Jim McLean is one of the most influential PGA of America Golf Professionals in the world, recognized globally for his teaching excellence. In 1991, he founded the Jim McLean Golf School at Doral, which has grown into an internationally respected academy with locations across the US, Spain, Mexico and South Korea, and currently headquartered at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Fla.
His schools have produced 420 certified teaching professionals, with more than 250 serving as Directors of Golf or Instruction. McLean, a PGA Master Professional, has taught thousands of golfers, including over 100 PGA, LPGA and Champions Tour professionals, including Cristie Kerr, Keegan Bradley, Tom Kite, Peter Jacobsen, Lexi Thompson, Gary Woodland and Bernhard Langer. Jim is especially proud of the golfers he has developed into top amateurs, collegiate players and even top tour players. McLean has written 15 golf books, a business book and contributed to Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, Golf Illustrated and Met Golfer.
He has been a featured presenter at 12 PGA Teaching & Coaching Summits, spoke at three European Summits and has presented all over the world. He served 15 years on the National PGA Teaching and Education Committees. Earlier in his career, he was Director of Golf at Sunningdale, Quaker Ridge, Sleepy Hollow, Tamarisk and Doral.
My Story
In 1974 I missed the final stage of PGA Tour School by three strokes over eight rounds. I did not know what I would do. If I ever decided to leave golf, I had been offered a very great job in real estate back in Houston.
I flew to Houston to consult with Masters and PGA Champion Jackie Burke, a close friend. He also owned Champions GC. We had a long talk and he suggested teaching for a season in New York. Mr. Burke had worked in New York at Winged Foot under Claude Harmon. Jackie helped me get the job at Westchester CC in Rye.
I was hired as the first assistant and my world changed. Westchester had 1,800 members, 45 holes of golf, a huge driving range and a PGA Tour event. I found that I really enjoyed teaching. After that, I played each winter, took lessons myself and then returned to teach in the summers until I became a Director of Golf. Years later, I moved to Miami to run my own golf school.
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When did you find out you were selected for the PGA of America Hall of Fame and what does it mean to you to be admitted to that special group?
I found out about six weeks prior to the Hall of Fame induction in Frisco. I entered the PGA’s Professional Golf Management program in 1978 and I probably attended more PGA seminars than probably anyone else.
Later, I would teach a Teaching and Playing workshop for PGA of America Golf Professionals. Going into the PGA Hall of Fame really didn’t enter my mind until Geoff Lofstead, our South Florida Executive Director, suggested it last year. Of course it is a great honor to be included in this Hall of Fame.
A good teacher consistently does what?
A top teacher improves their students every time. They expertly know how to teach every level of golfer, from beginner to tour professionals.
Quality / impactful teaching can be a difficult search for many. What do you suggest as a starting point for those looking for a person who can assist them with their respective golf game?
Look for a busy teacher, and if at all possible, get recommendations from someone who has worked with that teacher. That teacher should have a long list of successful students.
Plenty of professionals use video messaging with students. How effective is that method and have you used it yourself with students?
I get video messaging almost every day and multiple times a day. I know my students love to get feedback when I can’t see them in person. It’s a great way to stay in touch with your students. I would say it’s mandatory.
You’ve taught the full gamut of players. What is harder – teaching a touring pro or a regular golfer?
Teaching a tour professional is definitely more difficult because their livelihood depends on accurate analysis and top-class game planning. However, you have to be serious with all of your students and treat each student as a special person.
People always want to get better at golf — if the golf clock is represented by 100% — how much time should be spent on long game, short game, putting, trouble shots?
For the longest time, I’ve approached golf by dividing it into four main categories, each equally important.
The emphasis simply depends on the needs of the student in front of me. I focus first on the long game, covering all full shots, and then move on to the comprehensive short game and putting.
Next, we work on the management game, which is practiced and learned primarily on the course. Finally, I address the mental game, incorporating relaxation techniques, visualization and pre-shot routines.
Is there one touring pro you did not teach that you would have enjoyed working with on their golf game?
This is an impossible question for me. I have worked with some of the nicest guys ever on the PGA Tour, including Gary Woodland, Lenny Mattiace and Russell Henley. It was an absolute honor to work with these guys. Working with them was just unbeatable.
What recommendations would you give to golfers searching for a quality teacher?
First, make a list of the questions you want answers to in your lesson. Next, arrive early, be prepared and don’t be afraid to ask for more information.
How can a student know when teaching is working and not working and what steps would you offer in each situation?
You will know your lessons are not working when you’re not making progress and when you do not have an improvement plan that fits your life and learning style.
Best advice you ever received — what was it and who was it from?
I played many times with Charlie Sifford, who was a four-time PGA Tour winner. Charlie said to avoid choking, get cool mad. He said when you get mad, you’re not about to lay down. It’s a great way to get tougher in a pressure situation.
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