Q&A with Geoff Keffer, PGA

What is your single best experience playing professionally?  

"Winning the TaylorMade National Championship. Winning a tournament at Spyglass and Pebble Beach meant a lot, since my dad always told me stories of him playing there."

Through competing in golf, what have you learned about yourself?

"Golf has taught me that I can handle life’s ups and downs."

Why do you love golf?

"I love this game because it teaches the best life lessons and reveals the true character of a person."

What is your first memory of playing golf?

"I was five or six years old, playing my very first hole with my dad. I bladed a shot straight through the bunker, skidded through the rough, watched it roll onto the green… and somehow disappear into the cup. That was it. I was instantly hooked."

How did your coaches impact your playing career? And who are they?

"My coaches were my father and Zane Zwemke. They both helped me greatly. Zane has always been there for me whenever my swing needed attention. He has been helping me for so long he fixes me while walking up to the lesson. My father taught me all the shots I have in my repertoire. He taught me how to play and how to think."

Do you emulate your coaching style after any of your coaches? Who and how?

"I try and make my coaching as athletic and easy as possible. I take a lot of cues from Butch Harmon."

What is your single best memory being a coach? 

"Mine isn’t a single memory. It’s every time a student comes up and thanks me for making the game more fun, or have just shot their best round. They are all very special, and why I love teaching."

What is your coaching philosophy? 

"The game is hard enough. I try and make it as easy and simple as possible."

If you didn't become a PGA of America Golf Professional, what would you have done professionally?

"Honestly, I couldn’t say. This is all I’ve ever wanted to do."

How does golf impact your life?

"Golf impacts my life every day. It always teaches me something about myself. I have made great friendships through the game. Golf is not who I am, but I wouldn’t be who I am without it."

Why is the game of golf great?

"We are constantly in a pursuit of unattainable perfection."

Testimonials from Peers

"Geoff Keffer is one of those rare people who make everyone around him better. He's not only an incredibly talented golfer, but also a great human being. Over time, Geoff has become like a big brother to me-someone I can look up to, learn from, and always count on. I'm so proud of the success he's earned through his dedication and character... even though he wouldn't be nearly as successful without me on the bag keeping him in line. I'm truly grateful to call him my friend.”
~ Sam Marley, Club Fitting Specialist at Lenny's Golf & Ski Shop

“Geoff is a dedicated, hardworking PGA Professional who enjoys working on his craft while providing the best possible member experience at Lakewood. He is a valuable member of my team, not only for his golf game but for his expertise in the industry. I truly value his friendship, and I’m proud of all his accomplishments.  ”
~ Ben Honaman, PGA Director of Golf at Lakewood Country Club

"When Geoff was 12 years old, his Dad came to the Lakewood Country Club counter and said, 'He’s yours.' I worked on his grip and left foot, and I told him to hit it as hard as he could. I said, 'When you can hit it over the fence, let me know.' That same summer, he walked into the pro shop, driver and glove in hand, and he said, 'I did it.' I replied, 'Show me.' He ripped it over the fence. I said, 'Well done, now hit it straight over that post every time, and make sure no one is in #8 fairway when you do it.'

Geoff is an incredible student with exceptional character. He possesses a natural talent and a great understanding of the game, with a unique instinct for exactly how to get the ball into the hole. Above all, he is completely dedicated to being the best player possible."

~ Zane Zwemke, PGA, Geoff's Life-Long Instructor