Mission:
Our mission is to help every client reach their individual potential in relation to the game of golf. No matter the age, gender, background or income level, we want our customers to “Discover Natural Ability”, and enjoy the game in a manner that is desired by them.
Teaching Golf In 3 Specific Ways
Mechanics
DNA Golf Instruction will offer typical golf instruction based on swing philosophy. DNA Golf Instruction reminds its students that golf is a sport which is controlled by body alignment, balance, large muscle movements of the shoulders and hips, proper use of the lever system, as well as establishing a consistent tempo. Our job is not to put all golfers in the same positions, but to help them to be as consistent as they can be, based on their body and/or athletic restrictions.
We purposely dive into the individual’s athletic experiences and process in order to “Discover Natural Ability”. What works best for you based on our basic swing perimeters? Feedback from the student is encouraged to create success in golf.
Course Management
Education on strategy, which is based on the ability of the individual student. Just like other sports, thinking deeply about what you want to accomplish and setting goals will increase the golfer’s ability to score better. This is an on the course method which dives into the thought process and perception of why you should, and when you should do it. We see golfers with great golf, swings that may still lack the ability to adjust to different golf courses or conditions.
Example: Imagine a golfer who can drive the golf ball with extreme power, but may lack accuracy from the tee box (starting point of each hole on a golf course). If this person plays a golf course where accuracy is more important than distance, he/she may not score in the same manner as if they were playing an open golf course. The problem is not mechanical, or related to their swing. His/her score is affected by decision-making, and not adjusting to the field of play.
DNA Golf Instruction attempts to educate the golfer on thought process and give them ideas on how to navigate the golf course based on their individual skill set.
Mental Game
The game of golf can be hard on a person mentally, and controlling anxiety is another big part of the success of most golfers. Calming of the mind with breathing techniques and a good pre shot routine can boost a golfers ability to play well in high-pressure situations. DNA Golf Instruction believes that the golfer’s mind should remain level in order to perform consistently. Don’t get to high or to low mentally during a round of golf. Most golfers struggle to understand how they feel, or lack the ability to relax the mind to regain control of their game on the golf course.
It takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours to play 18 holes (mental marathon, and not a speed race), and it is important to keep a consistent mind frame during that entire period of time. It’s not easy to do, but we think that we can assist golfers with this particular aspect of golf. We see this in other sports as well. Baseball pitchers, baseball hitters, basketball players shooting a high pressure free-throw are all similar example that show the importance of mental confidence over mechanics in order to be successful.
DNA Golf Instruction began as a concept created by Andre R. Pillow, PGA in 2016. DNA, or “Discovering Natural Ability” is based on the founder’s golf philosophy, which recognizes that there are several ways to become a successful golfer. There are many ideas and thoughts around the game, and the job of the instructor is to assist the student on their individual path to success. Feedback and input are not just accepted, but expected in order to learn and grow. Just like life, we can have success in more than one way, and we believe that the student must take ownership in order to reach full potential.
DNA Golf Instruction obtained LLC status in October 2017, and has been instructing at Indian Trails Golf Course in Grand Rapids, MI since June 2017. We now offer golf instruction and programming at two facilities: Blythefield Country Club (Private), & Indian Trails Golf Course. Our goal is to expose the game of golf to everyone, with the hopes of changing the landscape and diversity of golf.
Andre R. Pillow, PGA - Founder
Andre R. Pillow is the founder of DNA Golf Instruction, and the Director of Instruction at Blythefield Country Club. He’s been a Class A PGA Professional since 2014, and has over 20 years for experience in the golf industry. His philosophy is shaped around the basic idea that golf is a sport, which is the basis for the company’s coaching model.
Andre played college golf at Tennessee State University, before transferring and graduating from Grand Valley State University with a Degree in Business Management. He spent the the last four years working for a nonprofit, teaching golf and life skills to students ages 7-17. He currently sits on the Michigan PGA Section Board of Directors, and the Michigan PGA Section Growth of the Game Committee. He was selected to the PGA Lead - Cohort III Class from 2017-2019. This national program is designed to create diversity and inclusion amongst PGA of America leadership on boards and committees at the Chapter, State and National Levels. He is the 2021 Michigan PGA Section Player Development Award Winner, and won the ELO Network Rising Star Award in 2018, for work with community school students within the city of Grand Rapids, MI.
After recent growth and success, Andre was able to expand the company. Social media interest is also growing, with golf instruction videos gaining attention on Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram! Andre is determined to change the landscape of golf, introducing and teaching the game to everyone that wants to learn!