About George

​

George Pinnell brings a rare blend of athletic pedigree, technical expertise and mentoring insight to his role as Director of Instruction. A collegiate basketball and baseball athlete, George discovered golf while attempting to keep active during holiday breaks. What began as friendly attempts to hit the ball with his teammate Dwight Linnemeyer grew into a deep passion for the game—and ultimately into a lifetime vocation.

​

As he transitioned to professional coaching, George reached a handicap of 2 or 3 before turning pro, and cultivated a fine appreciation for the precision and mental discipline required at the highest levels of play. He has since been privileged to coach across three decades, gaining experience on more than 30 of the top 100 courses in the United States. While each venue holds its own appeal, George cites Augusta National Golf Club as a favorite—both for its storied tradition and for the moment it represented in his career when one of his players competed in the inaugural Women’s Amateur.

​

George’s coaching philosophy is shaped around continuous learning and adaptation. Inspired by the annual “Teaching the Advanced Player” seminar hosted by Jim Deaton and moderated by Mike McGetrick at Bay Hill, he attended eight or nine such gatherings—each exposing him to some of the world’s greatest coaches and Tour players. Today, George applies what he learns selectively, choosing the strategies that will best serve each individual athlete. His own role model is Jack Nicklaus, admired for his unshakable focus and success under pressure.

Among George’s most meaningful achievements is the enduring coaching relationship he has maintained with Jay Choi (University of New Mexico All-American and Japan Golf Tour Player) since the mid-1990s. He also guided Kristen Park—five-time AJGA Rolex All-American and U.S.G.A. Girls’ Champion at age 14—and currently works with junior stars such as Rose Zhang (#1 ranked Rolex Girl Player at 16), Cindy Kuo (15) and Catherine Park (14), along with many former Rolex Junior All-Americans and LPGA Tour players.

​

As a coach, George is especially attuned to the two most common technical errors he sees: misalignment to the target, and insufficient understanding of how club-path and face-angle at impact influence ball flight. His players and their families frequently commend his ability to articulate not just what needs improvement, but why—and to do so in terms that young athletes can understand and apply. In addition, George embraces technology—especially his long-standing use of the TrackMan system—which provides the precise data necessary to shorten learning curves and track meaningful improvement.

​

In his bag, George carries equipment from Callaway (Apex 19 irons, Epic Flash driver & fairways, Mack Daddy 4 wedges, Odyssey R-Ball putter) and plays Chrome Soft golf balls. Though physical limitations currently prevent him from playing weekly, his passion for the game remains undiminished—and he looks forward to returning to the course soon.

Through every partnership—whether beginner or elite junior—George’s mission remains the same: to mentor the complete golfer, fostering character, growth and performance both on and off the course.

information take from the coach of the month article​

​

​​

​​

​​

​​

​​

​