In this first video of the Player Lesson series, Mike Malaska works with Jimmy Pearcy to uncover the unique elements of his "golf DNA" and build upon them to improve his game. Jimmy, a 24-handicap golfer, is eager to find more consistency in his swing, stay in play off the tee, and reduce his reliance on scrambling. His ultimate goal is to lower his handicap and enjoy a more reliable golf game.

The lesson begins with Jimmy sharing his background and objectives, explaining that he struggles with striking the ball consistently and often finds himself out of position on the course. Mike, ever focused on personalized coaching, takes the time to understand Jimmy not only as a golfer but as a learner and a person. Through their conversation, Mike learns that Jimmy is analytical and thrives on structure, preferring to follow clear, step-by-step instructions when learning new skills. This insight shapes how Mike approaches the lesson, ensuring that he delivers information in a way that resonates with Jimmy.

Jimmy also shares his professional journey, transitioning from a career in education to consulting in technology sales for school districts. His ability to bridge the gap between administrators and technical staff reflects his knack for understanding and communicating complex ideas—a trait that influences how he learns and processes golf instruction. Mike uses this as a foundation to explain how learning styles vary and why it’s essential to present information in a way that aligns with a person’s natural tendencies.

To gain a better understanding of Jimmy’s physical movements and natural athleticism, Mike engages him in a series of simple yet revealing exercises. Using a baseball bat, Mike has Jimmy simulate swings and practice tapping a tree to observe his range of motion and body coordination. He also asks Jimmy to throw golf balls into the fairway, further analyzing how his body moves during these actions. Through these exercises, Mike identifies that Jimmy’s hips, shoulders, and arms tend to move together in unison, with minimal separation. This finding highlights the influence of Jimmy’s athletic background, which includes over a decade of playing travel softball after college.

During the session, Jimmy mentions a torn labrum in his hip and ongoing tightness, which affects his range of motion. Mike reassures him that these physical traits are not a limitation but rather factors that must be considered when refining his golf swing. He critiques the common industry approach of forcing all players into a standard model, emphasizing instead the importance of tailoring instruction to fit each golfer’s unique biomechanics and natural tendencies.

Mike introduces the concept of "golf DNA" to explain how each player’s natural movement patterns, athletic history, and physical traits form the foundation of their ideal golf swing. For Jimmy, his softball background and instinctive coordination provide a strong starting point. Rather than attempting to overhaul these patterns, Mike’s goal is to build upon them, adapting techniques that feel natural and effective for Jimmy.

Throughout the lesson, Mike’s coaching philosophy becomes evident. He focuses on leveraging the strengths and abilities Jimmy already possesses, rather than attempting to mold him into an arbitrary ideal. By aligning the swing with Jimmy’s natural motions and respecting his physical limitations, Mike ensures that the changes are both practical and sustainable.

This initial session provides Jimmy with valuable insights into his game and his learning process. He gains a deeper appreciation for how his unique "golf DNA" influences his swing and begins to understand how to work with, rather than against, his natural tendencies. With Mike’s guidance, Jimmy is set on a path to achieving greater consistency and lowering his handicap by playing to his strengths.