A golfer since the age of eight, Luft’s passion for the game is as intense as ever, and now he has the opportunity to share it with others. “I enjoy teaching players of different skill levels,” says Luft, who has met thousands of students on the lesson tee in his 10 years of teaching. “Most of my students are simply interested in learning how they can become a better golfer.” With Luft’s help, improvement is often quick and satisfying, not only for the student, but for Luft himself.  “It seems as though I always learn a little bit more about my own swing by teaching a variety of skill levels,” adds Luft.

When faced with a beginner, Luft is adamant about practice time. New players to the game need to make a commitment to a practice routine. “It is very difficult to get better playing once or twice a month,” notes Luft. Intermediate level golfers should work on better ball striking, according to Luft. He believes that consistent, solid contact makes the transition to an even higher level of play possible. Luft’s advanced students find themselves spending most of their lessons on short game.

Luft’s own practice regiment is often limited to short game, not only in the interest of time, but because he believes that’s where he can make the most difference in his scoring. Many of his evenings are spent refining those little shots around the green that can mean par instead of bogey, sometimes birdie instead of par. Not surprisingly, Luft says without hesitation the best part of his game is his short game. “My favorite shot has to be a short wedge shot around the green,” smiles Luft.

Luft recalls one of the most difficult shots he’s had to make in his playing career was during the Club Professional Championship at Oakhurst CC in 2001. He was even par with two holes to play and stood a good chance to make the cut for the Northern CPC Championship. Luft had to play a long, blind fade out of the rough from about 190 around a tree. “I hit the shot onto the front fringe and got up and down for par,” remembers Luft. In those situations, Luft’s patience and reliable short game really help him shine. A past participant in the 1999 Michigan Open and the 1999, 2000 and 2001 Michigan PGA Championships, Luft has seen his fair share of tournament action, truly testing his ability to make those shots around the green count.

“If I run into trouble, I just tell myself to be patient,” says Luft, “and stick to the game plan.” Luft is motivated, too, by his peers; the spirit of good competition often inspires him to take it up a notch. “I enjoy watching a number of Tour players,” says Luft, “but I really enjoy the opportunity to face challenging players during the events I’m in.” Wherever those events may take place, rest assured Luft is up for the challenge, but he especially enjoys playing Indianwood (Old Course) and wouldn’t object to a round or two in Las Vegas, either. You’d catch him there likely dressed in khaki pants and a solid colored shirt using a quarter to mark his ball. Luft always uses 2 3/4 inch tees.

As a player and a teacher, Luft has built his professional career around his most beloved game: golf. Luft’s peers expect challenging play from him on the course. Luft’s students expect a good understanding of what to do on the lesson tee. Neither group is ever disappointed. Luft is a prepared and knowledgeable teacher with valuable playing experiences to share.  His students always receive a recap of the lesson and drills to work on before the next session. “I think my students like taking lessons from me because they feel as though, in one way or another, I can relate my ideas to them either verbally or physically,” says Luft.

Born in Flint, Michigan and now a 7-year resident of Bloomfield Hills, Luft shares his home with his wife, Susan, and one-year-old son, Ryan. When he’s not saving par in a tournament or sharing insight on the practice tee, you’ll find Luft dabbling on the computer. He also enjoys tossing a baseball around. You can learn more about lessons with Luft by e-mailing him at LUFTY@MEDIAONE.NET. Thanks for sharing, Dan!