About Malone Golf Academy
At Malone Golf Academy, our mission is to help golfers of all levels play better and enjoy the game more. Through simple, effective coaching, we focus on the key skills that lead to lower scores—ball control, decision-making, and mental performance. Whether you're a beginner or a competitive player, we are committed to providing personalized instruction, expert guidance, and a clear plan for improvement. Our goal is to make golf more accessible, more enjoyable, and more rewarding for every student we coach.
Meet Garrick Malone
A Pleasant View, Tennessee native, Garrick Malone was introduced to golf by his father at age 10. By 12, he set aside baseball to focus entirely on the sport, earning college scholarship offers through his junior golf success. Instead of playing collegiately, he chose to pursue a career as a golf professional, becoming the Head Golf Professional at Highland Rim Golf Course in 2004. After a decade in that role, he founded Malone Golf Academy in 2014 to dedicate himself fully to coaching.
Garrick’s passion for helping golfers improve has led him to study under some of the game’s greatest teachers. His students have won at the state and national junior levels, competed in collegiate golf, qualified for USGA events and World Long Drive, and earned titles like TN Junior Player of the Year. Though his students’ achievements speak for themselves, Garrick believes his role is simple—to give players the tools to succeed, because in the end, the student hits the shots.
Proven Experience
With years of coaching experience and multiple certifications, Garrick Malone brings a wealth of knowledge to every lesson. His background includes working with golfers of all ages and skill levels, from junior players to competitive adults.
✔️ 7 Years as a High School Golf Coach & 5 Years as a Middle School Golf Coach
✔️ TPI Level 3 Golf & Junior Coach – Expert in body mechanics and golf performance.
✔️ AimPoint Certified Coach – Specializing in green reading and putting precision.
✔️ PlaneTruth Level 1 & Stack and Tilt Certified – Proven swing methodologies for consistency.
✔️ Op36 Certified Coach – Focused on skill-based development for all ages.
✔️ Leadbetter Kids & US Kids Certified Coach – Specialized training for young golfers.
Garrick's Teaching Philosophy
The Foundation of Golf Improvement
Golf is more than just a swing, stroke, or technique. Every week, there are players with million-dollar swings who miss the cut on professional tours. That’s because golf, like any sport, is a game of skill, and skills will always outweigh style.
At its core, golf comes down to three essential skills:
-
Ball Control – The ability to control the flight and direction of your shots.
-
Decision Making – Choosing the right shots, strategies, and course management.
-
Emotional Control – Staying focused and composed under pressure.
Most of my lessons focus on improving ball control, which starts with diagnosing errors based on ball flight. First, we identify the bad shot. Next, we analyze what happened at impact to cause it. Finally, we apply the necessary swing adjustments to fix it. A consistent impact leads to a predictable ball flight, and a predictable ball flight is the foundation of playing great golf.
The 6 Laws of Impact
To understand and correct ball flight, every golfer should be familiar with the six key laws of impact:
-
Solid Contact – The quality of strike between the club and ball.
-
Clubface Angle – The direction the face is pointing at impact.
-
Loft – The dynamic loft of the club at impact.
-
Club Path – The direction the club is moving through impact.
-
Angle of Attack – Whether the club is striking the ball on an upward, level, or downward path.
-
Speed – The velocity of the club at impact, affecting distance and control.
Each of these impact laws influences different aspects of ball flight. By diagnosing which one is causing inconsistency, we can correct bad shots and train the right movements to a higher level of mastery—leading to lower scores.
A Personalized Approach to Improvement
Every golfer is different—physically, mentally, and in playing style. In each lesson, you’ll gain a clear understanding of what’s causing your errors, the impact creating them, and exactly what you need to do to correct them. My coaching isn’t about forcing you into a rigid method but finding the best way for YOU to play the game successfully.
What You Can Expect
Personalized Coaching
Every golfer is different, and Garrick takes the time to understand your unique swing, goals, and challenges. Whether you're a beginner or a competitive player, each lesson is tailored to maximize your improvement and lower your scores.
Proven Teaching Methods
With years of experience and multiple certifications, Garrick uses simple, effective coaching strategies to improve your ball control, decision-making, and mental approach. His instruction is clear, practical, and results-driven, ensuring you leave each session with a plan for success.
Support Beyond the Lesson
Improvement doesn’t stop when the lesson ends. Garrick provides ongoing guidance and resources to help you track progress, practice effectively, and gain confidence on the course. His goal is to give you the tools to consistently play your best golf.