Meet the dedicated golf professionals at Crystal Springs who provide world-class instruction. Learn about our expert teaching team’s credentials, specialties, and unique coaching philosophies.
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The Golf Pros at Crystal Springs: Meet Our Expert Instructors
At Burlingame Country Club, our golf instruction program is led by professionals who combine technical expertise with a passion for helping players at every level improve their game. Each of our instructors brings unique credentials and teaching philosophies to create a personalized learning experience. Whether you’re just starting your golfing journey or looking to refine specific aspects of your game, our pros provide guidance tailored to your goals while honoring the traditions of this beautiful sport.
Our Teaching Team
Greg Coplin, PGA Director of Golf
Greg brings over 25 years of teaching experience to Burlingame, with certification as a PGA Class A Professional. His approach combines technical fundamentals with mental game strategies, helping members develop confidence alongside skill. Greg specializes in custom club fitting and short game improvement, believing that precision around the greens is where most amateur golfers can see immediate improvement.
“My philosophy centers on working with your natural swing rather than imposing textbook mechanics. Golf should be enjoyable, and my goal is to help you find consistency without overcomplicating the process. I believe the best improvement comes when players understand not just what to do, but why it works for their unique physical abilities.”
Johnny Hsu, Assistant Golf Professional
Johnny joined Burlingame after completing the PGA Professional Golf Management Program. His teaching style emphasizes the connection between proper body movement and consistent ball striking. Johnny excels at working with junior golfers and beginners, creating fun learning environments that build skills progressively. His patient approach helps new players develop good habits from the start.
“I believe golf instruction should be accessible and enjoyable. My teaching focuses on helping you understand your tendencies and developing practice routines that address them effectively. The most satisfying moments come when students experience those breakthrough realizations that suddenly make the game click.”
Sarah Thompson, LPGA Teaching Professional
Sarah brings a wealth of tournament experience to her teaching, having competed professionally before joining our instructional team. Her approach incorporates modern technology, including video analysis and launch monitor data, to provide clear visual feedback. Sarah specializes in working with women golfers and players looking to take their game from good to great through detailed statistical analysis.
“My teaching philosophy centers on efficient practice and smart course management. Many players spend hours practicing without a clear purpose. I help create structured improvement plans that maximize your practice time and translate to lower scores on the course through strategic decision-making.”
Robert Mendez, Short Game Specialist
Robert has dedicated his teaching career to mastering the intricacies of the short game. With specialized training in putting mechanics and wedge play, he helps members gain confidence in the scoring zones. Robert’s clinics on bunker play and putting are among our most popular instructional offerings, consistently helping members shave strokes off their games.
“The short game is where most amateur players lose strokes, but it’s also where improvement can happen quickly. My approach focuses on developing feel and creativity around the greens while maintaining simple, repeatable mechanics. When members tell me they’ve stopped fearing bunkers or tough chip shots, I know we’re making progress.”
Our Teaching Approach
While each instructor brings their unique perspective, our teaching team shares a common philosophy rooted in Burlingame’s values. We believe instruction should be:
Personalized to Your Goals
We begin each instructional relationship by understanding what you want to achieve, whether that’s breaking 90 for the first time, becoming more competitive in member tournaments, or simply enjoying the game more fully. Your goals drive our approach.
Respectful of Tradition While Embracing Innovation
Our instruction honors golf’s rich traditions while incorporating modern teaching methods and technology when beneficial. This balanced approach ensures you receive instruction that’s both time-tested and cutting-edge.
Community-Focused
Beyond individual lessons, our instructors create opportunities for members to learn together through clinics, playing lessons, and friendly competitions. These shared experiences strengthen the Burlingame community while improving skills.
Experience Instruction at Burlingame
Ready to elevate your game with our expert instructors? Members can schedule private lessons, join upcoming clinics, or arrange a complimentary 15-minute consultation to determine which pro might best suit their learning style and goals. Contact our Golf Shop at (828) 743-3441 or speak with any of our professionals during your next visit to start your journey to better golf.