The SOCIETY Newsletter #64

Thank you Dave Pelz

This week we lost a golfer who’s contributions to the game of golf cannot be measured.

Dave Pelz: The Man Who Revolutionized the Short Game

A Brief History of Dave Pelz

Dave Pelz was not always a golf instructor—his journey to becoming one of the most influential figures in the sport is as unconventional as it is impressive. Born in 1940, Pelz was an accomplished collegiate golfer at Indiana University. However, realizing that his skills weren’t at a PGA Tour level, he pursued a career in aerospace engineering at NASA.

Despite stepping away from competitive golf, Pelz’s passion for the game never faded. His background in science and physics led him to analyze the sport differently than traditional instructors. Instead of relying on intuition or feel, he used data and scientific principles to understand golf’s intricacies—particularly the short game, an area he believed was vastly overlooked by most players.

Changing the Game Through Science

Pelz’s approach to golf instruction was revolutionary because he applied a scientific methodology to an art often taught through feel and tradition. He began meticulously tracking data on PGA Tour players, discovering a striking trend: the vast majority of shots in a round occur within 100 yards of the hole. Yet, traditional instruction focused predominantly on the full swing.

This realization led Pelz to shift the paradigm of golf coaching. He founded the Pelz Golf Institute and began developing a data-driven system that emphasized the short game—chipping, pitching, bunker play, and putting—as the most critical area for lowering scores. His research-based approach made him a sought-after coach for professional and amateur golfers alike.

Pioneering Short Game and Putting Instruction

Dave Pelz wasn’t the first golfer/instructor to publish a book on one of the subspecialties within the game of golf- that honor should be given to Willie Park Junior and his book, The Art of Putting. That being said Pelz’s impact on the short game can’t be overstated. He was among the first to break down putting and wedge play into scientific elements that could be measured and improved with precision. Some of his key contributions include:

 • The “Three-Foot Circle” Concept: Pelz discovered that the world’s best golfers consistently left their chips and pitches within a three-foot radius of the hole, dramatically improving their chances of making the next putt.

 • The 60-Degree Wedge: He was a major advocate for higher-lofted wedges, helping to popularize the 60-degree wedge and encouraging players to carry multiple wedges for better distance control.

 • The Putter’s “Sweet Spot”: Through testing, Pelz proved that striking a putt just a fraction off-center could significantly affect the ball’s roll and accuracy, leading to innovations in putter design.

 • The Concept of “Dead Hands” Wedge Play: He developed techniques for controlling wedge shots by limiting wrist action, which allowed players to better control spin and trajectory.

Pelz also published multiple books, including the influential “Putt Like the Pros” and “Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible,” which became must-reads for serious golfers. His Golf Schools, where amateurs and professionals alike refine their short games, remain among the most respected golf academies in the world.

Famous Students and Their Success

Pelz’s teachings have been instrumental in the success of some of the greatest golfers in history. Among his most notable students are:

Phil Mickelson: Known for his short game wizardry, Mickelson worked extensively with Pelz, refining his wedge play and putting. Under Pelz’s guidance, Mickelson became one of the best short-game players of all time, winning multiple majors and mastering shots like the “flop shot.”

 • Patrick Reed: The 2018 Masters champion credited Pelz’s instruction for improving his short game and putting, which helped him gain an edge over the competition.

 • Colin Montgomerie: The European Ryder Cup legend worked with Pelz to sharpen his short game, contributing to his dominance on the European Tour.

 • Tom Kite: One of Pelz’s earliest students, Kite adopted Pelz’s approach to wedge play and putting, helping him win the 1992 U.S. Open.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Dave Pelz’s influence on golf is undeniable. His scientific approach to the short game has changed how professionals and amateurs train, with his principles becoming ingrained in modern coaching. His golf schools, books, and research continue to shape the way players approach shots inside 100 yards.

By applying data-driven analysis to an area of the game once dominated by instinct, Pelz has helped golfers of all skill levels shoot lower scores. His legacy is evident every time a player saves par with a perfectly executed wedge shot or drains a clutch putt using techniques he pioneered.

In a sport where the difference between winning and losing often comes down to a few strokes, Dave Pelz gave golfers the knowledge to take control of the most important shots in the game.

On a personal note, I would like to personally extend my sincere thanks to Dave Pelz for helping me to become a better golfer and my deepest condolences to his friends and family for your loss.