Dr. Luke Benoit

About the coach

I’m new to Skillest, but have been coaching online for several years. I’ve taught more than 20,000 lessons in person and my passion for teaching and learning is evident to all those around me. I’m the Director of Instruction at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, MN and founder and owner of Ryp Golf (www.rypstick.com).

My personal golf story is unique. I didn’t start playing until I was age 13. Immediately I was hooked. I got good quickly, but was completely self-taught. I was a 3x All-American in college and turned pro at the age of 22. I played the mini tours for two years and played well enough to break even financially, but was weary and burned out at the end. The day I hung up my clubs I dedicated myself 100% to becoming the best coach possible.

I'm a 12x Golf Digest "Best Young Teacher" and have sought education both formally and informally. I shadowed the top teachers and completed an M.Ed and PhD while teaching nonstop. My dissertation was on attentional focus for learning golf. This background helps me cut through the anecdotal rubbish pile of golf tips floating about the internet. I know what works for each swing flaw and what doesn’t. I prefer external cues when practical, but use internal cues skillfully when necessary. I know what skill drills (like the ladder drill) should be avoided for superior drills. I know the right mix of skill and technical work given a players timeline, goals, and personality.

My teaching style is straightforward, but caring. Locally, I coach numerous top ranked amateurs and several playing professionals on various tours. In recent years as the owner of Rypstick I’ve expanded my skillset to include biomechanics and speed development, but my bread and butter is dealing with challenging biomechanics and tricky swings. I tend to get a lot of new students that have felt “stuck” or “plateaued” with their previous approach. I love the challenge of finding innovative ways to break through a dysfunctional pattern. In general, I’m not concerned with idiosyncrasies, which means that if you have a funky move that doesn’t cause problems, I’m not bothered by it. I strive to build functional, powerful, repeatable golf swings with great kinematics and face control. This is what leads to a predictable ball flight. All my lessons come with a money back guarantee so if you’re not satisfied you get more tips until it works or you get 100% of your money back. Give me shot. I guarantee I can help!

Accolades
Golf Digest “Best Young Teacher” 12x
Minnesota PGA “Teacher of the Year”
3x NCAA Regional “Coach of the Year”
Golf Digest “Best in State” (#2)
Winner of 20 professional tournaments
Career low 60 (-12)

Credentials
PhD in Motor Learning (U of MN)
M.Ed in Kinesiolgoy (U of MN)
TPI Level II
A never quit attitude

Specialities

Sample Lesson

01.Original Videos

02.Analysis Videos

Videos

Hook fix Changed path from +7 to -1. Lowered launch angle from 21 to 16 with 7i. Significant grip change. Layed off club. Eliminated hooks.

Over the top fix - One lesson and about 6 hrs of work with an ambitious student. I like to take quite a few things and move quickly if the player is in an offseason mode. If competition is near then we focus more on ball flight and immediate results