Pro golf coach Dana Dahlquist and Ben Lein, 2024.
(Photo by Leah Lau)
What does it take to train a golf champion like Bryson DeChambeau, who recently won the U.S. Open? Beyond grit, perseverance and a laser focus on training, it takes the right coach. Enter Dana Dahlquist, ranked the number one golf coach in California and the number nine coach in the U.S., according to Golf Digest magazine. For national golf month, professional golfer and East West Bank golf ambassador Ben Lein hit the links with Dana to talk about the Paris 2024 Olympics, golf coaching techniques, and using AI technology in golf instruction.
Dana Dahlquist’s student Anne van Dam is competing for the Netherlands in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
(Photo by Icon Sportswire via GettyImages)
Ben Lein: With the 2024 Paris Olympics golf competition happening, what are you excited about?
Dana Dahlquist: Having my student, Anne van Dam from the Netherlands, compete is incredibly exciting. The Olympics are unique as athletes represent their country and identity on the world stage—not for monetary gain. Winning a medal is a rare honor, even compared to major tournaments. Xander Schauffele's 2021 gold medal significantly elevated his status. The global competition and camaraderie at the Olympics bring all cultures together, uniting everyone by a common goal. It's about team and country, and that's the magic of the Olympics.
East West Bank brand ambassador Rose Zhang is competing for Team USA in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
(Photo by East West Bank)
Ben Lein: East West Bank’s Brand Ambassador Rose Zhang is playing golf for Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Can you share your thoughts on her performance and her journey to the Olympics?
Dana Dahlquist: Rose Zhang has been exceptional. Her sharp mental focus and flawless short game were crucial at Le Golf National in Paris. Competing alongside top-ranked players like Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu, she demonstrates incredible poise and skill. Her ability to block out distractions and focus on her game is remarkable. Rose is unique because she has consistently been the best at every stage—junior, college and now the pro circuit. The hard part is maintaining that trajectory in professional golf, where you’re surrounded by peers who won’t just hand it to you. The trick is figuring out how to keep pushing forward. Players like Scottie Scheffler have shown that it takes a team effort and a strong narrative to stay at the top. Rose has that potential, and if she continues on this path, she will remain among the best.
Ben Lein: What are your greatest challenges in teaching the everyday golfer, and coaching PGA Tour and LPGA tour players?
Dana Dahlquist: The challenges are different for everyday golfers versus tour players. For the average golfer, the biggest challenge is aligning expectations with reality. They need to understand their capabilities and commit to consistent practice to see improvement. Too often, they switch their approach mid-round, looking for comfort over consistency.
For PGA and LPGA Tour players, the challenge is more psychological. Unlike everyday golfers, they play for their livelihood, and the stakes are higher. They often resist changes due to fear of losing their competitive edge. Advanced golf training methods and psychological resilience are crucial for their success. The best, like Tiger Woods, are willing to take risks and innovate, which sets them apart.
Ben Lein: When a new student comes to you, what is their most-asked question?
Dana Dahlquist: The most common question is, "What do I need to do when I’m not around you?" They want guidance on daily routines and practices to improve their game consistently. It's not just about what to do in a lesson, but how to integrate golf practice into their daily lives effectively.
Ben Lein: How do you diagnose golf swing errors and identify limitations of the student, such as age, flexibility or strength?
Dana Dahlquist: Each student is unique, so I use a flexible model to accommodate different abilities. By assessing their physical capabilities and goals, I tailor my approach. Technology, like high-speed video and 3D modeling, helps diagnose issues accurately. This way, we can develop a realistic and effective plan to enhance their performance, without causing injury.
Ben Lein: What’s your favorite part of your job?
Dana Dahlquist: My passion lies in helping people improve their golf game and understanding their motivations. It’s rewarding to see a student’s "aha" moment when they grasp a concept or technique. Golf is more than just a sport; it’s about connecting with people and helping them achieve their goals, whether they are aspiring pros or hobbyists.
Ben Lein in coaching session with real-time Sportsbox AI avatar feedback.
(Courtesy of Dana Dahlquist)
Ben Lein: You use a lot of innovative technology, including Sportsbox AI, to help with teaching students. Can you explain how you adapt to the developing tech available and if there is such a thing as giving too much information to your students?
Dana Dahlquist: Innovative golf instruction technology has revolutionized golf coaching. Tools like Sportsbox AI provide precise data, allowing us to fine-tune a player’s technique. However, it’s crucial to balance the information. Too much data can overwhelm students. The key is to simplify the insights and focus on actionable steps that lead to improvement.
Dana Dahlquist coaching Ben Lein
(Video by Janie Beaman)
Ben Lein: With the modern golf game evolving, technology in equipment and data collecting devices is constantly improving. Where do you see golf instruction in five years?
Dana Dahlquist: In five years, I see golf instruction becoming more standardized and data driven. Coaches will rely more on technology to provide consistent and effective training. This approach will make golf instruction more accessible and efficient, helping players of all levels improve faster.
Ben Lein: As a coach, what are some challenges that you face frequently, and how do you think this can be improved in the near future?
Dana Dahlquist: One major challenge is the lack of standardization in coaching methods. Each coach has their own style, which can confuse students. With more data and better technology, we can create a more unified approach to teaching. This will help students receive consistent guidance, regardless of the coach they work with.
Ben Lein: Do you have a memorable story where a student had an "aha" moment that made you feel good?
Dana Dahlquist: I have these moments every day. Years ago, I had a student who struggled with his shots going right. I advised him to stick to hitting the ball one way, a basic principle for consistency. Initially, he had a 15 handicap and tried to hit the ball in too many ways. When he committed to one direction, his game improved significantly. In two weeks, his potential handicap dropped from 15 to 5. The "aha" moment came he realized the power of commitment and consistency, not just technical adjustments. That’s the magic sauce of golf—commitment and consistency. This transformation highlights the essence of golf coaching.
Life Lessons from Golf
Dana Dahlquist’s insights reveal the intricate balance of technique, technology and psychology in coaching. His approach underscores the importance of commitment and continuous improvement, vital not only for golfers but for anyone striving to excel in their endeavors.
Ben Lein and coach Dana Dahlquist, 2024
(Photo by Leah Lau)