About Us

Technology, Technique & Performance

The Jim Flick Golf Performance Center has every part of your game covered and is your place to find a better golf game. Whether you are looking for instruction or fitting, therapy or just a little practice, the Performance Center is where you go to make your life a little easier on the golf course. Our highly trained and skilled PGA and LPGA Teaching Professionals will focus on the necessary skills for playing your best golf. This 6,500-square-foot center is equipped with the latest in technology utilizing Trackman launch monitors that measure ball flight and club data; Swing Catalyst Software and Balance Plates, SAM PuttLab (World’s leading putt coaching and training system), and a Quintic Ball Monitor. In addition, our teaching professionals are certified through PGA, LPGA and Titleist Performance Institute (TPI).

AWARDS

2023 Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers, Paxton O’Connor
2023 Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers, Richard Franklin
2021 Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers, Paxton O’Connor
2021 GOLF Magazine Top Teachers to Watch, Paxton O’Connor
2021-2022 Golf Digest Best Young Teachers in America, Paxton O’Connor, Jennifer Tucker, Richard Franklin
2020 PING Top 100 Fitter of the Year, Desert Mountain Club
2020 Callaway Top 100 Fitter, Desert Mountain Club
2019-2020 Golf Digest Best in State, Arizona, Paxton O’Connor
2019 Mizuno Top 100 Fitter, Desert Mountain Club
2018-2019 Golf Digest Best Young Teachers in America, Paxton O’Connor

Instructors

Paxton O’Connor

Director of Performance Center & Instruction

Paxton has been recognized by Golf Digest as Best Young Teachers in America 2018-19, 2020-21, and 2023-24 and Best Teachers in State – Arizona 2019-20. Also recognized in 2021 GOLF Magazine Top Teachers to Watch list. Paxton comes to us from the Butch Harmon School of Golf in Las Vegas, NV. While continuing to develop himself and his ideas, Paxton takes great pride in providing the highest level of coaching to golfers of all levels. He has spent time coaching on PGA & LPGA Tour, Web.com/Korn Ferry tour, and at the collegiate level. Performing golf schools at the Butch Harmon School of Golf he encountered and improved all skill levels. Paxton currently serves on Titleist/Footjoy Leadership Advisory staff and as a Swing Catalyst Ambassador.

We strive to be our very best as coaches, trainers, and players utilizing the best resources available. Swing Catalyst provides best-in-class service through video software that integrates radar data and ground reaction force measurements, 3D Motion and Balance Plates, and most importantly, a user interface that anyone can use.

Richard Franklin

Head of Junior Golf Development & Founder of DiscoverGolf™

An experienced junior golf coach, published game designer, and educator, Richard is passionate about using golf as a medium to inspire and enrich young lives. He joins our staff from Deerpath Golf Course in Lake Forest, Illinois, where he worked with more than 7,000 junior golfers over the course of his 12-year tenure. Richard is also the founder of DiscoverGolf™, an exclusive, play-based teaching platform which is currently integrated within Desert Mountain’s youth program and more than 200 facilities worldwide. Richard has been recognized by Golf Digest as Best Young Teachers in America for 2023-2024.

Membership

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