Devin to anyone!”

– Ryan Jacobson, Google Review

5. The Heights Golf Club

the-heights-golf-club-logo

Address: 16066 Bernardo Heights Pkwy, CA 92128

Contact Details: +18584874022

Business Hours: 

  • Tuesday to Friday: 7 AM – 8 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday: 6:30 AM – 7 PM

Website

Instagram

Facebook

The Heights Golf Club is in Rancho Bernardo and features an 18-hole Ted Robinson Sr.-designed championship course that immediately sets a serious tone for instruction. 

Coaching is central to The Heights Golf Academy, which feels built for structured improvement rather than casual drop-in lessons. The instruction uses Trackman and Sports Box AI to capture ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and full 3D swing data.

Coaching programs are organized into clear pathways. This includes individual instruction and the adult “Game On!” curriculum that progresses players from fundamentals to course readiness.

Additionally, their junior development is structured through the “Crush It!” program and PGA Junior League preparation, following the age-based stages of the American Development Model. 

Club fitting here is integrated using the same Trackman data, aligning equipment specs directly with swing changes.

However, access to many programs relies heavily on membership or formal club registration, which limits availability to non-members.

Pros

  • Ted Robinson Sr.–designed championship course
  • Trackman and Sports Box AI swing analysis
  • Structured adult and junior development programs
  • LPGA and long-drive–credentialed coaching staff
  • Technology-integrated club fitting

Cons

  • Coaching programs require membership or club registration

Gracious and welcoming

“I’m an Invited member at another club, and I love being able to use the network when traveling. With ClubLine closed for the Fourth of July weekend, we reached out last minute to The Heights Golf Club to see if we could get in some short game and putting work before a tournament in San Diego. The staff was incredibly gracious and welcoming—they allowed us to come in and get the work we needed. Not all Invited clubs are the same, but The Heights stands out as one of the best. The team here, from the golf staff to the clubhouse crew, went above and beyond. I’m a big fan of the people who work here, and I’m really thankful for the hospitality. Highly recommend this club if you’re in the area!”

– Ty Snyder, Google Review

Hospitable and professional

“Highly recommend! Staff is very welcoming, hospitable, professional, kind, and adds to the already great experience. I visited the Heights Golf Club for a fellowship lunch, there were 18 of us total and they provided exemplary service!! Food was delicious, presentation was beautiful, atmosphere was calm yet inviting.”

– Katie Fawcett, Google Review