Dave Pelz, Golf's Short Game Guru and Instructor to Multiple Major Winners, Dies at 85
Dave Pelz, legendary golf instructor and short game expert, passed away at age 85 due to complications from prostate cancer at his home in Dripping Springs, Texas.
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Pelz's impact on golf was transformative, coaching multiple Major champions including Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh, Payne Stewart, and Tom Kite, contributing to over 20 Major victories throughout his career.
Before his golf career, Pelz worked at NASA during the 1960s space race. In 1970, he developed the Teacher Putter after analyzing putter head mechanics, which helped him qualify for the US Amateur. He left NASA in the mid-70s to focus on golf instruction, founding Preceptor Golf.
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His scientific approach to the short game revolutionized golf instruction. Pelz created numerous putting training aids and played a crucial role in developing the iconic Odyssey 2-Ball putter. He shared his expertise through books and hosted The Dave Pelz Scoring Game Show on Golf Channel.
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Black and white golf match photo
Phil Mickelson, who worked extensively with Pelz, paid tribute: "I owe so much of my success to the many things he taught me, and he lives on as I share those same insights to numerous other golfers. The laughs we shared along the way is what I cherish most."
Pelz's legacy continues through his innovative teaching methods and the countless golfers he influenced throughout his illustrious career.