Golf lessons with
Coach Danny Mccarthy, Jr.
From$104.89 per lesson
•
Golf lessons with
Coach Danny Mccarthy, Jr.
From$104.89 per lesson
•80
Happy Student ScoreFair
This coach is dependable, though reschedules are more frequent. Best if your schedule is flexible.
Coach Rating
5.0•8 reviews
80
Happy Student ScoreFair
This coach is dependable, though reschedules are more frequent. Best if your schedule is flexible.
Coach Rating
5.0•8 reviews
About your golf coach
Driven by a lifelong passion for the game, I've spent the last 25 years helping others unlock their golfing potential. As a former D1 athlete, I bring a unique understanding of the game's complexities and provide personalized guidance to golfers of all levels. Let's work together to refine your skills and elevate your game.
👋
Teaches: Kids, Teenagers, Adults, Seniors
🌱
Levels: Beginners, Intermediates, Experts
📍
Lives in: Lake Forest, California
🎓
Years Playing: 30 years
🔥
Given: 11 lessons
Danny's availability
Find a location and time that works for you
Danny's availability
Find a location and time that works for you
Availability on all locations
Near Lake Forest, California
No availability for this date
Didn't find a time or location that works with Danny?
We can suggest similar coaches or arrange a different spot (even at home)
We can suggest similar coaches or arrange a different spot (even at home)
Accomplishments
⛳️0 Handicap
➕D1 Athlete
➕2013 SCGA Amateur Qualifier
Certifications & Badges
📝PAT Certified
📝PGA Associate
📝Professional Caddy
Specializations
⛳️Scratch Golfer
Reputation
80
Happy Student ScoreFair
Reliability
Sometimes unreliable ⚠️ May miss or reschedule lessons more often, so flexibility is important.
Average rating
5.0
8 ratings•8 reviews
Elena
I recently moved to the United States, and my coach has really helped me adjust both on and off the golf course. He’s very knowledgeable and always gives me clear feedback that helps me improve fast. His lessons are challenging but fun, and I like how he focuses on details like tempo, alignment, and course strategy.
He’s also been super kind and patient while I’m getting used to speaking English more. I feel more confident now, not just with my golf, but in general. I’m really grateful for everything he’s teaching me!
Ryan
I just started golf and my coach makes it really fun! He teaches me how to hold the club and hit the ball. I like when we do little games and see who can hit it closest. He always cheers for me when I do good, and helps me when I miss. I like going to golf now and I want to keep learning!
Kirk
Short game:
Problem: Bladiing the ball when chipping is a common issue, and it usually happens when the leading edge of the club strikes the ball too high, causing it to shoot across the green.
Here are your tip to help me improve my chipping and avoid blading the ball.
1. Set up properly:
-stance: stand with my feet close together and open my stance slightly to the target.
-Ball positions: either the middle of stance or closer to back foot. This helps ensure a downward strike.
-Grop: Use a light grip pressure to maintain feel and control.
2. Use the right club: Choose a club that suits the shot I want to play.
(Pitching wedge, sand wedge, lob wedge)
3. Maintain a steady head: Avoid lifting my head too early to see where the ball is going.
4. Swing Technique: Backswing- Take a shot and controlled backing. The length of backswing depends on the distance.
- Follow Trough- allow the club to follow through towards the target. The follow through should be proportional to my backswing.
- Drill: Place a tee towards the target in front of ball. Hit the ball toward the target instead of hitting left.
5. Stay relaxed: Tension can lead to poor contact. Stay relaxed and focus on making a smooth, controlled swing.
Bunker Shot: My problem is digging the sand too deep such that the ball never came out of bunker. I tried either Sand Wedge or Lob wedge to use the proper bounce of the club to my advantage. I was not able to get out of banker or blast a ball across the green. My
lesson ended here.
Long game: Casting or releasing the club too early in the downswing, including a pull to the left. The following are some of drills I tried.
1. Understand the cause.
2. Focus on the transition: Work on a smooth transition from the backing to the downswing. Avoid rushing the downswing.
3. Drills to prevent Casting:
- Pump drill: Take my backswing, then start downswing and pause halfway down. Check my wrists are still hinged and the club is trailing my hands. Repeat pump motion a few times before completing the swing.
- Towel drill: Place a towel under the lead arm or/and the right arm. Keep it there during the swing. This encourages a proper connection between arms and body, helping to maintain lag.
- Lag drill: Hit shots with a half swing, emphasizing the feeling of lag.
4. Video Analysis: Record my swing to see where I might be casting. (My golf swing was recorded but I did not see the video or Video analysis.)
5. Stay relaxed and focus on a smooth, controlled swing.
In summary, I don’t expect my problems will be solved with three lessons, but I am practicing what I have learned so far. The short games have improved somewhat but I can’t perform on the course what I have mastered on the short game practice area.
Bunker practice is not going well.
Long game: Tower drill, Pump drill, Lag drill, Relaxing are helping reduce casting.
Best,
Kirk Hwang
Chris
Coming from the world of mountain biking, I’m used to speed, adrenaline, and holding on for dear life—so stepping into golf has been a whole new challenge. Luckily, learning from you has made the transition not just easier, but genuinely fun.
Even though I’m new to the game, you’ve got a great way of explaining things without making it feel overwhelming. You break down the swing like someone who’s been teaching for decades, but with the patience and attitude of someone who actually wants beginners to enjoy the process. I never felt rushed, judged, or out of place—just coached.
What’s even cooler is seeing the talent and professionalism that comes from someone I’ve known since you were a kid. You’ve grown into a fantastic coach, and it’s clear you put real effort into helping people understand the game, not just hit the ball.
Thanks for giving a mountain biker a solid start in the golf world. I’m already seeing improvements, and more importantly, I’m hooked. Looking forward to more lessons—just don’t expect me to give up the trails anytime soon.
Diego
I had so much fun in my golf lesson! My coach was really nice and patient. He showed me how to hold the club the right way and how to hit the ball straight. At first it was kind of hard, but he helped me practice until I got it. I liked hitting balls on the driving range and playing little games to make it more fun. I can’t wait for my next lesson so I can get even better!
Ian
As a firefighter and lifelong athlete, I’m used to coaches who push hard, communicate clearly, and genuinely care about growth—and that’s exactly what I get every time I work with you. Your ability to break down the swing in a way that’s both technical and easy to understand is something special. You don’t just tell me what to fix—you explain why it matters and how it connects to the rest of my game.
What I appreciate most is the patience and detail you bring to every lesson, even after knowing me and my family for years. You treat me like any dedicated student, but you coach with the kind of honesty and encouragement only a true family friend can give. The progress I’ve seen in both consistency and confidence speaks for itself.
Thank you for helping me build a stronger, smarter, and more efficient golf game. Looking forward to many more sessions—and hopefully proving on the course that your coaching really is as good as I keep telling people it is.
Beginner training plan
Your first lessonEstablish a friendly and non-intimidating atmosphere
Lesson 11+Shift from learning how to play golf to learning how to score
Lesson 4-10Refining the full swing, introducing all key areas of the game, and building confidence on the course
Lesson 2-3Warm up, improve contact and swing awareness
Youth players
Working with kidsTry to make it as fun as possible
Working with teenagersHelp them discover their own abilities and build confidence
What you need to bringClubs
What I can bringAlignment sticks, different putting tools to practice with
Frequently asked questions
Cancellation Policy
We totally understand that life can be unpredictable and plans might change. That's
why we've got your back with our flexible cancellation policy, designed to give you
peace of mind when booking private sports lessons with our awesome local instructors!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
DJ
Golf with Danny J.⭑ 5.0 (8 reviews)