“That shot really helped me considering it was the first hole of the tournament,” recalls Mulso. Giving himself that boost of confidence under pressure was not unlike what he does for students nowadays on the lesson tee. A 10-year PGA Teaching Professional out of Kansas City, Missouri, Mulso’s vast playing and teaching experience have helped him give countless students of all abilities refreshed confidence in their games. “I’m very fortunate that playing and teaching golf has come rather easily to me, which has lead to an obsession for the game,” smiles Mulso. “I really enjoy the challenges that it brings.”

Mulso started playing golf a little later than most. He was 20, but it didn’t deter him from pursuing it to the highest level. Mulso has competed in several State Opens, various Nike events and a number of PGA Section tournaments. He has met with even greater success on the lesson tee, having worked with PGA Tour Player David Frost in 1997. Mulso coached Frost in Dallas just prior to the PGA’s Colonial in Ft. Worth. Frost won the tournament.

“I like the challenge of pinpointing the root of someone’s swing fault,” notes Mulso. “I especially enjoy working with professional and low handicap players. But no matter who it is, the best feeling is to see the boost of confidence and smile at the end of the sessions,” he adds. Mulso starts beginner students out with lessons in tempo, trying to give them a feel for the rhythm of the golf swing. Intermediate students get a review of effective tempo and specific guidance from Mulso on the mental side of the game. Mulso’s advanced students come to him for assistance with key problem areas, hoping he can pinpoint the exact flaw. “I think it’s important, too, with advanced students to keep the confidence high,” says Mulso.

According to Mulso, most students can expect noticeable improvement after the first lesson. When he begins a lesson with a new student, he generally asks questions about the student’s game and where he or she hopes to improve. Mulso will then develop drills to meet the student’s needs and of course, encourage routine practice. “My students appreciate the way I simplify the swing,” notes Mulso. “I combine several small moves into one or two bigger thoughts that are incorporated into drills.” This approach helps his students meet their desired improvement goals and builds confidence in the areas of their games where they may have been struggling.

When practicing his own game, Mulso tries to put himself into actual playing situations, envisioning and hitting the necessary shots. “I try to make it as realistic as possible,” says Mulso, whose favorite shot to hit is a flop shot. Mulso has the most confidence in his irons; more often than not, he successfully executes iron shots like the one at the KC Open. Mulso is continually motivated by simply playing and watching the game. He follows no one in particular on Tour, but keeps an eye on everybody, noting the differences in successful swings. If he ever gets into trouble out on the course, he just makes note of his mistakes, works on them in practice and then gets back on the course for another try.

Born in Trimont, Minnesota, Mulso is new to the Kansas City area. He’s lived there for a year with his English Pointer, Turner, and her puppy, Hooch. He’s already found a favorite course in The National Golf Club of Kansas City. Mulso has also enjoyed playing Tom Watson’s new course in Parkville, Missouri. Mulso tackles any course typically wearing neutral colors but always carrying an extra long tee in his golf bag. When he’s not assisting students at the Robin Nigro Golf Academy, you might find him on the lake baiting a hook or in the woods tracking game. Mulso is also a snow skier. To get a boost of confidence in your game, e-mail Mulso at dmulso@kc.rr.com. Thanks for sharing, David!