Laird Small, PGA

Named director of the Pebble Beach Golf Academy in 1996, Laird Small has received many honors, including 2003 PGA Teacher of the Year award and Northern California PGA Section Teacher of the Year in 1996. Small was named one of America’s 50 Best Teachers by Golf Digest and Top 100 Teachers in America by Golf Magazine. He was instrumental in developing the AT&T Pebble Beach Junior Golf Association and is a past president of the group, which introduces youth to golf through scholarships, clinics, and tournaments. As of 2014, Laird and his staff have been using robotics technology to further excel their students and the game of golf.

Facility Type: Resort

Past awards/recognitions:

• GRAA Top 50 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional
• PGA National Teacher of the Year
• PGA Section Teacher of the Year
• PGA Section Horton Smith Award
• Golf Magazine Top 100
• Golf Digest Top 50
• Golf Digest Top 20
• Golf Digest Best in State

Technology used in instruction:

• V1 Pro
• iPad
• AMM 3D
• SAM Balance Lab
• SAM Putt Lab
• Dynamic Balance System
• Quintic Ball roll monitor
• About Golf Simulator
• RoboGolfPro a swing robotic trainer

Approximate number of free “tune-ups” and lessons given per year: 75

Growth of the game initiatives:

• Learn to Play program
• Get Golf Ready for Ladies