Golf has been one of my greatest passions in life, from the time I first touched a club at about 5 years old. I grew up loving to play the game with my father and my friends in Globe-Miami, Arizona. My small-town high school was going to drop the golf program because we didn’t have a coach, so I convinced the football coach to take the job, even though he had never played before. I promised I’d show him everything he needed to know. You might say this is where my teaching career began, leading and helping my fellow teammates to improve their individual games.
I went on to play at Mesa Community College until turning Professional in 2005. I have 23 professional wins among numerous high-place finishes, and hold 4 course records, including the one at Dobson!
Since 2010, I have been teaching professionally at Dobson Ranch Golf Course. I have also had the privilege of assisting the coaching staff and players of Mesa Community College, Glendale Community College, and the Chandler/Gilbert Community College golf teams.
I enjoy teaching people of all ages and skill levels that want to improve their golf game. It’s a wonderful feeling helping someone excel in a sport I am so passionate about. I truly love using my experience and expertise to help them be their best.
Some of My Playing Accomplishments:
I’ve won State opens including the Southern Utah Open and the Sierra Vista Open, twice. Numerous wins on Mini tours like the Pepsi Tour, the Dream Chasers Tour, the Championship Players Tour, the National Pro Tour, and the National Golf Tour.
By having the lowest scoring average for the season I earned an exemption into Q-School on the National Golf Tour.
I have also played seasons on the Gateway Tour with my best finish of 3rd.
Richard Gaona