Golf Digest’s Legends of Golf Instruction

By Australian Golf Digest

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 HARMONHenderson, Nev.

DAVID LEADBETTERKissimmee, Fla.

JIM MCLEANCoral Gables, Fla.

BOB TOSKICoconut Creek, Fla.

MIKE ADAMSBedminster, N.J.

RANDY SMITHDallas

MIKE BENDERLake Mary, Fla.

CHUCK COOKAustin

MARTIN HALLWest Palm Beach

HANK HANEYDeerfield, Ill.

JIM HARDYHouston

PIA NILSSONScottsdale

LYNN MARRIOTTScottsdale

TODD ANDERSONPonte Vedra Beach

MIKE MALASKAMesa, Ariz.

MICHAEL HEBRONSmithtown, N.Y.

JIM SUTTIENaples, Fla.

CRAIG SHANKLANDDaytona Beach

RICK SMITHLos Angeles

GARY WIRENWest Palm Beach

â–¸PETER KOSTISScottsdale

â–¸DAVE STOCKTONRedlands, Calif.

â–¸NEW SINCE LAST LISTING

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.

MORE: 5 research-based tips from a legendary short-game guru

This article was originally published on golfdigest.com