Winner of the 2011 PGA National Teacher of the Year award, Mike Malaska simplifies the swing by building on natural body movements: the waggle, posture, and the M-System.
Mike Malaska is one of the most respected golf instructors in the United States, based in Chandler, Arizona. As of November 2026, his YouTube channel, Malaska Golf, has about 141,000 subscribers and nearly 700 videos. His philosophy: not just play golf, but to understand it. Here is his background, his method, and a summary of his video lessons.
Who is Mike Malaska?
Mike Malaska has more than 50 years of golf experience. He began as a player, earning All-American honors in college at Weber State, and was later inducted into the Weber State Sports Hall of Fame and the Utah Golf Hall of Fame.
After becoming a golf instructor, he worked for more than ten years alongside the legendary Jim Flick. He also serves as director of instruction for the Jack Nicklaus Academies worldwide, where he trains instructors and golfers.
In 2011, he was awarded the title of PGA National Teacher of the Year, one of the highest honors in golf instruction. In 2024, Golf Digest inducted him into its first class of “Legends of Golf Instruction.”
Mike Malaska's Achievements
Mike Malaska's track record is that of a great instructor, recognized by the PGA and the American golf press.
| Field | Landmark |
|---|---|
| Major Award | 2011 PGA National Teacher of the Year |
| Golf Press | Golf Digest's "Legends of Golf Instruction" (2024); ranked for decades among Golf Digest's top instructors and Golf Magazine's Top 100 |
| Experience | More than 50 years in golf |
| Course | More than ten years working alongside Jim Flick; Director of Instruction for the Jack Nicklaus Academies worldwide |
| Players Coached | PGA Tour, LPGA, and Champions Tour players; high-level amateur golfers |
| Player | College All-American at Weber State; member of the Weber State and Utah Golf Halls of Fame |
| Books | I Feel Your Pain and The Invisible Swing |
| YouTube Channel | Malaska Golf: approximately 141,000 subscribers, nearly 700 videos (November 2026) |
Mike Malaska's Method: The M-System
Mike Malaska created the M-System, a swing approach based on the body’s natural movements. It draws inspiration from other sports and the way the body reacts instinctively to eliminate mechanical thinking. The goal: a simple, powerful, and repeatable swing, accessible to any golfer willing to practice.
The waggle, a mini-swing before the swing
For Mike Malaska, the Waggle is a miniature version of the full swing. It helps you get a feel for what the club needs to do even before you start the backswing, and gives your brain a clear task. Practicing it on the driving range makes your shots more consistent on the course.
At address, a clubface that looks open
In response to a student’s question, he explains why pros set up with a clubface that appears open at address, while amateurs tend to correct it too much. A short lesson that changes the way you look at your club before taking your swing.
Mike Malaska's Lessons on Best Golf Tips
- Waggle (Waggle, Pre-shot routine): The Waggle for a Better Swing.
- Club Position at Address (Club Position Relative to the Ball, Address Posture and Stance): A Good Setup Looks Open.
Mike Malaska oversaw instruction at the Jack Nicklaus Academies: check out the profile of Jack Nicklaus.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mike Malaska
Who is Mike Malaska?
A golf instructor based in Chandler, Arizona; the 2011 PGA National Teacher of the Year; and the creator of the M-System, a swing method based on the body's natural movements.
What is Mike Malaska's M-System?
A structured approach to the swing that builds on the body’s natural movement, to minimize mechanical thinking and achieve a simple, powerful, and repeatable swing.
How many subscribers does the Malaska Golf channel have?
Approximately 141,000 subscribers and nearly 700 videos in November 2026.
Has Mike Malaska written any books?
Yes: I Feel Your Pain and The Invisible Swing.
