Meet Garry Rippy, PGA Golf Coach

Please introduce yourself — who you are, your background, what service you provide?

My name is Garry Rippy, and I'm a PGA Golf Coach based at Jimmy Clay/Roy Kizer Golf Courses in Austin, TX. I've been teaching the game since 1978 — and after fifty years, I've found that following basic fundamentals, rather than chasing systems, works best for most golfers. I have an extensive background playing the game at the professional level, and whether you want to be a competitive golfer or just play for fun, I can help you reach your goals.

How did you get started? What led you to this industry?

I played my first round of golf at age 11 at Butler Pitch and Putt in Austin — it was my birthday, and my next-door neighbor had played before, so we went together. I fell in love with it immediately and played there two or three times a week after that. It wasn't long before I found Lions Municipal Golf Course, where my mom would drop me off in the mornings and pick me up after work. That became my home course all through high school. I got my first job in golf while still in high school and knew right then I wanted to make a career of it. Without a college degree, I knew I needed to learn the business from the best professionals in the country. I started as an assistant at Horseshoe Bay Resort, then spent the next decade in that role at Shady Oaks Country Club, Ridglea Country Club, and TPC at Sawgrass. Along the way I worked 17 PGA TOUR events. I was the host professional for 14 Houston Opens and also worked The Players Championship and the PGA Championship at Winged Foot. My first head professional position was at TPC at The Woodlands, where I spent nearly 13 years before returning to Austin. Then in 2010, I decided to teach full time — to share my experience, knowledge, and love for this game with golfers of all levels.

What do you love most about the work? What keeps you motivated and inspired day to day?

I just love golf! I enjoy helping golfers love the game as much as I still do. Nothing makes me happier than a student telling me they just played their best round of golf. As long as I can see and speak, I'll be teaching this great game!

Why is golf so difficult — and why are so many people drawn to it anyway?

There is no other game like golf. Every course is different and presents different challenges — I've played 505 courses across 20 states and no two have ever felt the same. Being an outdoor sport, weather can present a challenge as well. To excel at golf there are mechanical skills to learn and improve, mental skills to help you handle adversity on the course and course management skills to help you navigate the various hazards such as water, sand and rough. And yet — all of that is exactly what keeps people coming back!

What resources exist for golfers looking for a qualified coach — and how do you stay sharp as an instructor?

The PGA of America, of which I am a proud member, hosts teaching and coaching seminars that I attend regularly to sharpen my skills and stay current with a wide variety of students. For golfers looking for a qualified coach, PGA.com is a great starting point to find certified professionals in your area.

What do you want potential clients to know about you or your work?

I'm going to make sure you have fun — whether you're learning for the first time or working to improve your game. Beyond the mechanics, I can help you develop the positive mental attitude that makes golf more enjoyable at every level. When you join me for a lesson, you'll feel my passion and love for this game!

Your contact info and links are on your Maisaic profile, is there anything else you'd like to share with the readers?

Through my experiences with world-class coaches, players, and characters in the game, you won't just be learning from me — you'll be learning from everyone along the way who shaped my teaching style and charisma!