Betsy Smith loves being outdoors. Whether it’s running toward the waves yelling “Surf’s up!” or standing a bit more reserved on the lesson tee, Smith enjoys any activity that allows her to feel the sun on her face. Growing up, she competed in many sports, including softball, volleyball, golf, skiing and tennis. Smith stuck with golf because she felt it best tested one’s character. “Plus, I just really enjoy it out there,” she smiles. “And it’s always a challenge.” 

Smith became an LPGA member in 1996 and earned her Class A certification in 2000. Teaching golf, however, is not Smith’s primary career. She’s also making a considerable impact on our youth, serving as a physical education professor at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California. In keeping with her active lifestyle, Smith also coaches college golf and has twice been named LPGA Western Section Coach of the Year and has earned Coach of the Year honors twice in her own conference. 

Playing a lot of golf helps Smith keep it sharp on the lesson tee. A course she highly recommends trying is Silver Rock in La Quinta, CA. “It’s a very women-friendly course,” notes Smith. “It has a beautiful desert design, and the weather always seems to cooperate.” Her favorite course to play is The Bermuda Dunes course near Palm Springs. 

Spiderman may be Smith’s favorite superhero, but when it comes to guidance on the course, she turns to her father more than anyone else. They’ve played countless rounds together over the years, and just when they thought they’d seen it all in golf, Smith and her Dad recently witnessed something new for the rule book. “I pitched my ball toward the green as my Dad was walking to the flag,” recalls Smith. “My ball landed in the side pocket of his shorts!” Maybe next time she should wait until he gets closer to the hole… 

With stories like that, you can see why Smith’s students call her a “fun” teacher. She brings a lot of good information to each lesson, but her main goal is to pass on her enthusiasm for the game. One of her favorite students came to her with a clean slate and no expectations, just a love for the game and a sincere desire to have fun while learning. In 12 years, Smith has seen a lot of students, but her general approach to first-timers remains the same: talk about the game, equipment and fundamentals. “With beginners, I start with putting,” says Smith, “and then I build the swing from there.” 

Advanced players will appreciate Smith’s focused effort on the short game. “I think advanced players need fine-tuning,” notes Smith. “They need some mental support, too, so I remind them to believe in themselves and trust their swings. But improved scores will come with working harder on putting, chipping, pitching and bunker shots.” While Smith trains a variety of skill levels, she observes most amateurs struggle with three things: set-up, posture and patience. 

“I encourage my all of my students to think positive,” says Smith, “Every day is a good day! Don’t be so hard on yourself.” Smith has heard similar advice throughout her golf career and in life in general. “I think some of the best golf advice I’ve heard is ‘Get out of your own way,’” she adds. “Oh, and make sure you breathe!” 

Golf is the ideal game for Smith’s sunny disposition, so she has made it an integral part of her life’s work and recreation. Indeed the perfect day for Smith starts with that morning cup of coffee, a stroll on the beach and then it’s off to the course for 18 holes. She’ll wind down after with a nice dinner and a glass of wine at sunset, no doubt reliving how great it was to spend the entire day outdoors. 

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