Dave Pelz, a legendary golf instructor and former nuclear physicist, passed away on March 23, 2025, at the age of 85 after battling prostate cancer.

He died at his cherished home near Austin, Texas, which he built with his wife JoAnn.

Pelz's legacy is solidified by his induction into GOLF Magazine’s World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to the sport.

Pelz brought a scientific approach to golf, revealing that golfers lose 80% of their strokes in the short game, which led to a data-driven methodology in his teaching.

He developed various techniques and training aids that revolutionized short-game instruction, emphasizing the importance of the short game in overall performance.

Pelz founded a short-game school and coached numerous major champions, including Phil Mickelson, who credited him with significantly influencing his success.

Other notable students included Tom Kite, Payne Stewart, Steve Elkington, Vijay Singh, and Patrick Reed, all of whom benefited from his innovative methods.

Patrick Reed shared a heartfelt tribute, recalling how Pelz transformed his approach to golf and life over the past decade.

Beyond his professional achievements, Pelz was known for his deep commitment to family, often expressing pride in his son Eddie, who also works in golf instruction.

Pelz authored several instructional books and produced numerous educational videos, further contributing to golf education and helping players at all levels.

His methods were prominently featured on 'The Dave Pelz Scoring Game Show,' which aired on the Golf Channel for many years, reaching a wide audience.

A personal encounter with Pelz emphasized his warmth, intelligence, and the lasting lessons he imparted about both golf and life.