Jason Epstein, PGA
College/University: New Mexico State University
Year Turned Pro: 1995
Facility and Job Title: The Club at Las Campanas / Director of Golf
Please give a summary of your Background and credentials
I started playing golf at the age of 3. I am a graduate of the PGM Program at NMSU, was a member of the Golf Team while there, and was elected to membership of the PGA in 1996. After graduating, I went to work at The Biltmore, in Coral Gables Florida, where I worked my way up from Assistant Professional to Head of Golf Operations. The Professional I worked for let me take responsibility for every part of the operation, and held me accountable! After a brief stop in South Carolina, I was lucky to have been named the Director of Golf at Tucker’s Point Club in Bermuda, where I worked for three years. I have been the Director of Golf at Las Campanas since April of 2012. I have been blessed to work alongside of and to be able to learn from some of the most successful people in golf and in business.
What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
I enjoy people and I love the game of golf, its traditions and values. Having been around the game of golf on a daily basis since the age of 3, it’s in my blood. As a junior, I held the PGA Professional’s who I knew in the highest regard, being able to represent what the game of golf stands for is a privilege.
What is your specialty in the golf business?
I think I am a well rounded professional. I think I am a very good communicator, and am very thorough. The two areas I take the most pride in are working with my staff to ensure their growth and development…and to providing the members at each of the Club’s I have worked for the very best of what the game has to offer on all fronts.
Please list any accomplishments
I played golf competitively at New Mexico State University from 1992-1995. I am a member of GBN, have served on several committees at each of my positions, and am most proud to have had over 15 assistants working under me be elected to the PGA and have moved on to better positions within the game. I am and Ironman Triathlete and have completed 8 marathons.
What was your greatest moment in golf?
Playing golf with my grandfather as a junior and with my kids as an adult…not much beats that. I played adjacent to a game reserve in South Africa on my honeymoon; thankfully it has a 20 foot high electrical fence. I have played with and gave lessons to President Clinton on several occasions, did the same with Will Smith…great stories from both of those experiences too. For me, Golf is defined by my accumulative experience over the years rather than a singular moment.
What or who has had the greatest impact on your career?
There are so many people who have influenced me over the years, but if I had to narrowed it down to two: My grandfather, who always encouraged me and taught me so much about respecting the game, and my family. He also taught me about the importance of humility. Every great PGA Professional possesses it…and Herb Wimberly who taught me the power of thinking positively, having a great attitude, and that if you’re doing your best, you are going to come out on top.
Besides golf, what else do you enjoy?
Spending time with my family, Running, Politics, and Sport.
If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome?
Easy: I have one thing on my “bucket list’, and that’s Augusta National. I will play there someday; it will be a 7 hour round.
My dream foursome includes my Son’s Sam and Miles…and my grandfather. Although I don’t see it quite playing out that way at Augusta.
If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give?
That’s tough….either Sir Charles or Sam Epstein, but probably Charles—there is so much room for improvement and he would listen to me! I think Charles has a hiccup in his head every time his club passes waist high...every time I see him swing I want to jump through the TV to help him. I would work on rhythm, flow, and get him to think about something other than golf. He needs to play right handed only for a few weeks. And he needs to hit a specific shot every time. He is too focused on the process instead of the result.
What is your favorite golf instruction tip?
Swing toward the target (instead of just the ball) with your club and body, and in balance. This ensures you “hit’ the ball with optimal force, assists in a solid weight transfer, and ensures proper finish. I love the way Lee Westwood and Rory McElroy go after the ball. The swoosh drill (hearing the swoosh in front of you) is great way to get students to feel this. Too many students try to hit the ball from the top of the swing…getting them to understand acceleration optimizes performance. It may be an oldie but I love toe up/toe up too.
