David Curtis, lead teaching professional at The Classic Club in Palm Desert, CA, has been named “2025 Troon Coach of the Year” by Troon’s Education and Player Development team. Curtis oversees the golf instruction program at The Classic Club Golf Academy, working with golfers of all skill levels and abilities in both private and group instruction settings.
“David represents everything we are looking for in our Troon Coach of the Year,” said Steve Loesher, PGA Director of Player Development, Troon. “He makes a positive impact on his students and coworkers. He is always one of the first coaches to contribute to our player development initiatives by making a video or attending a coaching summit.”
Curtis has been a teaching professional at Troon-affiliated golf facilities since 2005, working with golfers at Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort in Rancho Mirage, CAf; The Classic Club; and Yocha Dehe Golf Club in Brooks, CA. Before turning professional, Curtis played at College of the Desert on the golf team that won a Team State Championship in 2004. He has honed his instruction skills over the years with many hours of golf schools, lessons, and junior programs.
“David continues to be a great leader not only for his students, but for the facility as a whole,” said Classic Club General Manager Greg Rubino. “He is an incredible instructor, and I am proud to have him at our facility. I have been the GM here for 20 years and with Troon 27 years, and David is one of the finest co-workers I have had the pleasure of working with.”
A Class A PGA Professional, Curtis is a certified Troon Golf Academy instructor, a Callaway professional staff member and a Callaway club fitter. He has taught with and mentored many of the finest instructors in the country and is excited to share his knowledge of the golf swing and the mental side of the game with his students.
“David has been not only an exceptional mentor but also a trusted friend. His contributions to the golf community and his dedication to teaching and coaching have made a significant and lasting impact,” said Yocha Dehe Head Golf Professional Chris Sheffield, PGA.
In addition to his Troon Coach of the Year honor, Curtis has been recognized multiple times by his peers at the Southern California PGA, including:
- 2024 SCPGA Desert Chapter Player Development Award
- 2022 SCPGA Desert Chapter Teacher of the Year
- 2020 SCPGA Desert Chapter Professional Development of the Year
- 2019 SCPGA Desert Chapter Junior Golf Development Leader
- 2018 SCPGA Desert Chapter Associate Player of the Year
- 2017 SCPGA Desert Chapter Assistant Professional of the Year
- 2016 SCPGA Desert Chapter Assistant Champion
- 2016 SCPGA Desert Chapter Player of the Year
Curtis is one of the many outstanding golf instructors at Troon-affiliated facilities around the world. In addition to lessons, clinics and golf schools, Troon offers Troon Coach, a full-service online platform where golfers can find local golf coaches, trainers and instructional events; book and pay for lessons; and track and analyze practice sessions.
Photo: David Curtis (Troon)