This week: A raw and honest conversation with Al Murdock, a longtime Southwest PGA member and Arizona golf lifer, on short game secrets, Papago’s rebirth, junior golf burnouts, and why coaching should be simple.

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Albert Murdock, PGA

If you’ve played golf in Arizona, odds are you’ve felt Al Murdock’s impact — even if you didn’t realize it.

He’s worn every hat: GM, Head Pro, Director of Golf, clubfitter, coach, mentor. From the wild rebuild of Papago to raising elite juniors on Valley ranges, Al’s been everywhere—and seen it all.

But more than anything, Al keeps it honest. No fluff. No filters. Just wisdom earned from decades in the dirt.

Let’s get into it.

What’s the one lesson every player must master, regardless of skill level?

“Short game. Period. You'll never be a good player if you’re not consistently good from 150 yards and in.”

Al shares a story about Charlie Beljan playing a practice round with Vijay Singh. The lesson? Stop chasing bombs. Get better from 150. Beljan did—and won the following week.

You’ve worn every hat in the game. Which role taught you the most about golfers?

“Being a GM taught me the details golfers care about. But teaching? That’s where I’ve had the biggest impact.”

Modern coaching, he says, is too complicated.