Randy Smith, who has been Scottie Scheffler’s coach since childhood and holds the record for PGA of America National Awards, has been teaching at the Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas since 1977. Here is his background, his accolades, his students, and a summary of his video lesson.
Who is Randy Smith?
Randy Smith is not a name you'll find at the top of tournament leaderboards, but his influence on professional golf is immense. He is one of the most respected and decorated coaches in the PGA of America, with a record 18 National Awards.
Based at the Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas, Texas, he has spent more than four decades there coaching golfers of all skill levels, including some of the world’s best players. He is proof that the true greatness of golf is often found behind the scenes.
Randy Smith, the mentor of Scottie Scheffler and other stars
Scottie Scheffler, the Student of a Lifetime
Randy Smith's reputation has soared thanks to his relationship with Scottie Scheffler. He has been working with him since 2002, when the Scheffler family became members of Royal Oaks and Scottie Scheffler was still just a child. Their long-standing partnership is a testament to the mutual trust and respect they share.
A long list of PGA Tour players
Scheffler isn't his only well-known student. Randy Smith, for example, has coached Justin Leonard, winner of the U.S. Amateur, the NCAA Championship, and the 1997 Open Championship, as well as Ryan Palmer, Harrison Frazar, D.A. Weibring, Colt Knost, Martin Laird, and John Rollins. More than 100 of his young students have earned college golf scholarships.
Teaching Approach
His approach focuses on adapting to each player’s unique style, rather than imposing a set model. He emphasizes the fundamentals and the development of feel, enabling his students to build a sustainable and effective swing.
Randy Smith, a pillar of the golf community
Randy Smith has always been committed to growing the game. He joined Royal Oaks in 1977 as an assistant and became the head professional in 1980; today, he serves as Golf Professional Emeritus and Director of Instruction at the Randy Smith Teaching Center. He also served for more than ten years as Teaching Editor of the magazine Golf Digest.
In 1983, he founded The Great 108, a fundraising event that raised nearly $2 million for the PGA's Northern Texas Chapter, of which he served as president in 1988–1989.
Randy Smith's Record of Achievements
| Field | Landmark |
|---|---|
| Royal Oaks Country Club (Dallas) | Assistant in 1977, head professional in 1980, and currently Golf Professional Emeritus and Director of Instruction |
| PGA of America National Awards | 18 awards—an all-time record |
| Professional of the Year | PGA of America, 1996 |
| Teacher of the Year | PGA of America, 2002 |
| Hall of Fame | PGA of America (2005), Texas Golf Hall of Fame (2011), Northern Texas PGA (2025) |
| Notable Students | Scottie Scheffler, Justin Leonard, Ryan Palmer, Harrison Frazar, D.A. Weibring, Martin Laird |
Randy Smith's Lessons on Best Golf Tips
- Swing (Swing and Swing Plane): Tips from Randy Smith.
Do you like famous American coaches? Check out the profiles of Butch Harmon and Hank Haney, or that of his student Scottie Scheffler.
FAQ About Randy Smith
Who is Randy Smith?
Randy Smith is an American golf instructor, a member of the PGA of America Hall of Fame since 2005, and the record-holder for PGA of America National Awards; he is best known as Scottie Scheffler's coach.
Which golfers has Randy Smith coached?
In addition to Scottie Scheffler, he has coached Justin Leonard, winner of the 1997 Open Championship, as well as Ryan Palmer, Harrison Frazar, D.A. Weibring, Colt Knost, and Martin Laird.
How many awards has he received from the PGA of America?
He holds the record with 18 PGA of America National Awards, including Professional of the Year in 1996 and Teacher of the Year in 2002.
Where does Randy Smith teach?
At the Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas, Texas, where he has worked since 1977 and is now Golf Professional Emeritus and Director of Instruction.
Which lesson by Randy Smith can be found on Best Golf Tips?
An interview in which he explains his teaching principles.
