Private Lessons & Coaches in Santa Monica, CA

I’m Alex Sapalicio, with over 20 years of golf experience and more than a decade of coaching under my belt. I hold the course record of 57 at my home course, Alhambra Golf Course, and have competed in multiple PGA pre-qualifying events. My true passion lies in the game itself and in helping others discover and nurture their own love for golf.

"Alex is the best. I had a lot of fun and really enjoyed trying golf for the first time.

Over 35 years immersed in the world of golf, I offer expertise from modern tech to the mental aspects of golf to help you compete and develop your best game. I’ve caddied on the LPGA tour and competed at the professional level. My passion lies in helping students of all levels unlock their full potential specializing in long game, short game and positive mindset techniques. I'm dedicated to a balanced custom approach that cultivates both skill and a genuine love for golf.

"Didn’t over complicate things just worked on the fundamentals to make me better

Fueling your passion for Pickleball is my mission. With 4 years of coaching experience and having competed professionally, I offer expert guidance. Let's elevate your game with tailored strategies and a touch of fun!

"I just finished my second class with Coach Aaron. He’s very kind and patient, and makes the lessons more fun. Looking forward to my next session!🤗

For the past five years, I've dedicated myself to teaching golf, focusing primarily on juniors aged 5-17 while also offering lessons to adults of all skill levels. As a certified US Kids instructor and with four years of experience at SCGA Junior, I've honed my ability to tailor lessons that cater to each student's needs and aspirations. My background in high school and college golf not only fuels my passion for the sport but also enriches my coaching with firsthand competitive insights.

"Great instructor!

Hi, my name is Aaron. Tennis has been a lifelong passion of mine. Growing up in Northern Virginia, I started playing when I was just four years old. By the time I was a teenager, I was ranked Top 5 in Virginia for my age group (15–18) and finished as a Top 20 junior in the Mid-Atlantic region, competing in national tournaments across the country. Along the way, I trained with some of the best coaches in the U.S., including a mentor who also worked with Frances Tiafoe during his junior development at College Park. In 2018, I moved to California to play collegiate tennis at California Lutheran University (CLU), where I competed for four years and served as team captain my senior year, reaching an 11 UTR. Off the court, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business and Sports Management, and I recently completed my MBA. I’ve been coaching part- and full-time since 2021, working with players of all ages and skill levels. My goal as a coach is to make the game enjoyable, while helping players build strong fundamentals, improve strategy, and develop confidence on the court. Whether you’re a beginner picking up a racquet for the first time or an experienced player aiming to sharpen your edge, I’m excited to help you take your game to the next level!

"The lesson with Aaron was quite good, mainly because he’s very patient and attentive. Still, I think there's room to push my technique a bit further, but honestly, his steady approach made the whole experience quite helpful. If you're after a teacher who genuinely listens and keeps things calm, Aaron might be a solid choice.

I coached youth tennis for about a year at Southern California Tennis Academy, working with players of different ages and skill levels. My coaching style is technical, patient, and focused on steady improvement. I enjoy breaking down strokes, footwork, and shot selection in a way that feels clear and useful. As a player, I played 4 years of varsity and a handful of junior tournaments, getting to a 7.3 UTR. Based on my skill level, I can best serve beginners to high intermediates.

"Great instructor, patient and clear instructions

I have been playing lacrosse for over a decade and my love for the sport is only growing on the west coast! I will help cultivate player’s skill, game IQ and confidence through focused training. I am Offensive Midfielder at a top 10 Division 3 program and have been coached by NCAA Division 1 championship coaches throughout my development as a player. Additionally, I played and coached for my club lacrosse team Mass Elite Lacrosse which has sent players (and friends I played against) to the top programs across the country. My focus is on shooting, dodging, stick work, IQ and conditioning. Let's elevate your game together!

If you’re serious about improving your golf game, you’re in the right place. I work with golfers who want real results—lower scores, better consistency, and the confidence to perform on the course. Whether you’re trying to break 100, 90, or take your game to a competitive level, my coaching is designed to get you there efficiently. With over 30 years of playing experience, 15+ years of coaching, a 1.2 handicap, and 400+ lessons given, I bring a high-level, results-driven approach to every session. This isn’t guesswork or generic instruction—every lesson is tailored to your swing, your tendencies, and your goals. My philosophy is simple: identify what’s truly holding you back, make the right adjustments, and help you see improvement quickly. Most golfers don’t need a complete swing overhaul—they need the right guidance and understanding that translates directly to better performance on the course. What You Can Expect Clear, easy-to-understand instruction without overcomplication Immediate feedback you can feel and apply A focus on scoring, not just swing mechanics Simple, effective drills you can take to the course Coaching tailored specifically to your game Areas of Focus Consistent ball striking and contact Short game & putting (where scores drop fastest) Course strategy & smarter decision-making Building a repeatable, reliable swing under pressure Who I Work Best With All golfers who want to have fun and improve who are serious about improving Players looking to break 100, 90, or reach the 80s Individuals who want efficient, results-driven . Coaching Beginners who want to build a strong foundation the right way

"Joshua has a great understanding of gold mechanics and great drills/analogies to stop you from overthinking and fixing your swing. I've had 2 other instructors but Joshua clearly has a great way of breaking down mechanics, and if you see him swing you'll understand why he does this for a living!

My love for tennis extends beyond the court, inspiring me to cultivate passion in others for the past 15 years. As an experienced player, I bring a deep understanding of the game and a dedication to helping each student, regardless of their current skill level, reach their full potential. My coaching style balances structured learning with a fun and engaging approach, creating a positive environment for growth and achievement.

"Was my first lesson and Alireza was very good at explaining all the basics.

For over a decade, I've been passionate about sharing my love for pickleball and helping players of all levels achieve their goals. I believe in a fun, supportive learning environment where you can develop your skills, improve your game, and discover the joy of this amazing sport.

"Saurabh helped me improve my dinking and serves and also helped me refine my left hand returns. He is very knowledgeable and can incorporate changes based on your requirements.