Derek Uyeda is a Professional Golfers Association (PGA) teaching professional. In October 2009, Derek accepted the offer of Lead Golf Instructor at The Grand Golf Club in Del Mar, CA. Derek has been providing state-of-the-art computerized video instruction and swing analysis since 1995. Derek was named the Southern California Section Professional Golfers' Association Teacher of the Year after rece
iving the award for the Teacher of the Year for the San Diego Chapter of the PGA. He was also aptly named among the top 35 golf instructors in California in Golf Digest’s “Best Teachers in Your State.”
Derek enjoys working with students of all ages and skill levels, including beginners, accomplished amateurs, collegiate players and PGA touring professionals. In 2000, Derek met world-renowned golf instructor and video analysis guru, Carl Welty, who quickly became Derek’s friend and mentor. Known as the best in the industry for his extensive video library of professionals’ golf swings, Carl taught Derek how to film golfers to ensure proper analysis of the golf swing. Through Carl’s guidance, Derek has further developed his own skills and philosophies as an instructor and player, and has had the opportunity to spend time with another teaching great, Jim McLean. Prior to joining The Grand, Derek taught at Stadium Golf Center, in San Diego, CA from August 2007 to October 2009. And between 2006 to 2007, he was golf instructor and partner at the San Diego Golf Institute at Riverwalk Golf Club. From 2000 to 2006, Derek was a PGA teaching professional at Mission Bay Golf Course. Derek also held the position of first assistant and instructor at Pro Kids Golf Academy from 1997 to 2000. While at Pro Kids, Derek worked with juniors of all playing levels and developed a teaching method that enabled his students to expand their skill-sets to successfully reach their potential. Derek was so successful that the Southern California San Diego Chapter of the PGA named him the Assistant Golf Professional of the Year in 1999. In 1995, not long after joining the golf business, he started his teaching career at Steele Canyon Golf Club, until joining the Pro Kids Golf Academy. Derek is an accomplished player and has participated in many PGA section events, as well as representing the San Diego Section PGA Chapter in the North/South Cup Matches in 2000. When not teaching or on the practice range or course, Derek enjoys spending time with his wife and two children.
