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Published: April, 2008

Derek Uyeda

The teacher at Stadium Golf Center in San Diego enjoys delivering his knowledge of the swing to his students.
Derek Uyeda has been teaching golf for about 12 years and is currently at Stadium Golf Center in San Diego. He turned professional about two years after starting to play seriously but realized that his late start would make it difficult to earn a living on the course.

But he always enjoyed working on his swing, so it was a natural transition for him when PGA professional Jeff Johnson, his mentor at Steele Canyon, pointed him toward the Pro Kids Golf Academy and the beginning of his full-time teaching career.

What's the best golf tip you've ever received?
It has to do with my teaching. Several years ago, Carl Welty, who I think is the most knowledgeable golf instructor in the world, taught me how to film the best players in the world and how to study the film. This was exactly what I was looking for. I don't like taking someone's word on what happens in the golf swing. I want to see it myself and study it. I would not be where I am today without that great assistance.

What's the most satisfying thing about being a golf teacher?
Seeing all the kids that I have taught through the years grow up and become adults, and knowing that I have helped with some part of their lives along the way.

What's the most common problem you see in your students?
The lack of ability to read greens.

What is your favorite part of the game?
Competition, without a doubt. I'm more competitive with my teaching now than with actually playing. However, I wish I could practice and play like I did when I first started. Having a family and teaching all the time kind of cuts into that.

What's the most challenging thing about being a golf teacher?
If I had to say one thing, it would be dealing with egos. I work with a lot of good players, so dealing with their egos would be the toughest thing for me because of my own.

What are your most treasured golf possessions?
My video camera and the headcovers I get from all the college players I teach.

Best round ever, and where?
63 at Torrey Pines North before the redo.

Your greatest achievement in golf?
Up to this point it has to be attaining my PGA membership. And when my student, Tiffany Joh, won the 2006 United States Women's Amateur Public Links Championship. I know it wasn't me playing, but I like to feel that I had a little something to do with it.