Getting to Know Matt Fields

Matt Fields, Lead Instructor for Hank Haney IJGA, has coached at all levels of golf including positions as a high school and college golf. In addition, he has served as a club professional at some of the top golf courses in the country.

How long have you been with Hank Haney IJGA? 

I have been employed at the Hank Haney IJGA since May 1, 2006.

What do you enjoy most about working with the students at Hank Haney IJGA? 

The thing I like most about working with the students at the Hank Haney IJGA is the relationships I have developed with my students. I really enjoy the opportunity of making a positive impact on the lives of our students, both on and off the golf course.

What is your favorite moment as a golf instructor? 

There have been so many great moments I've had with the students over the last 5 years so it is really hard to name just one. One that sticks out in my mind is caddying and coaching one of my students in the 2007 U.S. Open, held in my home town of Pinehurst, NC.

What makes Hank Haney IJGA more special than other junior golf academies?

I feel what makes the Hank Haney IJGA more special than other junior golf academies is having the opportunity to learn and work with Hank Haney, who is in my opinion, is the best golf instructor in the world.

You have had the opportunity to travel around the world to conduct Hank Haney IJGA coaching clinics and work with junior golfers of all levels. What do these experiences mean to you as a golf instructor? Yes, I've been fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel and teach instructors and juniors in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Taiwan over the last two years. It's has given me the satisfaction that I'm having a worldly impact on the game of golf, not only in America, but around the world.

Just recently, you worked closely with LPGA player Shan Shan Feng while she was a student at Hank Haney IJGA. What qualities did she possess that have allowed her to be successful at the professional level?

Shan Shan has some exceptional qualities which have allowed her to be successful on the LPGA tour. Her self confidence and ability to hit the ball a long way are two attributes that stand out. She is also a tenacious competitor.

What advice do you have for an aspiring junior golf who wants to play at the collegiate level?  

Train to hit the ball farther and work really hard on the short game, especially putting. Hank always says the difference between an average amateur and a great amateur is putting, the difference between an average college player and a great college player is putting, and the difference between an average tour player and a tour player that wins is putting.

Quick Questions

Dream Foursome?  My Dad, Payne Stewart, Bobby Jones, and Francis Ouimet

Favorite Golf Course?  Augusta National

Favorite PGA event?  The Masters

Favorite Pro Sports Team?  Detroit Red Wings

Favorite Sport besides Golf?  Hockey

Favorite Food?  Mexican Food

Stay tuned on more blog articles featuring Hank Haney IJGA's golf instruction staff.