Get To Know Your Pro Series: 10 Questions with Steve Olsen, PGA Professional

Today, Steve Olsen is answering our 10 question format in our Get to Know Your Pro Series.

Steve Olsen is a PGA Professional here at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento, CA.

As a PGA teaching professional since 1996, Steve is committed to helping you achieve a greater enjoyment of the game. Whether you are just being introduced to the game or training for high level tournament play, he can help you realize your golfing goals.

Steve believes that a strong emphasis should be placed on the importance of pre-swing fundamentals. The proper grip, aim, stance, balance, posture, alignment and ball position is the foundation and basis of any good golf swing.

Educating the student on the how’s and why’s and not just the do’s and dont’s is fundamental to his philosophy. Understanding the cause and effect relationships that occur with your golf swing will help you become a better player sooner. The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you are to handle the challenges of the game

It’s time to get to know your pro with 10 questions for Steve.

B: If golf had a walkup song to the 1st tee, like in baseball, what would be yours and why?

S: AC/DC, Dirty Deeds. When I was playing professional baseball I would do everything, well, I wouldn’t cheat, but everything in my power to win.

B: When you were playing pro baseball, what was your walkup song?

S: AC/DC, Dirty Deeds. (Laughs)

B: First golf club you ever bought?

S: My first club was a Sam Snead Blue Ridge Special. It matched the golf bag ( chuckles)

B: Who taught you how to golf?

S: The one I have most to thank is Chris Lynch. Other than that I’m mostly self-taught.

B: How many pairs of golf shoes do you own?

S: Seriously? None. I don’t own any, I play in tennis shoes!

B: Lowest round ever shot?

S: 66 at Plumas Lakes

B: What is your least favorite thing to do on a golf course?

S: There’s nothing. I love every part of the golf game. It’s visual and touches every on of your senses.

B: Favorite Golfers?

S: Champagne Tony Lema, he had a zest for life. Ken Venturi, I’ve met him several times and is a total gentlemen and wonderful man to talk to. Seve Ballesteros, he had the best short game I’ve ever seen, great competitor and enjoyed the game.

B: Favorite Course to Play?

S: Pasatiempo in Santa Cruz.

B: Who’s swing would you like to have and why?

S: Steve Elkington, one of the most solid, fundamentally sound swings I’ve seen. Stewart Appleby an Australian golfer with a simple beautiful swing and Tiger Woods. The simpler the swing, the better.

B: Favorite club in your bag?

S: My 7 iron. I love my 7 iron.

B:If you weren’t a golf professional, what would you be doing for a living?

S: Oh, that’s easy. I played professional baseball, so if I were younger, I would play pro baseball. Now? I would be a baseball coach. I love teaching.

Thanks, Steve!

Here’s a tip on your pre-swing fundamentals courtesy of Steve: