Long time overdo. Russell is different, but in the most positive way. Although Russell has the technical knowledge to break down your golf swing from start to finish, he specializes in explaining the golf swing in the easiest way possible. Russell has the ability to teach using ideas rather than terms, thus eliminately multiple swing thoughts at the moment of impact. Russell emphasizes swing thoughts, as "the driver head must beat the hands at the finish line" and "once your thumbs are up, start the downswing." Russell's words of wisdom have helped lower my scores but more importantly, made golf more enjoyable, as I have to think much less lol. Aside from his golf knowledge, Russell has always been professional, well dressed (G/Fore), prompt, and always knows how to make people laugh when needed. Best of all is his pup, Crisco! read more

I waited to write this review until I finish my lessons with Russell A.K.A Master Shifu (inside joke). Definitely won't be the last for sure. I had ZERO experience in golf. But I'm very grateful that I met Russell as my instructor. He made my experience so much enjoyable. Now that I'm getting into golfing and learning it. It's so fun! The outcome is always different every single swing, the movement. Literally everything. I looked forward to coming and learning more for my best potential. Russell always brings out the best during my lesson. *Always remember, PGA! (POSTURE, GRIP, ALIGNMENT)*. Every sports have its own fundamental skills and without knowing the basics, it's impossible to learn a new sports. He's definitely aware of this so he won't BS nothing! He starts off teaching the fundamental skills of golf, moves onto the next and so on and on. He has a book by John Jacob and he showed me how things are supposed to look like and that helped a lot for someone like me who's a tactile-visual learner. By the second lesson, I started to see the difference of my posture/swings right away. I never expected to learn this fast. He's super interactive and will point out the "mistakes" that I'm doing right away. My weakness was not be able to have my club DOWN or it was late. I GOTTA GO DOWN!! (you'll understand this once you start learning from him). I always have that in back of my mind to keep it down. I stopped thinking or focusing too much on the wrist, head, feet, backswings, things surrounding you because it makes it really difficult to have your own swing so now I just focus my eyes on the ball and do what he told me to do! Very happy with the results and where I'm at now. I'll definitely get more lessons from master shifu in his dojo! Thank you for making it so fun!! read more

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Really excellent coach. He is clearly passionate about the game and knows his stuff. He has helped me tremendously with my aim, grip, keeping my head behind the ball, and so many other great tips. I'm in the middle of a pack of lessons and it's going really great. Worth it!! read more

Russel is a really good coach. I've done two lessons with him so far and everyone is commenting on how much I've improved. I tell them go see Russel at Skylinks! Highly recommend read more

I've had lessons from other instructors in the area and Russ was by far the best. I'm a terrible golfer and score consistently in the 100s. I had a huge over the top swing problem and he helped me overcome that tremendously. He gave me some great tips and swing thoughts that helped. My game still needs work, but it's vastly improving because of him. Highly recommend if you want to improve your golf game. read more

Just started golfing 2 years ago, took many lessons from different pros including GolfTec, etc. Some helped but never really got any better. Then took a couple of 1/2 lessons from Russell, (just finished this Friday,) and not only playing good golf but just drove 340 yards on the 15th hole at Diablo Creek this weekend and another 305 yards on the 9th at Skylinks, Concord this morning. I am 66 years old! Never came close to these numbers before! Matt read more

Beginner golfer here, after 3 years playing. Shooting 100s and loving the game. I took a two hour class with Russell and he was able to point out critical flaws on my posture, grip and alignment right away. (Remember PGA!) The best part is that he explains you how to detect the flaws and correct them by yourself later. He is a big proponent of John Jacobs' Practical Golf method which has opened my eyes to the key purpose of the golf swing: "The sole purpose of the golf swing is to produce a correct impact - the method employed is of no significance as long as is repetitive " It seems obvious, but we all forget this at some point and focus too much on the wrists, the body, weight transfer, head, feet, backswing, planes, and other hundred things that can overwhelm you and make difficult to find your OWN NATURAL SWING. Thanks to Russell, and John Jacobs' books and videos, I am now much closer to a repetitive, accurate and consistent golf swing. More importantly, during practice I can tell what is happening and why. He also gave me some advice on chipping that transformed my short game. That's now one of the more enjoyable parts for me. It is SO MUCH FUN to hit the ball well. Take a lesson with Russell. Put in the work at the range. Read John's books. Let the ball flight tell you what is happening at impact. You will not regret it. Russell, thanks for a great class. I will be taking some more very soon. See you out there! read more

I took a couple of lessons with Russell when I decided to start learning how to play golf last August of 2022. I learned a lot from him and now enjoy playing the sport. I continue to improve my swing by practicing and constantly reminding myself of the things I have learned from Russell (and from reading the book "Practical Golf" by John Jacobs) Check him out. You will not be disappointed! read more

Short version: He is unprofessional, vulgar, refuses to wear a proper mask during the pandemic, believes that the vaccine kills people, AND ...... stole my money. I'm not joking nor exaggerating. If you care to know more, then read the long version. If not, stop right here, save yourself from a terrible mistake and go with someone else. Long version: Being new to the sport, I started looking instructors up on Yelp/Google in the area. During the first phone call he suggested that I pay for 5 hours of block time for $425. A $75 discount. In the first lesson, what rubbed me the wrong way was that he was wearing what could be best described as a chin strap instead of a mask. Never seen anyone else on the planet wear anything like it. I didn't say anything out of politeness, but he was spraying all over the entire lesson. But then it was the total lack of any kind of lesson structure or organization of any kind that bothered me. It felt more like an old guy telling stories and showing you pictures on his phone than a professional giving a lesson. Next couple of lessons went in a similar way. No mask, no lesson structure, just telling irreverent stories and showing pictures on his phone. Then I had to take a few weeks off due to work schedule and then had to move to the peninsula. At this point I reached out to him to get the remainder of my balance with him refunded. He straight up told me that he DOES NOT GIVE REFUNDS. Something that was never discussed. It took showing up in person, him trying to physically assault me with his buddies for asking for my money, cops being called, cups finding out what he has done and asking him to pay up to get my money back. There is a police report of the incident and it was on the pro shop camera! AVOID THIS TRAP and message me if you want more info. read more

Best golf lessons I've ever had! Russell will find what works best for you as an individual. He's just great at tailoring the strokes for your mind and body. My confidence and game have improved dramatically. He's a great motivator and full of positivity. read more

Great, down to earth instructor that doesn't rely on a computer to tell him what to tweak in your swing. Gives you practical feedback that allows you to make incremental improvements. When I started I was shooting in the 100s. Now I'm in the high 80s, low 90s read more

I just finished my fifth and final lesson with Russell and I have to say I have been thrilled with how much my game has improved. Russell is a fantastic instructor - he's engaging and fun to learn from and extremely knowledgeable. He very quickly identified what's wrong with my swing, then clearly demonstrated what I needed to do differently. I never imagined my swing would improve as quickly as it has, and the fact that it has is due to his abilities as an instructor. I know I'll need to come back to him periodically when little things go wrong that I have trouble with (everybody's swing goes south on them now and then) and I've no doubt he'll do a great job fixing whatever needs correcting. I couldn't recommend him more highly! read more

Started my second round of lessons with Russell recently. He identifies issues very quickly, and stays with you to get swings corrected! Russell is very positive and encouraging. I would recommend him highly!!! read more

Russell knows what he's doing, my game has gotten better. Really easy just listen to him an doing as he tells you guarantee results!!! He knows how to help you. Recommending it to friends and family. Thank You Russell read more

Am new to golf, picking it up in retirement. Have been taking lessons with Russell for a year now and am super happy with the results. Am putting the time in for weekly lessons, playing rounds 3-4x a week thanks to the confidence and technique he's given me. Russell is a patient, intelligent coach, observant, quick to understand how I learn best. He is committed to my goals: burn in the fundamentals, play the best game I can and keep improving. Highly recommend him for taking your game way beyond where it is now. Thanks Russell!! read more

I took some time away from golf do to a injury. After starting back I decided to change my approach and get lessons rather than continue with my old habits, and I was fortunate to find Russell. Russell not only gave me great instructions that didn't include starting over; he also gave me a great exercises that allowed me to focus on the things that where wrong with my swing. I'm striking the ball much more consistenly; and I'm continuing to use Russell to improve. read more

Russell is the real deal. He explains, demonstrates, guides and builds lessons tailor made for what I am working to improve in my golf game. Lessons take place outside on a private practice area with well-kept rough, teeing-ground and putting section. There are plenty of balls available to work, work, work. Whether I'm working on distance or accuracy, he quickly is able diagnose a minor adjustment (or major if it's been a while) in my swing/ stance/ grip/ etc. that makes the difference. He is generous with his time and encouragement. He is the coach who remembers you, sees you at the driving range practicing and walks over to not only say hi, but check in on your practice. My favorite thing about the lesson is that I feel encouraged to continue. My game is getting better! Thanks, RK! read more

Russ has a wealth of knowledge second to none and, like all great teachers, he is as patient as they come. I came to Russ as a complete newbie to the sport and he has helped me hone all facets of my game. Away from the lesson area, he is always taking the time to talk and help his students, checking in on how they're doing. I can't speak highly enough of Russ. Russ is the man! read more

Russell King will make you a stronger golfer very quickly. He has a wealth of knowledge about all facets of golf that he will readily share with you. Russell will teach you the simple components in a golf swing that are inherent in the swings of all current and past top professionals. He does this in a way that is accessible to his learners, without tearing your current swing apart, but rather maintaining your strengths and eliminating weaknesses. Being extremely observant, he will determine what works with your current swing, while preventing unnecessary movement. Keeping it simple, he has produced a far more consistent, accurate, and powerful ball flight in my game. I am now much more confident and have more fun playing golf because my ball has never been a better pin seeker! One more thing I can say about Russell King is that not only is he an efficient and effective teacher, but also down-to-earth, funny, and very positive. He takes time to build meaningful relationships with his students. Being a teacher myself, I can say these are the qualities that have the greatest impact. Russell is an exceptional golf instructor, and coach! read more

I just turned 70. I have been trying for about 20 years to improve my golf swing. Even after many lessons with different teachers over the years, I never came to understanding how to swing the clubs so I could have a consistent shot that I can rely on. About three years ago, when I was looking for lessons again, I came upon Russell. He is teaching at Buchanan. He is a very popular teacher, busy, and recommended by people around the driving range and golf course. He teaches throughout the day; young people, middle age people, older people (me.) Female and Male. He helped me learn how to hit the ball better than any other teacher I have ever had. I can't go into how he makes it happen, but I'll tell you this. He has the talent to communicate. And. he keeps it clean and simple. I am hitting all my clubs 300% better than when I first started seeing him for lessons. And that is the truth (unless I am having a relapse - I wonder if that happens to anyone else.) I have put many years into trying to improve my golf swing. I love the fun I've had playing golf. However, I had been really upset with my lack of progress no matter what I tried or who I took lessons from.. Honestly, Russell, along with me working at improving, helped me reach a level I never thought was possible. Keith read more

I have taken a series of lessons from Russell for over a year and I look forward to each and every one of them. I enjoy (and benefit from) his style of teaching, his passion for the sport and the encouragement he provides. He is also a genuinely nice guy. As a novice, having the right golf coach has made an appreciable difference in improving my skills and adding to my enjoyment of the sport. For me, Russell's coaching abilities are the differentiating factor. read more