Ewing founded Bird Golf in Englewood, Colorado two years ago intending to provide the ultimate golf learning experience in beautiful settings world-wide with luxurious accommodations. A well-traveled, seasoned professional himself, Ewing was born in Rome and studied in England and Australia while turning pro at the age of 16. In the 80’s he played on the South Pacific, Australian and Asian tours, a competitive golfer on the familiar path of many great pros, destined to become an excellent teacher.

"I like teaching golf, focusing on the mental game in particular," says Ewing, "I enjoy being able to play golf with students every day – it’s rewarding, too, when you help people achieve their goals." Bird Golf and Ewing have helped many golfers improve their games. According to Ewing, students enjoy the one-on-one environment most of all, especially considering the qualifications of Ewing’s staff. "Our students are excited about playing with Sharon Miller (co-founder of Golf for Women, winner of three LPGA events and the 1988 LPGA Teacher of the Year) and Mary Mills (winner of a U.S. Open and two LPGA championships among her nine tour wins) – these are people who have played in and won many tour events, and they devote the entire day to just one student at a time."

Students who take lessons from Ewing appreciate his desire to have fun with them but get results. They can expect "the truth" from him, and Ewing says his students often ask up front, "What are we going to change today?" because they know he’ll find something that needs work. Ewing is also a good listener; first-time students will spend some time in the beginning explaining what they’d like to accomplish with him. Ewing adds that with beginners, he focuses on mechanics and rules. Intermediate players need to focus on the core of the problem and learn how to correct it, depending on the type of learner they are. With advanced players, Ewing says diagnosis is the key. These players should keep things as simple as possible. All students will find Ewing puts the greatest emphasis on the mental aspects of the game.

Ewing recently helped a student who had been out of golf for 20 years and decided to come back. He’d been neglecting his game. Working with Ewing, he established a 9 handicap in May 1998. By August that same summer, he had dropped to a 4 handicap and shot a 68. He had a hole-in-one on a 340-yard par 4.

Some of Ewing’s luck (he’s half-Irish, you know) may have rubbed off on that student; Ewing once had a hole-in-one on a par 4 as well. In a 1990 practice round, Ewing drove a 2-iron 335 yards, holing it out. When things aren’t going as well as that for Ewing, he often finds himself wondering ‘why am I playing this stupid game?’ or ‘oh, God, why me?’ But Ewing usually bounces back, self-motivated and inspired by such greats as Tiger Woods for his mechanics and Ernie Els for his rhythm. Ewing also enjoys watching Steve Elkington play.

Ewing’s favorite shot to make is from somewhere in the trees. "I love to bend a shot," he says. Among the hardest shots Ewing imagines are 5-foot putts because you really expect to make those. He enjoys attempting all kinds of shots as he plays rounds on his favorite course and golf travel destination, Spyglass, a sister course to Pebble Beach. Other sports Ewing’s been known to dabble in are Rugby, Tennis and the slightly less rigorous, Bridge.

A golf professional for over 20 years, Ewing has lived in Denver, Colorado since 1986. He has a 10-year-old son and a 6-year-old daughter. His only pet is a bird – an Alexandrian parakeet named IAGO. Ewing, also known as "Jaybird," is proud of his new business and excited to welcome students to the top-notch, one-on-one teaching environment that Bird Golf Academy offers. You can learn more about Bird Golf and Jay Ewing by e-mailing info@birdgolf.com. Thanks for sharing, Jay!