Let's face it, golf is hard to learn by yourself. Everyone (including PGA Tour Pros) benefit from another "pair of eyes"  watching them so that they can accelerate the learning process. That's just what you'll find here at Elk Grove's Emerald Lakes Golf Course. Lead by PGA Head Golf Professional Nelson Hirst, a PGA Member for 35 years, lessons programs are focused on how to get you to play better golf. Period. No complicated golf lingo, no crazy gadgits, just practical advice from professionals who get results. Ask about a playing lesson!

 

Conducted under the shadow of a 300+ year old Heritage Oak, this relaxed setting is perfect for learning this "Royal and Ancient" game.  For information on lesson rates, please see our "rates menu."

Instructor Spotlight

Nelson Hirst, PGA Head Professional

Emerald Lakes Golf Course Manager Matt Holm has been playing golf for more than 30 years, 20 of which he has spent teaching golfers of all skill levels.  A Class A Member of The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of America, Matt is an accomplished player, having won three Northern California PGA-sanctioned pro-am tournaments.  He currently holds course records at two Northern California golf courses, playing to a +1 U.S.G.A handicap.  He shot his personal-best score of 64 in 2005 at the Bing Maloney Golf Course in Sacramento, where at the time he was head golf professional.  When teaching, Matt emphasizes learning a consistent athletic motion and, where appropriate, dispelling common golf myths such as “left arm straight,” “head down” and “shift your weight.” “I take the approach of teaching people not methods, since everyone brings their own set of motor skills and strength levels with them when learning and playing golf,” said Matt.  Matt has attended and taught numerous seminars on the art and science of teaching golf, and has instructed thousands of students in the Sacramento region since 1993.  He also is a former Northern California PGA “Club Fitter of the Year.” 
 

Matt can be reached via e-mail at mattholm@csdparks.com or by phone (916) 685-GOLF (4653)
for information on Emerald Lakes lesson programs, fundraising tournament opportunities and birthday parties.
 

Ted Baptista, Teaching Professional  
Ted has been a touring and teaching professional since 1996. He has participated in mini-tours and Senior PGA qualifiers in which he has won or placed, and has played on the South Pacific PGA Tour.  Ted has had an array of students ranging from juniors, ladies, seniors to mini-tour players, and brings a lot of professionalism to Emerald Lakes GC.  Ted believes, "There is basically no such thing as a mistake; only an opportunity to learn.