I found Gil on Groupon and thought I'd give it a shot.  Being in somewhat of a golf slump, I felt an unbiased lesson may help. Immediately it was like I'd known Gil for years, very personable, easy to talk to and he is able to drive a point home with an easy to follow explanation and plan.   We started with putting and the practice games/plans were great.  The game/plan is fun and makes the best use of your time on the range. After the putting session, we talked about what I was struggling with....the driver!  He said, "you'll be hitting straight and long by the end of this session"...I was skeptical!   Prior to hitting a ball, we started doing drills.  Them hitting ball drills and finally hitting the driver.  Again, his plan is a game scenario, you keep track of points and easily able to track progress.  He came through, my swing and stance were fixed and I was striping drives. The drills he gave me I can do at home and they were so much fun, I'm looking forward to practicing....in the past, it was nothing more than hit balls, no real plans and hope things go well on the course.   There was no selling pressure or any mention of buying additional lessons until we wrapped up off the course. Even then it was a 30 second this is what I'll do, where we will get your golf game and this is what it will cost.  I firmly believe Gil is wholly invested in making your golf game better, whether it's one lesson or ten, he wants you to enjoy the game and get the most out of your potential.  With that said, if you're serious about improving your game, get a lesson with Gil, you won't be sorry. read more

Diamond in the Rough !!!!!!!! I live in Minnesota and was planning a trip in Phoenix area and i wanted to get my 16 year old daughter a golf lesson..(average score in low 90s)...I googled reasonable priced golf lessons and after searching for awhile a came upon Gil, i read every single review on multiple sites and all the reviews i read were 5 stars and a couple 4 star ratings. So i booked a 2 hour hour lesson with Gil ....He was able to find her weaknesses right away and he gave her lessons on 3 parts of her game and also so had several drills and games for her to work on the range. He took several videos of my daughters swing with comments..He took us on the course after her 2 hour lesson....Gil is not only an instructor but you could also say he is a sports psychologist with all the positive feedbacks he gave her and making it that she doesnt get frustrated on the course anymore..you can tell he has taken clinics himself in the sports psychology world......this guy named Gil is so upbeat and truly loves the game of golf...if I lived in Phoenix I definitely would be back for more lessons.....couple of updates after my daughters lesson the next day....shot 87 at wigwam.....her average drive before lesson 170 yard drives...now 190 and she can play a draw at will thx again to GIL!!!!!!!!! read more

After taking a series of six introductory group golf lessons, I was disappointed and frustrated with my game. While I enjoyed meeting some other newbie golfers, I felt the instructor of the group lessons didn't provide any individual/personal instruction, modifications, or encouragement. So, even though discouraged, I decided to try three lessons with Gil via Groupon... and I'm so glad I did!! Gil was able to schedule me quickly and during my first lesson he addressed a number of swing mechanic issues that I had been struggling with! It was AWESOME! Months of frustration literally disappeared after my first lesson with Gil. He made suggestions for the type of driver and clubs that would work well with my swing, and provided instruction in a manner that I understood. He explains things well, and provides tips and tricks that are easy to remember and produce immediate results! I have completed 2 of my 3 lessons and my confidence and interest in the game has skyrocketed! Not to mention my game. I only wish I had found Gil sooner! I'm officially hooked, having found my new hobby. Thank you, Gil! read more

Gil was great. My wife and I took "couples" lessons with him. Everything he says on his website is true in terms of his teaching methods and the fact that he will teach you "how to fish" - How to practice with purpose. The first thing you will receive is to take out the garbage in your head. The negative reviews I see on this site are obviously people with more than garbage. They have landfills in their heads. They need SOMEBODY to blame for their problems. No, I was never asked to write a review - 5 star or otherwise. We took 4 X 2 hr. couples lessons. We improved every phase of our games. We now play a round together with zero "snippiness". We now enjoy the game so much more because we have knocked 10 strokes plus off our rounds. We now know what to do when we approach a shot - how to imagine, how to set up, execute, and follow up. This isn't - go to the range, hold your hands like this, do this, don't do that - This is holistic . It's kind of like Utopia..... Texas. It's awesome and, most of all, FUN! read more

I enjoyed lessons with Gil. I am the type of person that has played sports competitively most of my life and picked up golf in the last few years. I have a growing family and business so I don't play as much as I would like, but I get in a round once a month or so. Spending a few lessons with Gil benefited me because it gave me and understanding of certain fundamental aspects of the game specific to me, that I could replicate and practice to improve. To this point in the game of golf, I had just gone on feel and hand eye coordination but with professional instruction in specific areas I now understand ways to build more consistency. For example, I have always heard that playing out of the sand should be easy but other than youtube, I had never been given instruction. With instruction specific to my frame and style, within an hour I was very confident swinging in the bunker and really enjoyed that practice which will lead to good results on the course. read more

Gil is not just a great instructor, he is a like your dorky brother who wears a helmet on the short yellow bus. He has taught me so much in such a short time, I thought my driver was possessed, but thanks to Gil and a lot of holy water, my driving has improved drastically. Gil has taught me many things: 1-pre-shot routine 2- always always be positive, no matter how many f bombs you want to say. 3- gives you so much confidence that you can do it. 4- great training tips. 5- has made golf fun again. 6- super laid back, and before you know it, your lesson is up. 7- any many more things. CON: His iPad when he records you, must not be working correctly. Why? It makes me looking Ike I am 100 pounds overweight. Unfortunately, Gil is leaving for 3 months ( possible deportation, sex change, who knows). You can not go wrong with Gil (aka Mr golf whisper). I never write reviews, but Gil paid me to ( kidding, his check bounced). read more

Moved to the area a year ago, I found that I continued to struggle with my golf game after 45 years of golfing. I had attended several golf schools in Wisconsin, Texas and Florida to find I still had a glitch with the game. I then had the opportunity to meet Gil through friends of mine and start a fresh approach of my game. After several 18 holes, observation, and instruction Gil brought me to new perspective about my game. At that point I felt I had nothing to lose but to learn more so I could enjoy my game and meet new friends. That is where he has brought me today! His down to earth teaching approach and instruction has given me the ability to improve my game, enjoy the sport, and take at least 10 strokes off my score. For the first time in many years I am now enjoying my game and feel more accomplished. I highly recommend Gil as a Class A instructor and encourage anyone to the challenge of improving their game. read more

Can't say enough about the quality of Gil's instruction. I've taken lessons with a number of different instructors before and Gil is by the far the best I've come across. What sets Gil apart from the rest is that he teaches you the skills and drills that you need to continue improving on your own outside of lessons. Gil not only takes the time to teach you the technique of each facet of the game, but he also teaches you how to practice in order to continue improving on your own. Gil also dedicates a lot of his efforts to helping his students develop a routine for each golf shot. His emphasis on routine has gone a long way toward improving my consistency on the course. Lastly, Gil does a great job teaching the mental aspects of the game, which has been tremendously helpful. If you are reading this page, look no further. You've found a gem...book a lesson with Gil and you won't regret it! read more

Gil is an amazing instructor! He not only teaches the physical skills needed to improve your golf game, but also the much over looked mental aspects of the game. He emphasizes practicing like you play on the course for every swing, even down to getting into the habit of your mental pre-shot routine before striking the ball. He provides immediate feedback and helps to remind you to stay positive even when you mis-hit the ball. His drills are great in helping you to work on whatever part of your games needs improvement. I love that he focuses on my short game because his vast experience of the game knows that you can take several strokes off of your score by focusing on your chipping and putting. He creates games for practicing that are not only fun, but create game like situations to improve your game. Without a doubt, I would recommend taking lessons from Gil to anybody! Nicole read more

Excellent coach who greatly improved my game in a very fast amount of time and gave me the tools and drills to continue to get better. He can also fit your clubs for you. Best Pros: doesn't have a 1 size fits all coaching habit and adapts to your needs. I feel like I get the material and improvements in 1 lesson that I got in 3 lessons with other coaches. He is very serious about helping improve your game. Minor cons: make sure to verify appointments and take practice seriously. He does not want you to be the type of person that goes out to the range or practices without seeing improvement. Have a routine and take practice very seriously. May also want to check your feelings at the door because he does not care about your feelings, he only cares about improving your game. Kinda has the badass coaching mentality from a football or wrestling coach. ~Wes read more

This guy is good!! Gil Benavidez is a great instructor, phenomenal ball striker & 'hands-down' one of the best bunker players/teachers on the planet. Gil's instruction technique delivers: immediate game improvement, practice with purpose strategies & a positive mental approach to the game that makes playing golf fun again (smile). Our family selected the six (6) session package -- would definitely recommend this schedule because it gives Gil ample time to cover all facets of the game. On two (2) occasions, after the lesson, Gil played a round of golf with us -- it was priceless! So if you want to improve your golf game & have fun at the same time, you've come to the right place. Gil, we personally want to thank you for spending time with us over the Christmas holiday -- you shared unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. read more

Gil is a pleasure to be around and an excellent coach. I am newer to golf and saw huge improvements to my game almost immediately. Gil's main focus is teaching you how to practice so you can improve on your own when he is not around. To some it may seem like the drills went by too quickly, but in my opinion it was perfect. Once I got comfortable to the point I could do it consistently on my own then we would move on to the next drill. Not only did I learn how to practice, but I learned how to improve my swing and what I should focus on to remain consistent. Gil even took me out for my first few holes of golf so now I can be comfortable going to the course. Will definitely be doing it again next year when he comes to town. read more

This was my first lesson with Gil, he is an amazing teacher! I had thought about taking lessons for awhile but had heard horror stories of golf pros that seem uninterested and want you to swing a text book swing even if you are physically unable, Gil is not like that at all. I met Gil on the driving range, he saw me struggling and the natural teacher in him had to come over and help. He was personable and genuinely seemed interested in seeing me improve. He spent about 15 minutes with me showing me a few tips to improve my swing and I shot one of my best rounds. Afterwards I sought him out for lessons. Gil is a great teacher that shows you how to get the most out of the equipment you have and makes learning fun. read more

I am a very new to golfing and I was extremely nervous to take lessons, however, working with Gil he calmed my nerves and started to make me feel very comfortable on the course. He takes you through the entire process- from start to finish. He also, breaks down everything and never rushes you. Gil is very encouraging and positive, so even when I was getting frustrated he would help me reframe my mindset to be positive with him. The other thing Gil does that is amazing is he gives you ways to practice on your own. I now know when I go to any golf course to practice on my own I have little games I can play. Without lessons from Gil I would have never known what to do. I highly recommend him for golf lessons. read more

We luckily found Gil in January and he helped my husband and I improve our game immensely. It was the best lesson we have ever had. We worked on our short game and Gil showed us many drills and games we could do to improve. We live in California and knew we had to get back to Gil for more help on our golf game. We played with him and he showed us different shots that we never had imagined (using a rescue club on a hill around the green, using your putter to get out of a hard dirt bunker ....) Gil has a lot to teach and his positive attitude is infectious! My goal has been to shoot under 100 consistently. Well, the rounds with Gil were my best; ever 82 and 85!! Thanks Gil for the great teaching. read more

If you're just looking to get into golf like me, or trying to improve your game and lower your scores, Gil is the guy for you! I came to Gil knowing next to nothing about golf and by the end of the third lesson I felt confident enough that I could go out on the course and be able to keep up with some of my friends who have been playing for years. Gil knows what he is talking about and I really appreciated how he was able to simplify everything enough for someone of my skill level. Setting up appointments with Gil is very easy and his lessons are very affordable. I would highly recommend Gil to anyone and will most likely be going back to him if I need to tune up any part of my game down the road. read more

Gil is a phenomenal golf instructor! Not only is he great at his craft on teaching the technical aspects of the game but he is passionate about the game of golf and getting his clients to play at their best ability. The most important thing he teaches is how to practice and how to be consistent so when I leave the lesson I am able to continue to improve by practicing on my own instead of only making improvements during his lesson. He keeps the driving range at Greenfield Lakes in great condition and is always so helpful with anyone who shows up. As a beginner, I am ecstatic with the improvements I have made so far and am happy to invest in Golf w Gil to get me to where I want to be in golf! read more

I was referred to Gil from a friend who had taken lessons from him and raved about how much he helped her game. I'm pretty much a novice as I just recently took up golf six months ago. I had taken lessons from other instructors but I was still having difficulty driving accurately. Gil is much more than your average golf instructor. Within an hour of instruction, I was driving the ball longer and straighter than I even thought possible. I left the lesson with great tips and drills I could practice on my own. I'm now a believer. I'm signing up for six more lessons to work on all aspects of my game. I highly recommend Gil to anyone who wants to take their golf game to the next level. read more

Don't think about it, sign up and take lessons with Gil! Gil is beyond your typical golf instructor that gives you some technical pointers on your swing, he is a true coach. He understands what really matters when it comes to improving a golf score. Additionally, he spends a TON of time with you. He goes above and beyond to make sure you are getting value out of your lessons and you cannot beat the price. If you are like me, thought about lessons but wasn't sure if they were worth the money, take a lesson with Gil and try him out. The improvement in my game and my increased satisfaction on the course have been more than I could have imagined and I owe it to Gil. read more