Pat O’Brien is the teaching professional at
Lakewood Country Club in Dallas. He’s the short game
instructor to 2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson, as
well as PGA Tour players Vaughn Taylor, Colt Knost,
Ted Purdy and numerous other professionals and
accomplished amateurs. He also enjoys teaching golfers of all levels. Originally from San Francisco, Pat developed
his passion for learning and teaching through his
friendship with the late Payne Stewart.
Greatest Golf Moment: Two- Payne Stewart winning 99 US Open, where I got to drink out of the Trophy, and Zach winning the 2007 Masters. I got to hang in the Butler Cabin!
PAT O'BRIEN: THE SHORT GAME
What is a Neutral Putting Setup? Renowned Dallas putting and short game instructor Pat O'Brien discusses the importance of a neutral setup (02 Nov 2011)
Want to Putt Like Zach Johnson? Here's How The whole idea in putting is to return to square at impact without thinking about it. That’s true for everybody, not just Zach Johnson (03 Jun 2010)
Play Golf, Not "Golf Swing" In an article that crystallizes his teaching philosophy, contributing instructor Pat O'Brien describes a better way to learn (and execute) (29 May 2010)
One of Zach Johnson's Favorite Drills To get your speed right on the green, try this drill - you don't need more than an extra club, your putter, and few balls (05 Apr 2010)
Bunker Play: It's Not Rocket Science In his latest installment, contributing short game expert Pat O'Brien takes 99.9% of the mystery out of bunker play. We're sure you can get the rest! (07 Jan 2010)
How to Become a Better Chipper I had the great fortune of watching Payne Stewart practice his short game many times during my early adulthood, and I tried to pick his brain whenever I could. He had the best hands I have ever seen in person, but mainly he kept it simple. Here are the things that really stand out from being around him. (01 Oct 2009)
Keys to a Solid Putting Routine Once you are able to return to the putter to square without thought, you can fully take advantage of a solid pre-putt routine. The routine is highly individual. I would merely like to make some suggestions as to what it is should include. (14 Sep 2009)
Proper Posture Is Key To Simplify Putting If you're struggling with your putting, perhaps understanding the design of the putter will help to free your stroke. (06 Aug 2009)
The Importance of a Level Spine One of the more overlooked things in putting is having too much spine tilt to the right. I see it everyday with my students, and I am certainly as guilty of it as anybody. We are used to tilting to varying degrees when we hit full shots, but it is imperative to lose that tilt when you step onto the putting green. (27 Jan 2009)
Mid-Atlantic