Dave Pelz, a nuclear physicist who revolutionized golf’s short-game instruction, died Sunday at his Texas home from complications related to prostate cancer. He was 85.
Pelz left NASA in 1974 to pursue his passion for the science of putting, developing a data-driven approach that transformed how players think about the short game. What made his methods unique was his scientific background, which he applied to create innovative techniques and training aids that helped countless golfers improve their scoring.
Golf fans might remember him best from “The Dave Pelz Scoring Game Show,” his popular long-running series on Golf Channel that brought his methodical approach to audiences worldwide.
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His influence extended far beyond television. Pelz wrote several influential instructional books, produced instructional videos, and founded the Dave Pelz Short Game School that continues to teach his methods today.
Phil Mickelson, perhaps Pelz’s most famous student, shared his thoughts Wednesday on social media:
“I have so many things to say about this incredible man. I owe so much of my success to the many things he taught me, and he lives on as I share those same insights to numerous other golfers.”
Pelz’s impressive roster of students included major champions Tom Kite, Payne Stewart, Steve Elkington, Vijay Singh and Patrick Reed, among many others.
Born October 8, 1939, Pelz’s journey from NASA scientist to golf guru shows how passion and expertise in one field can translate to groundbreaking work in another. His analytical approach to the short game changed how pros and amateurs alike think about those crucial shots around the green.
He’s survived by his wife, JoAnn, their five children and nine grandchildren.
