A former college player who went on to become a top-level coach at the University of South Alabama and then at LSU, Greg Jones now teaches golf in Loxley, Alabama. Here is his background, his coaching record, and a summary of his video lesson.
Who is Greg Jones?
Greg Jones is an American golf coach. Before becoming a renowned coach, he was an outstanding player: he had nine college competition victories, was named to the Sun Bowl All-American team, and competed in prestigious amateur tournaments, including three U.S. Amateurs and one U.S. Mid-Amateur.
His talent as a player naturally led him to a career in coaching, first at the University of South Alabama and then at LSU. Today, he shares his experience at Steelwood Country Club in Loxley, Alabama.
From Player to Elite Coach: Greg Jones' Journey
The player
Greg Jones played for the University of South Alabama from 1985 to 1987. While there, he qualified individually for the 1986 NCAA Championship and was named to the all-time men’s golf team selected to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Sun Belt Conference.
University of South Alabama (1992–1999)
That’s where his coaching career really took off. He led his team to five Sun Belt Conference championships and was named Sun Belt Coach of the Year four times. Among the players he coached there was Heath Slocum, who went on to play on the PGA Tour. In recognition of his impact, he was inducted into the university’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.
Louisiana State University, LSU (1999–2005)
He then took over as head coach of the LSU team, one of the most prestigious programs in American college golf. Over the course of six seasons, he led the Tigers to 10 team titles and four appearances in the NCAA Regionals.
Jonesie Golf and the Steelwood Country Club
After his college career, Greg Jones founded Jonesie Golf, an academy that offers comprehensive performance coaching in technique, strategy, course management, and mental game. He currently teaches at Steelwood Country Club in Loxley, Alabama, where he gives private lessons and draws on his decades of experience as both a player and a coach to help golfers of all ages and skill levels. He also shares tips on his YouTube channel, “Finish First.”.
Greg Jones' Coaching Record
| Field | Landmark |
|---|---|
| Positions | Head coach at the University of South Alabama (1992–1999), then at LSU (1999–2005) |
| Experience | 12 years as a Division I college coach |
| Team Titles | 24 in total, including 10 with LSU |
| Sun Belt Conference | 5 championships, 4-time Coach of the Year |
| NCAA Final Rounds | 7 appearances, including 4 NCAA Regionals with LSU |
| Outstanding Players | 4 All-Americans and 28 All-Conference players |
| Outstanding Student | Heath Slocum, who has become a PGA Tour player |
| Awards | South Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (2009), served three years on the NCAA Selection Committee, lifetime member of the Golf Coaches Association of America |
| As a player | 9 college victories, 3 U.S. Amateur titles, 1 U.S. Mid-Amateur title |
Greg Jones' Method: The Pivot All the Way to the Finish
For Greg Jones, the pivot consists of three steps: turn to the right, realign, turn to the left. However, most instruction focuses on the first half of the swing. Many players stop their body at impact and salvage the shot with their hands: this is the “pivot stall.” His solution starts on the ground: open the left foot 20 to 30° so you can continue rotating through to the finish. See the lesson “How to Turn Your Body Properly for a Good Finish”.
Greg Jones' Lessons on Best Golf Tips
- Rotation and Finish (Body Rotation, Finish): Rotate Your Body Properly for a Good Finish in Golf.
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FAQ About Greg Jones
Who is Greg Jones?
An American golf coach who played college golf at the University of South Alabama and later served as head coach of the golf teams at the University of South Alabama and LSU until 2005. He now teaches at Steelwood Country Club in Loxley, Alabama.
Where does Greg Jones teach golf?
At the Steelwood Country Club in Loxley, Alabama, where he offers private lessons through his Jonesie Golf Academy.
What is Greg Jones' coaching record?
In 12 years as a Division I college coach: 24 team titles, 5 Sun Belt Conference championships, 4 Sun Belt Coach of the Year awards, and 7 appearances in college postseason tournaments. He has coached 4 All-Americans and 28 All-Conference players.
What is Jonesie Golf?
The academy founded by Greg Jones. It offers comprehensive performance coaching—covering technique, strategy, course management, and mental preparation—with programs for juniors, adult amateurs, and tour players.
What lessons by Greg Jones can you find on Best Golf Tips?
His lesson on the pivot: Keep turning after impact all the way through the finish, opening your left foot 20 to 30 degrees to avoid a “pivot stall.”.
