Teaching “PRO” File – Jim Perez

There may no more enterprising member of the USGTF than Fresno, California’s, Jim Perez. A USGTF member since 1995 and a Master Golf Teaching Professional since 1997, Perez’s start as a USGTF member is memorable. He approached the owner of the local driving range, who informed Perez that he already had three PGA teaching professionals and did not need another pro. Perez pointed out that there was no business at that time at the range and that he would assure more golfers would come. After two such rejections, the owner relented and allowed Perez to teach.

Now, he had to come up with a plan, and it was a doozy. He placed an ad in the local newspaper (when newspaper ads were a thing), selling lesson memberships for $99. Over 200 people bought them in short order (over $20,000 worth), and Perez was off and running.

He also has an interesting philosophy when it comes to how much to charge for lessons. “I make sure I charge more than anyone in the area,” he remarked, “because that gives people the impression that they’re paying for the highest quality.” Of course, it helps that Perez is an extremely competent and accomplished teacher and player. In addition to learning under the USGTF umbrella, Perez has spent time observing teaching greats Butch Harmon and Mike Hebron, among others. And speaking of playing, Perez is a former United States Golf Teachers Cup senior champion and a World Golf Teachers Cup individual senior champion.

Currently, he and his wife Marci own the Bluff Pointe Golf Course in Fresno, where Perez can be seen hard at work most days.