about rick

**Rick and friends: Arnie, Freddie, Trevino and Phil**

**Phil and Rick after winning the 2004 Masters**

In addition to achieving great success in golf as a teacher, designer, and communicator, Rick Smith is regarded as one of the PGA Tour’s best sounding boards for swing advice. In 2009, Rick was ranked as the number two golf instructor in the world by PGA Tour players and since 2000, Rick has been consistently ranked as one of the top ten golf instructors in the world; both polls were done by Golf Digest Magazine. In 2024, Rick was honored by Golf Digest in their Legends of Golf Instruction.

**Pre-round warm up with the great Arnold Palmer**

Rick's notable clients have included major champions such as Golfer of the Century Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Lee Janzen, Vijay Singh, David Duval, Paul Azinger, John Daly, and Greg Norman. Additionally, Rick has assisted PGA Tour winners Rory Sabbatini, Chris DiMarco, Rocco Mediate, Jerry Kelly, Billy Mayfair, Matt Kuchar, Billy Andrade, Brendan Steele, and Jhonattan Vegas among others.

"Playing on the PGA Tour, we

have a lot of options for teachers.

I would not trust my game with

anyone other than Rick Smith."

-Brendan Steele 3 PGA Tour Wins

"Rick Smith is a very bright,

energetic and thorough teacher

who has in-depth understanding

of the fundamentals of the golf swing"

-Jack Nicklaus.

"Rick's superior understanding

of the intricacies of the golf swing

and his skill as a teacher have been

fundamental in taking my game to new heights"

--Phil Mickelson.

3 Major Championship Wins with Rick Smith.

"Rick is the best teacher in the world.

He has a remarkable ability to adapt

to each of his students."

--Lee Janzen. 2 Time US Open Champion

"Rick has the ability to break down

a swing so players of all abilities

can understand and apply his wisdom"

--Greg Norman, Former #1 Player in the World

"We started working together

in 1984 and there is no question

he made me the player that I am."

--Rocco Mediate

Smith is also a respected and noted author. He is currently a teaching editor for Golf Digest Magazine. He previously served as instruction writer for Golf Magazine. He has also written Major Series publications. Smith is author of the 1998 book “How to Find Your Perfect Golf Swing,” published by Broadway Books, which is regarded as one of the top instruction books in the industry. Over his career, Smith’s many honors include being appointed Michigan’s “Golf Ambassador” by Governor John Engler, and Golf Magazine has repeatedly honored him as one of America’s “Top 100 Teachers.”

Rick currently operates Rick Smith Golf Academy at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.

RICK opened FLAGSHIP INSTRUCTIONAL FACILITY, THE RICK SMITH GOLF PERFORMANCE CENTER, AT TRUMP NATIONAL DORAL JANUARY 1, 2018.

Rick Smith’s love for hosting golf instructional shows on television began in 1994. That year, he developed “The Rick Smith Signature Series.” The “Signature Series” golf instruction show was seen by worldwide television audiences on ESPN International, TSN (Canada), and Fox Sports Net. The “Signature Series” ran for five years until Rick signed an exclusive golf content deal with the Golf Channel in 1999. At the Golf Channel, Rick became part of the “Dream Team of Instructors” which consistently offered viewers instructional tips to improve their golf game. Rick has also hosted “Inside the PGA Tour” and has been a commentator and analyst for both NBC and ESPN telecasts of golf tournaments.

Rick Smith hosting Golf Channel's The Big Break — Rick Smith hosting Golf Channel's *The Big Break*

In 2012 Rick was inducted into the State of Michigan Golf Hall of Fame. Additionally, Smith has been named National Teacher of the Year, National Golf Professional of the Year and National Merchandiser of the Year. Rick has also designed nine award-winning golf courses in the USA in addition to those he is currently building in Canada and Bali with Phil Mickelson. Phil Mickelson and Rick have also designed several courses throughout China.