Lesson with George Gankas's staff member- Mark Odenthal

I really appreciate the content on GG's Instagram and always wanted to take a lesson from him, but was intimidated from the cost other members mentioned. I realized I saw the same group of guys assisting him during his lessons for years. Also, on one of his post there was a group photo of him and his staff so I reached out for a lesson from one of his assistance.

I DM'd him via IG and booked a face to face lesson with Mark Odenthal, one of George Gankas's assistant's.

I've never learned this much great information from a single lesson in my life. I highly recommend a face to face or an online lesson with him. He is the real deal!

I really hope you guys are able to experience a lesson with GG, Mark, or another team member because it beyond worth it.

How much did he run?

> @kobe123 said:

> How much did he run?

$200 for a face to face, I highly recommend a face to face if you can...

Here’s my experience:

It was about a 30 min drive from downtown LA. He first asked me about myself and my swing, what issues I was having and was really trying to listen and digest what I was saying. Then we got to work. I thought our lesson was going to be a tight hour, but he spent a surprisingly (almost) 2 hours with me loading me up with clear, knowledge, explanation, illustrations, instruction, "hands on" positions (So i could understand the feel), drills, swings, feed back ets.

I was able to record while he taught, he insisted- just like most of the IG video posts when GG teaches his students. I have video of important content on my phone ready for review which should last a long time.

the best part, its not just one fix and we're done, he teaches "matches ups". So if you fix one thing, other things need to be fixed later in the swing for a good full swing. He goes over one by one in extreme detail till you understand. This really helps me try my best to fix the first issue to meet the requirements for the next. Also, I'm not lost after the first fix, I know what needs to be done till finish.

He was fully engaged(not looking at his phone or side tracked with other things) and really wanted me to swing it well before I left. I was the one that insisted I had to leave because I needed to pick up the kids.. He wanted me to send a follow up video through an app he suggested(which he also trained me how to use) to review my progress.

Marks super intelligent, humble, friendly, great communicator, all in all an awesome teacher. It was a really fun experience.

1000% worth $200..

Only if I lived in LA instead of Nashville, Tn. :(

> @kobe123 said:

> Only if I lived in LA instead of Nashville, Tn. :(

I feel you :(

But

I would reach out to Mark Odenthal via IG for an online lesson.. I took online lessons from good instructors before and understand a online vs face to face doesn’t even compare. But, if his face to face was this awesome.. I’m pretty sure his online lesson is something special too. Since he teaches side by side with GG on a daily basis, I could clearly see the teaching method/ communication were the same. Im sure his online lesson are close to GGs quality.

Out of curiosity, is there a list anywhere out there that provides all the GG teachers out there? I'm interested to see if there are any instructors near me (Washington DC area).

> @jjmurry said:

> Out of curiosity, is there a list anywhere out there that provides all the GG teachers out there? I'm interested to see if there are any instructors near me (Washington DC area).

I wish but I don't think there is.

> @kobe123 said:

> > @jjmurry said:

> > Out of curiosity, is there a list anywhere out there that provides all the GG teachers out there? I'm interested to see if there are any instructors near me (Washington DC area).

>

> I wish but I don't think there is.

This is the best I have. there are plugs at the bottom and if you scroll or swipe right, the IG pages of his assistants show.. I'm not sure what city each is located but they are not all locally here in LA, one of his guys are in Vegas for sure.

Where did you get the lesson at? You said 30 min from DTLA, but I don't see anything on his IG about where he teaches at.

> @jcolton said:

> Where did you get the lesson at? You said 30 min from DTLA, but I don't see anything on his IG about where he teaches at.

I think they teach at a bunch of different courses... Since I'm near downtown LA, he met me at the course nearest to me which was Sepulveda (balboa- Encino) golf course. You should reach out to Mark to find the nearest location to you.

> @jcolton said:

> Where did you get the lesson at? You said 30 min from DTLA, but I don't see anything on his IG about where he teaches at.

GG teaches at westlake golf course

> @GoGoErky said:

> > @jcolton said:

> > Where did you get the lesson at? You said 30 min from DTLA, but I don't see anything on his IG about where he teaches at.

>

> GG teaches at westlake golf course

Yes, but his assistant's teach at other courses.. So reaching out to his assistant who you want to take a lesson from to confirm the nearest course to you- would be a good idea.

you won't regret this lesson.

Only instructors are in Thousand Oaks or Las Vegas. I reached out to Jake Gilmer (out of Las Vegas) and he is $120 for an online lesson.

> @kobe123 said:

> Only instructors are in Thousand Oaks or Las Vegas. I reached out to Jake Gilmer (out of Las Vegas) and he is $120 for an online lesson.

reach out to Mark Odenthal, I met him at Sepulveda GC where the 405 meets the 101.

Edit: Sorry @kobe123 , forgot you were in TN.

I kid you not.. to my surprise, Mark just sent 4 videos with custom drills/illustration via text!

This passion is straight awesome!! I’m super pumped to improve!! Sorry everyone just wanted to share this awesome experience!!!

Thanks for sharing! I know this doesn't matter, just out of curiosity is Mark an PGA instructor?

> @cmckelvmi said:

> Thanks for sharing! I know this doesn't matter, just out of curiosity is Mark an PGA instructor?

I appreciate it, thanks. I just had to share this instruction gold I was able to experience with the community!

I'm not sure if he is, but their camp has PGA Tour winners/players/ mini/ am's so I assume they are? (but I honestly dont know) .... But, I've had lessons with PGA instructors previously and Mark's instruction/communication was far superior. I was able to understand and execute the movements with ease.

I've taken a good amount of lessons previously and had a pretty decent swing/distance before the lesson. The issue that really bothered me was my early extension, couldn't fix no matter what.. I didn't understand fully how to move my lower body in transition/down swing/ finish.

I met him to fix my early extension but that only took like 5 mins.. its was gone, I don't come anywhere near a early extension now and it was a really easy fix. He didn't stop there.

At the lesson, he left me with next steps ("match ups") to follow to make a good complete swing which I'm grinding away at. A few days after the lesson he sent video with different drills(awesome surprise) which really reinforced my learning.

honestly, the movements feel really simple, natural, easy to time, and fluid.. like the swing fits me body.

He really wants you to get better, period. you can feel it, I feel that's what the GG brand is about. They have a bunch of different swings on different tours.

Great, thanks for the additional information! I sent him a message on IG about online lessons since I am in SE Michigan. Hopefully I hear back from him soon.

> @cmckelvmi said:

> Great, thanks for the additional information! I sent him a message on IG about online lessons since I am in SE Michigan. Hopefully I hear back from him soon.

Anytime sir and sounds awesome and exciting! I know he doesn’t look at his phone when teaching so you should hear from him soon.. after you take the online lesson, can you post a review?

I’m curious how his online lessons(illustration/ instruction) are like and how a golfer receive/ translates it.

Sounds great and good luck! Always good to find a "fit" and have it work as well.

> @Hawkeye77 said:

> Sounds great and good luck! Always good to find a "fit" and have it work as well.

Thank you very much @Hawkeye77 , its been a fun enjoyable journey! grinding the swing, working with great instructors, equipment, golf friends, organically putting it together in rounds, different courses. I definitely agree finding a good "fit" is like striking oil.

It seems to me that there are pockets of instructional excellence these days. Young guys < 50 who are smart, passionate, who have used tech to deepen their grasp of the game and who communicate with multiple channels. The other thing I see is they all tend to collaborate - I see ig accounts being followed by each other, where info and insight is shared. It’s like a golden age of instruction but you have to know how to see it...

> @TIM929 said:

> I really appreciate the content on GG's Instagram and always wanted to take a lesson from him, but was intimidated from the cost other members mentioned. I realized I saw the same group of guys assisting him during his lessons for years. Also, on one of his post there was a group photo of him and his staff so I reached out for a lesson from one of his assistance.

>

> I DM'd him via IG and booked a face to face lesson with Mark Odenthal, one of George Gankas's assistant's.

>

> I've never learned this much great information from a single lesson in my life. I highly recommend a face to face or an online lesson with him. He is the real deal!

>

> I really hope you guys are able to experience a lesson with GG, Mark, or another team member because it beyond worth it.

>

I was lucky enough to go see him in person and the guy is so awesome. His brain functions like anything Ive ever seen LOL the guy knows so much about the swing and is very confident in his ability to help anyone. I like his concept of “matchups.” He cares more about helping the student than changing their swing to look a certain way

> @wmblake2000 said:

> It seems to me that there are pockets of instructional excellence these days. Young guys < 50 who are smart, passionate, who have used tech to deepen their grasp of the game and who communicate with multiple channels. The other thing I see is they all tend to collaborate - I see ig accounts being followed by each other, where info and insight is shared. It’s like a golden age of instruction but you have to know how to see it...

Yes I agree 100%!

> @wmblake2000 said:

> It seems to me that there are pockets of instructional excellence these days. Young guys < 50 who are smart, passionate, who have used tech to deepen their grasp of the game and who communicate with multiple channels. The other thing I see is they all tend to collaborate - I see ig accounts being followed by each other, where info and insight is shared. It’s like a golden age of instruction but you have to know how to see it...

Also a guy we know a little over 50 who has amazing instructional gems all the time on his Instagram page. ;-)

> @theredzone7 said:

> > @TIM929 said:

> > I really appreciate the content on GG's Instagram and always wanted to take a lesson from him, but was intimidated from the cost other members mentioned. I realized I saw the same group of guys assisting him during his lessons for years. Also, on one of his post there was a group photo of him and his staff so I reached out for a lesson from one of his assistance.

> >

> > I DM'd him via IG and booked a face to face lesson with Mark Odenthal, one of George Gankas's assistant's.

> >

> > I've never learned this much great information from a single lesson in my life. I highly recommend a face to face or an online lesson with him. He is the real deal!

> >

> > I really hope you guys are able to experience a lesson with GG, Mark, or another team member because it beyond worth it.

> >

>

> I was lucky enough to go see him in person and the guy is so awesome. His brain functions like anything Ive ever seen LOL the guy knows so much about the swing and is very confident in his ability to help anyone. I like his concept of “matchups.” He cares more about helping the student than changing their swing to look a certain way

oh wow, you saw him for an in-person lesson- that's awesome bro!!

I hope he helped you as much as he helped me.

> @TIM929 said:

> > @theredzone7 said:

> > > @TIM929 said:

> > > I really appreciate the content on GG's Instagram and always wanted to take a lesson from him, but was intimidated from the cost other members mentioned. I realized I saw the same group of guys assisting him during his lessons for years. Also, on one of his post there was a group photo of him and his staff so I reached out for a lesson from one of his assistance.

> > >

> > > I DM'd him via IG and booked a face to face lesson with Mark Odenthal, one of George Gankas's assistant's.

> > >

> > > I've never learned this much great information from a single lesson in my life. I highly recommend a face to face or an online lesson with him. He is the real deal!

> > >

> > > I really hope you guys are able to experience a lesson with GG, Mark, or another team member because it beyond worth it.

> > >

> >

> > I was lucky enough to go see him in person and the guy is so awesome. His brain functions like anything Ive ever seen LOL the guy knows so much about the swing and is very confident in his ability to help anyone. I like his concept of “matchups.” He cares more about helping the student than changing their swing to look a certain way

>

> oh wow, you saw him for an in-person lesson- that's awesome bro!!

>

> I hope he helped you as much as he helped me.

Awesome! It has definitely got me more excited about playing again. Glad to hear its worked out so well for you. Do you plan to go see him in person or do you like what you’re doing now?

> @theredzone7 said:

> > @TIM929 said:

> > > @theredzone7 said:

> > > > @TIM929 said:

> > > > I really appreciate the content on GG's Instagram and always wanted to take a lesson from him, but was intimidated from the cost other members mentioned. I realized I saw the same group of guys assisting him during his lessons for years. Also, on one of his post there was a group photo of him and his staff so I reached out for a lesson from one of his assistance.

> > > >

> > > > I DM'd him via IG and booked a face to face lesson with Mark Odenthal, one of George Gankas's assistant's.

> > > >

> > > > I've never learned this much great information from a single lesson in my life. I highly recommend a face to face or an online lesson with him. He is the real deal!

> > > >

> > > > I really hope you guys are able to experience a lesson with GG, Mark, or another team member because it beyond worth it.

> > > >

> > >

> > > I was lucky enough to go see him in person and the guy is so awesome. His brain functions like anything Ive ever seen LOL the guy knows so much about the swing and is very confident in his ability to help anyone. I like his concept of “matchups.” He cares more about helping the student than changing their swing to look a certain way

> >

> > oh wow, you saw him for an in-person lesson- that's awesome bro!!

> >

> > I hope he helped you as much as he helped me.

>

> Awesome! It has definitely got me more excited about playing again. Glad to hear its worked out so well for you. Do you plan to go see him in person or do you like what you’re doing now?

I really like what I'm working on right now and it feels more and more natural every time I hit the range.. I know I have a ways to go till I'm able to move the way I'm suppose to... Every time I'm in front of a mirror(even in the office), I'm doing drills lol...

He told me to send him a video so in about a month or 2 I will send a swing and see if he thinks coming in or an online lesson will be better.. I will surely be getting tuned up time to time.

> @TIM929 said:

> > @theredzone7 said:

> > > @TIM929 said:

> > > > @theredzone7 said:

> > > > > @TIM929 said:

> > > > > I really appreciate the content on GG's Instagram and always wanted to take a lesson from him, but was intimidated from the cost other members mentioned. I realized I saw the same group of guys assisting him during his lessons for years. Also, on one of his post there was a group photo of him and his staff so I reached out for a lesson from one of his assistance.

> > > > >

> > > > > I DM'd him via IG and booked a face to face lesson with Mark Odenthal, one of George Gankas's assistant's.

> > > > >

> > > > > I've never learned this much great information from a single lesson in my life. I highly recommend a face to face or an online lesson with him. He is the real deal!

> > > > >

> > > > > I really hope you guys are able to experience a lesson with GG, Mark, or another team member because it beyond worth it.

> > > > >

> > > >

> > > > I was lucky enough to go see him in person and the guy is so awesome. His brain functions like anything Ive ever seen LOL the guy knows so much about the swing and is very confident in his ability to help anyone. I like his concept of “matchups.” He cares more about helping the student than changing their swing to look a certain way

> > >

> > > oh wow, you saw him for an in-person lesson- that's awesome bro!!

> > >

> > > I hope he helped you as much as he helped me.

> >

> > Awesome! It has definitely got me more excited about playing again. Glad to hear its worked out so well for you. Do you plan to go see him in person or do you like what you’re doing now?

>

> I really like what I'm working on right now and it feels more and more natural every time I hit the range.. I know I have a ways to go till I'm able to move the way I'm suppose to... Every time I'm in front of a mirror(even in the office), I'm doing drills lol...

>

> He told me to send him a video so in about a month or 2 I will send a swing and see if he thinks coming in or an online lesson will be better.. I will surely be getting tuned up time to time.

That’s awesome! You are for sure headed in the right direction working with him. My dad recently subscribed to his videos and found them to be really good. Says he understands the swing so much better and interpreting ball flight to know what he did right/wrong

> @Hawkeye77 said:

> > @wmblake2000 said:

> > It seems to me that there are pockets of instructional excellence these days. Young guys < 50 who are smart, passionate, who have used tech to deepen their grasp of the game and who communicate with multiple channels. The other thing I see is they all tend to collaborate - I see ig accounts being followed by each other, where info and insight is shared. It’s like a golden age of instruction but you have to know how to see it...

>

> Also a guy we know a little over 50 who has amazing instructional gems all the time on his Instagram page. ;-)

Haha. It dawned on me a little later that this guy is above the 50 line. I think it's the young at heart about him that gets him into my 'young guys' category.