Today we’d like to introduce you to Buddy Christianson.
Hi Buddy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My wife and I and our two kids moved to Scottsdale in 2012 after my kids graduated from college. They wanted to see if they could golf professionally. While interviewing golf coaches, the reality was they were too expensive and not up to date with technology. I started studying with the company based in biomechanics, physics, and geometry in golf. I got my certification two years later. We built a studio in my garage to work with my kids. Then my wife suggested I should start teaching. After teaching in my garage for two years, we built a studio on our property that was equipped with all the latest technology.
As of today, I have approximately 325 active students. And also acquiring about tell me students a week. And pricing out the lessons, I felt people should be able to learn a fabulous sport without paying what the average in Arizona is for lessons at approximately $125 per hour. My hourly rate ranges between 45 and $75 per hour. And I teach approximately 30 to 40 hours per week.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
After finding a price point that was comfortable for the average person that wanted to learn golf which is an unbelievable sport, and also covering are overhead the biggest problem was merely keeping up with the demand. It is just my self-teaching and I could probably hire two more instructors teaching 7 to 8 hours a day 5 to 7 days a week. However, my studio only have one teaching bay.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a RST Level 1 (Rotary Swing) certified golf instructor.
What were you like growing up?
When I was small there was five kids in a one-bedroom basement house. We were below the poverty level. I left home when I was 15 because my mother and father were alcoholics and physically and verbally abusive. I work three part-time jobs living in boardinghouse putting myself through high school and technical school. You taught me how to survive and living with my parents I’m not to end up.
My childhood it’s not about finding interest it was just survival putting food on my plate and a roof over my head.
Pricing:
- Introductory lesson $45
- Normal teaching lesson $75
- Foundation package by three lessons get one free
- Children’s introductory lesson $35
- Children’s price per lesson $60 buy three get one free.
Contact Info:
- Email: buddy@1swinggolf.com
- Website: 1swinggolf.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1swinggolf
- Other: https://www.groupon.com/deals/1-swing-golf-4
