In 2024, Golf Digest announced a new recognition for renowned golf instructors who had dominated our teacher rankings for decades. The Legends of Golf Instruction, led by Butch Harmon, now includes 22 trailblazing instructors. This time we also honor Dave Pelz, the iconic short-game specialist who passed away in March.
Joining the list for 2026-27 are Peter Kostis and Dave Stockton. Kostis, the longtime instruction expert on CBS golf telecasts, is known for his encyclopedic knowledge of golf swings. Stockton won the PGA Championship twice and later became a sought-after putting coach to players such as Phil Mickelson, Annika Sorenstam and Rory McIlroy.
Here is the full list of Golf Digest’s Legends of Golf Instruction:
BUTCH HARMON
Henderson, Nev.
DAVID LEADBETTER
Kissimmee, Fla.
JIM MCLEAN
Coral Gables, Fla.
BOB TOSKI
Coconut Creek, Fla.
MIKE ADAMS
Bedminster, N.J.
RANDY SMITH
Dallas
MIKE BENDER
Lake Mary, Fla.
CHUCK COOK
Austin
MARTIN HALL
West Palm Beach
HANK HANEY
Deerfield, Ill.
JIM HARDY
Houston
PIA NILSSON
Scottsdale
LYNN MARRIOTT
Scottsdale
TODD ANDERSON
Ponte Vedra Beach
MIKE MALASKA
Mesa, Ariz.
MICHAEL HEBRON
Smithtown, N.Y.
JIM SUTTIE
Naples, Fla.
CRAIG SHANKLAND
Daytona Beach
RICK SMITH
Los Angeles
GARY WIREN
West Palm Beach
▸PETER KOSTIS
Scottsdale
▸DAVE STOCKTON
Redlands, Calif.
▸NEW SINCE LAST LISTING
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REMEMBERING DAVE PELZ
When Dave Pelz passed away in March at age 85, the golf world lost one of its most important teachers. An inaugural member of Golf Digest’s Legends of Golf Instruction, Pelz spent 14 years as a research scientist for NASA before turning to teaching, specifically the short game. He played college golf at the University of Indiana and eventually used his inquisitive approach on groundbreaking research that changed the way the short game is taught. He conducted exhaustive studies on technique and strategy and was the first teacher to advocate carrying four wedges, which is commonplace today. Pelz shared his research with millions through his golf schools and books, including Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible and Dave Pelz’s Putting Bible. His notable students included major champions Tom Kite, Phil Mickelson and Patrick Reed.