"I love this game," says FitzHugh, who has helped countless students overcome their swing woes and find a new level of confidence. "It is the most challenging sport I have ever attempted," he adds. And if it’s hard for FitzHugh, a golfer since he was eight and now a frequent participant in his PGA Section Monday tournaments, he knows how hard it can be for newcomers and advanced players alike. "I am very patient and knowledgeable," notes FitzHugh. "I pass on the instruction in ways my students can feel and understand."

A former flight instructor, FitzHugh has likely had testier moments in the cockpit than on the driving range, but you can bet he’s drawing on his past experiences to help his golfing charges land better numbers. Teaching someone to fly requires a relaxed demeanor and a fine eye for detail. Teaching someone the game of golf asks the same of any good instructor. FitzHugh first considers the level of player he is working with, then recommends a plan to suit their improvement needs. Beginners are advised to take a number of lessons with much of the focus being on their short games. Intermediate golfers should emphasize ball striking. "Learning to hit consistently solid shots with all clubs is important for these players," says FitzHugh.

FitzHugh’s advanced players are assisted with the use of video analysis. FitzHugh works with them to fine-tune a swing that best fits their physique and athletic ability. "I love seeing people improve their abilities right before my eyes," smiles FitzHugh. "They get so excited and thrilled. I think that is really amazing."

When it comes to his own game, FitzHugh works as diligently as he asks his students to, practicing a couple of hours at a time. "I work up through my bag and back down for about an hour," says FitzHugh, whose favorite shot to play is a pitch shot inside 75 yards. "Then I go hit pitches, chips and putts for another hour or so," he adds. Chipping and putting are FitzHugh’s strengths, but he is sometimes challenged by long bunker shots. The hardest shot he ever had to attempt was his tee shot on the 36th hole of his PGA Player’s Ability Test. "I had OB on both sides of the fairway," recalls FitzHugh, "and needed a bogie or better to pass." FitzHugh met the challenge.

"Golf fulfills your physical, emotional and strategic needs," says FitzHugh, "all while playing in some of the most beautiful settings one could ever see." FitzHugh’s favorite course is Carnoustie, but traveling to play finds him torn between Scotland and Hawaii as the places he’d most want to go. On any course, FitzHugh keeps a cool head and a patient approach, much like he recommends his students do. "If I’m in trouble I just tell myself, ‘Relax. There are a lot of holes left, so just trust your swing," says FitzHugh.

Though he never played competitive golf in high school or college, FitzHugh participated in enough sports to learn the importance of a positive attitude. He played basketball and baseball at Langley High School in McLean, Virginia and went on to play baseball for the University of Virginia and Washington & Lee University. FitzHugh has picked up a lot through the observation of other professional competitors as well. "I love to watch Tiger," he says. "He is phenomenal with his ability to scramble and focus."

FitzHugh was born in Alexandria, Virginia, but now resides in Loveland, Ohio with his wife, Sally, and three children: Emily (21), Courtney (19) and Palmer (17). Five cats – Cuddles, Captain, Twinkie, Meeko and Minnie – round out the family. When he’s not on the lesson tee at Eagles Nest Golf Course helping students find consistency, you might catch FitzHugh shooting hoops, running the bases or smacking a racquetball around. For more on lessons with FitzHugh, e-mail him at cfitz2026@aol.com. Thanks for sharing, Grayson!