Joe McNeil
Meet Joe McNeil, Founder and Head Instructor at Short Game in Castroville, Texas. With nearly two decades of experience in the golf industry, Joe is recognized as a GRAA Top 100 Instructor and a Top 50 U.S. Kids Master Coach, trusted by families, competitive juniors, and adult players alike.
Joe’s journey in golf instruction began in Indiana, where he started teaching part time on his five acre property. What began as backyard lessons quickly evolved into a full training environment with a putting green and bunker area, driven by a passion for coaching and long term player development.
In 2015, Joe relocated to Texas and joined the Joe Caruso Golf Academy before founding Short Game. His mission has remained consistent: make high level golf instruction accessible, structured, and meaningful for players at every stage of the game.
Joe has received a special endorsement from British Open Champion and PGA Tour Player of the Year Bill Rogers (1981).
In addition to coaching, Joe is the host of The Joe McNeil Podcast, where he shares conversations on leadership, faith, family, performance, and overcoming adversity.
👉 Podcast on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/2W1Fcn3BKTFhbB5akLxsE1
👉 Personal Website:
https://coachjoemcneil.com
Meet Elijah McNeil
Welcome to my corner of the golfing world! I'm Elijah McNeil, and I've been passionate about golf since I was just three years old. Growing up immersed in the game, I had the honor of learning from one of the best: my dad, Joe McNeil, a top 50 golf instructor. My journey includes years of competitive play as a junior golfer, which laid a strong foundation for my current career.
As a golf instructor and certified fitter, I blend my lifelong passion for the sport with a solid technical background, thanks to my degree in mechanical engineering from St. Mary's University. This unique combination allows me to approach instruction and fitting with a meticulous, analytical perspective.
My goal is simple: to provide every golfer I work with the tools and guidance needed to excel, whether you’re looking to refine your swing or find the ideal equipment. Let’s elevate your game together!
Certifications
Ping Certified Club Fitter
Mizuno Certified Club Fitter
Golf Lessons at Short Game
Golf Lessons and Programs at Short Game Performance Academy
At Short Game Performance Academy powered by Mizuno, we offer various programs to meet golfers' needs at every stage of their journey. Located just minutes from San Antonio in Castroville, our offerings include Private One-on-One Lessons, US Kids Weekly Groups, the Adult Beginner Series, and The Performance Academy for aspiring collegiate players and high-level tournament competitors.
Private One-on-One Lessons
Our private golf lessons are fully customized to your individual needs. Each hour-long session can focus on enhancing your full swing, refining your short game, improving your putting, or mastering smart course management strategies.
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Full Swing: Using advanced tools like Trackman Radar and Swing Catalyst video analysis, our experienced instructors assess your swing and develop a personalized practice plan to align with your goals. Drills, training aids, and expert guidance ensure meaningful progress and improved performance.
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Short Game & Putting: For those looking to sharpen their short game or putting, we utilize SAM PuttLab technology to analyze performance and benchmark it against PGA and LPGA standards. Our focused approach will elevate your play, whether you're learning fundamentals or fine-tuning your skills.
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Course Management: These sessions, conducted on the course or in our Trackman Simulators, teach you how to approach any course strategically. Learn to make smarter decisions, manage your game effectively, and optimize your results.
US Kids Weekly Groups
Designed for young golfers, our weekly group classes provide a fun and engaging environment to build foundational skills. These sessions follow the US Kids Player Pathway, focusing on the essential techniques and knowledge needed to prepare for junior competition.
Adult Beginner Series
Perfect for adults new to golf, this series provides a welcoming and supportive environment to learn the basics, build confidence, and develop skills that will last a lifetime.
The Performance Academy Powered by Mizuno
For aspiring collegiate players and tournament-level competitors, our Performance Academy offers the most comprehensive training program in South Texas. This includes personalized instruction, fitness assessments, tournament preparation, college recruiting guidance, and access to premier facilities and technology.
Whether you're new to the game or striving for elite performance, Short Game Performance Academy is here to provide personalized, expert coaching to help you reach your goals.
Adult Lessons
Attention San Antonio golfers! Our adult lessons are designed for players of all experience levels. Whether you're new to the game or aiming to elevate your skills, our seasoned instructors offer personalized guidance and practice plans to help you succeed. You can book private lessons to focus on specific areas of your game or join our weekly group sessions for a fun, social learning experience. No matter your choice, you'll receive expert coaching customized to your individual goals.
Junior Golf Lessons
Looking for junior golf lessons in San Antonio? Our programs are perfect for young golfers wanting to develop their skills in a fun, supportive environment. Whether they're just starting out and learning swing mechanics and putting, or advancing with short game techniques and course management strategies, we’ve got them covered. Our experienced golf instructors ensure a structured yet enjoyable atmosphere, helping juniors of all levels improve and prepare for junior golf tournaments. At Short Game, we’re committed to helping San Antonio's youth grow into confident, skilled golfers.