As a former airline pilot, Matt Feliz logged many hours in simulation devices and situations. That’s part of the attraction for his interest in – and eventual purchase of – a RoboGolfPro that’s set up in his SoCal Golf Lessons studio in Irvine.
The RoboGolfPro, or a robot as it’s commonly known, takes players through the ideal swing for their ability and physique. Users simply hold onto the grip-like handle while the robot takes them through a full swing. If a player reverts to an old habit, such as swinging over the top, the robot resists and forces them to follow each component of the swing that’s been programmed for their game.
The device in Irvine is one of only 12 in North America being used at independent sites. Since the device cost Feliz $150,000, it could be seen by some as a businessman taking a flyer, so to speak, on an expensive product. But he’s confident that once people see what the robot can do that business will be brisk. Here he takes time to answer some questions:
How long have you had the device?
We started teaching on it in September 2015.
How’s business doing?
The business has been getting steadily busier since we began as word about the robot has gotten out. We expect a big increase in the indoor lessons due to a predicted rainy season in Southern California.
What’s your background in golf?
I’ve been playing for 47 years; I started when I was 6 years old. My handicap is 1.
How about your business background?
I have a business management degree from Elmhurst College in Illinois and 25 years of experience as a commercial airline pilot.
How did that spur your interest in buying a RoboGolfPro?
As a pilot, we do all of our flight training in simulators. From normal takeoffs and landings to all flight emergencies – these are all done without ever leaving the ground in the simulator. The more repetitions done in each flight scenario ingrains in pilots the ability to instinctively react in an actual flying situation. The RoboGolfPro does the same thing for the golf swing; the more reps you can do on the robot with a perfectly planed golf swing the more your golf swing will be automatic when you get off the robot.
What type of feedback have you been getting?
The feedback has been positive, with most people saying, ‘Oh my God, I’ve never felt that before in my golf swing.’ What that is can be different for everyone – from backswing all the way to a different follow-through.
What else do you have in the building?
Our focus is teaching with the robot. Each lesson includes an hour on the RoboGolfPro, video software and a full-screen golf simulator.
Is the teaching portion separate from RoboGolfPro, or do you link the two?
The teaching professional is integral in the golf lesson. However, it’s the robot that’s the ultimate training aid in helping each golfer find his or her perfect swing.
Do you teach, or do you leave that to someone else?
The teachers are George Henry and Mark Reid, both PGA professionals.
What are your hopes and expectations for the business?
My hope is to make every golfer that enters our studio learn their perfect golf swing and to make SoCal Golf Lessons with RoboGolfPro the only destination for golfers who’ve been searching for the most effective way of improving their game.
For prices and more information, visit socalgolflessons.com.
