Gorgone also wants to get to know his students as best he can during the lesson, so he asks them to take a moment to fill out a questionnaire. The completed form will tell him about the student’s golfing history, injuries, other sports played and exactly what they want out of that day’s lesson. “After that, we develop a direction of what to do to improve their current skill level and a sequence of how to do it,” says Gorgone. “At the end, I provide a take home video.”

With beginners, Gorgone recommends keeping things simple. He encourages his novice students to use their best clubs whenever they tackle a course. “Listen to your instructor and practice the short (swing) game a lot,” adds Gorgone. Intermediate level players should also focus on the short game, in particular the “scoring” shots around 80-140 yards. These players should use their best club, whether it be driver, 4-wood or 4-iron, off the tee. This will help them take advantage of good contact that is somewhat consistent. A more fluid swing motion should also be in the works.

Gorgone’s advanced golfers are asked to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. “We then play out on the course so I can get a picture of what they do,” says Gorgone. “We set a plan of action to improve the WHOLE GAME.” Gorgone has helped countless students, but one in particular made spectacular progress in just 8 months. This student went from a 21 handicap to a 9 while working with Gorgone.

“I helped him to practice more productively,” recalls Gorgone, who watched the student change the shape of his ball flight from a slice to a powerful pull draw. “He improved his game from around the greens a lot,” notes Gorgone. “I explained how to play realistic shots, focusing on course management and strategy, recommending his best clubs for certain situations.” Gorgone also shared his own enthusiasm for the game with this student and encouraged him enjoy himself to the fullest while out on the course.

An All-American golfer at Miami University of Ohio and an active professional competitor, Gorgone has been in plenty of situations that have tested his own course management skills. Gorgone once teed it up in the U.S. Open; he’s played the South African and South American Tours. Gorgone has also competed on the Nike Tour and the Canadian Tour. He was a participant in the B.C. Open. Gorgone has earned a number of honors for his accomplishments on the course, including being named Miami University Athlete of the Year and being inducted into the Maine Golf Hall of Fame. Much of his success can be attributed to a sound practice routine and solid mental preparation.

Gorgone typically stretches first, then warms up with putting, chipping, and slow full swings. Gradually, he increases the speed of his swing as he moves up through the clubs in his bag. Gorgone uses video every so often to check his mechanics. After working through his full swing needs, Gorgone will practice lob shots and sand shots. “My practice routine is always very similar except before tournaments when I also get the local rules, pin placements for the day and a little time for myself to be mentally ready and prepped,” says Gorgone. Regular practice helps Gorgone feel more confident in the shots that sometimes challenge even his impressive skills, such as an eight foot severe downhill putt breaking left to right to keep a one shot lead. A high fade off of a tight lie can also be tricky for Gorgone.

Regardless of the shot he faces or the trouble he might be in, Gorgone is quick to remind himself that golf is just a game. He’ll take a deep breath and look around to appreciate the beauty of it. After all, his game is pretty balanced, and he can almost always count on his short game to get him out of a jam. “I chose a career in golf because it’s an individual sport,” says Gorgone. “It’s very challenging to me and extremely fun.” Gorgone will happily take the bad with the good, and he really enjoys sharing the game with players of any age or ability.

“I teach because I like to see the improvement of my students,” says Gorgone. “I enjoy sharing my love of this game and my expertise with them so they can in turn enjoy their game even more.” Motivated by himself and some of the best players in the world – Tiger, Annika, Phil and so forth – Gorgone keeps bringing out the best in himself and his students by getting the most out of time spent on the practice tee and the lesson tee.

Born in Maryland, Gorgone first played golf at age 12 and went on to tee it up for his high school team. Now he teaches at The Practice Tee in Altamonte Springs, Florida, sharing his Orlando home with wife, Ali, and children, Jonah (4) and Brayden (1). Two dogs and two cats round out the family. Gorgone is an avid sportsman – you might catch him tossing a baseball around or dribbling up court when he’s not teeing off at a nearby course. Gorgone also enjoys soccer, tennis, hockey, hiking, fishing and just plain staying healthy. You can learn more about getting the most out if your next lesson with Gorgone by e-mailing him at wholegameofgolf@aol.com. Thanks for sharing, Sean!