“I offer very clear and easy to understand advice,” notes Randle, who first picked up a club at age 11. “I work with a person’s strengths to help him or her build a better golf game.” Randle knows what it means to take advantage of natural ability – his own game developed on a foundation of simply having a knack for it. He began competing at a young age and played junior golf at the national level. He teed it up for Mount Douglas High School and went on to play for the University of Washington. Randle turned pro in the spring of 1990 and enjoyed a full time career on the Canadian Tour through 1997.

“I like the fact that the outcome in golf is all dependent on me as opposed to team sports,” says Randle. “I was drawn to golf because of the honor most of the competitors showed. It didn’t hurt either that I was pretty good at it!” smiles Randle, who also played the South African Tour from ’93 to ’95. Randle has won over 40 professional events thus far, including the BC PGA Championship. It’s no wonder one of the first things a new student asks Randle about is his experience on the course as a competitive professional.

While Randle is happy to oblige by sharing what he’s learned in course management, he also has some great advice when it comes to mechanics and shot-making. Randle works with students of all abilities, but when it comes to beginners, his goals are simple: “I like to help beginners learn the game well enough so they feel comfortable going out to play with strangers on a new course,” says Randle. He focuses on the basic fundamentals early on to help new golfers avoid starting bad habits.

For intermediate level players, Randle recommends they chart their games for strengths and weaknesses so they can continuously improve weak areas while maintaining their stronger skills. The typical advanced player, according to Randle, already has a good swing motion. “Advanced golfers need fine-tuning where their swings are concerned,” notes Randle. “The bulk of instruction time with better players is usually spent on short game and mental skills.”

Though his busy teaching schedule doesn’t allow much practice time for his own game, Randle does manage to squeeze in a few swings whenever possible. He remains competitive and therefore needs to keep his game up. For bigger events, Randle will practice at least an hour a day and schedule a practice round at the facility hosting the event. No matter where he plays, Randle is most confident in his ball striking and course management skills. These are the best parts of his game.

“I like to win,” says Randle. “That motivates me, and I am also inspired by anyone who has control over their golf ball.” In weaker moments, perhaps when he is faced with a long bunker shot to a tight pin position, Randle just tells himself, I’ve been here before. Stick to your game plan and stay in the present tense. One shot at a time. It’s not unusual for Randle to tell himself the same thing when he’s feeling really good over the ball or when things are going well during a round. Randle’s experience as a professional golfer has strengthened his mental approach to the game. He passes this knowledge on to help his students get better at and enjoy the game he loves.

Randle’s students can expect guaranteed improvement. What does Randle look forward to on the lesson tee? “The look on someone’s face when they hot a shot better than they ever have before,” says Randle. Outside of that, Randle enjoys traveling to Palm Springs, California and playing “fun” golf with his wife, Lori. A resident of Victoria, BC since 1977, Randle’s favorite golf course is thousands of miles away in Durban, South Africa. You can reach John Randle at the Victoria Academy of Golf or drop him an e-mail at john@playbettergolf.ca to learn more about improving your game!