Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Hazard
Hi Alexis, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My golf story started when I was just four years old in Federal Way, Washington. My parents, both avid golfers, handed me a cut-down putter and let me play alongside them. It was a family thing—both my parents and all four of my grandparents played golf, so I guess you could say it was in my genes, or at least my last name! (And yes, I’ve heard all the golf jokes over the years!) My first junior tournament was at age four at Twin Lakes Golf Course, where they cut the holes in half for us younger players. We only played four holes, but I somehow came in first place! I remember the trophy being taller than I was, and I still have it on display in my office today as a reminder of where it all started. From that moment on, I was hooked.
Fast forward to middle school. I had a choice to make between golf and other sports like softball, volleyball, and ballet. I decided to pursue golf more seriously and began my weekly lessons with Coach Steve Bobe at the Pensacola Naval Air Station A.C. Read Course. He really began to shape my swing and encouraged my love of the game. I also joined the First Tee Gulf Coast chapter to get more tournaments and core values under my belt. The next chapter was high school golf. I played on the Varsity team all four years at Pensacola Catholic High School. A pivotal and bittersweet moment was when I switched swing coaches my Sophomore year of high school to Rob Strano. With his advanced technology and innovative teaching techniques, he was able to enhance my game to go to the next level, which was collegiate golf. Securing a golf and academic scholarship drove me to be the best I could be on and off the course.
After applying to many programs, interviewing with multiple coaches, and creating a pro/con list of my top four college choices, I decided to attend Loyola University New Orleans. I was awarded both golf and academic scholarships both from the university and from outside sources. What made me excited to go to Loyola was that I would be a charter member of the golf team, they have an excellent Biology program, they are a Jesuit college, and they weren’t too far from home. There were of course more factors at play, but I truly feel blessed for the college experience that I had. It shaped me quite a bit into the person and coach I am today. We even qualified to go to Nationals my Freshman year in Lincoln, NE. Traveling and playing on a collegiate level is both intense, but also thrilling. You never know what the next course will bring or how your competition will perform that time. You just have to focus on yourself and rallying your teammates.
Now, how did I end up in Texas teaching golf lessons? After I graduated, I moved to Texas with my now-husband, who had been stationed in the U.S. Coast Guard in New Orleans, but was originally from Helotes, TX. While I was looking for a job in the science field with my biology degree, my mom suggested I try teaching golf. At first, I was hesitant, but it made sense—I’d been playing golf my whole life and was still active in the sport, even though I wasn’t playing at the collegiate level anymore. I especially frequented the Oak Valley Golf Course in Helotes, TX. I frequented Oak Valley Golf Course in Helotes, Texas, and one day I asked the owner if they were looking for a golf instructor. Turns out, they were! That’s when Hazard’s Golf Lessons was born. I started doing research, learning about teaching techniques, and quickly found that it came naturally to me. My years of experience as a player, combined with a genuine passion for the game, allowed me to connect with my students and help them improve.
My goal with each person is to help them create their own golf story and not just how to swing correctly. If you can’t get people to understand the why behind what you are asking them to do, it won’t ever click in their brain, and they won’t be able to operate independently of you. Now, after 4 years of teaching golf to all ages from 4 to 82, I can definitely say there is not much else that brings me the same joy as watching someone hit a good golf shot and their eyes light up. I know that I have hooked them the same way I was hooked when I was handed that massive trophy. I look forward to continuing to teach the next generation of golfers to learn to love the game the way I do and to continue to create new innovative ways that golf can evolve. It’s also been rewarding to see how golf can be a positive, life-shaping experience for so many. It’s not just about the technical skills—it’s about discipline, patience, and perseverance, values that translate beyond the course. My slogan now is ‘I am the Hazard that you don’t want to avoid!’. It’s a bit playful, but it’s also about embracing challenges. In golf, hazards are things you try to avoid, but sometimes facing them head-on is what makes you a better player. I want my students to understand that they can overcome any obstacle, whether it’s a tricky shot or a mental block, and turn it into an opportunity for growth.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Golf has definitely not been a smooth ride. If I’m being honest, there have been quite a few bunkers and water hazards in my path—both literally and figuratively! It’s a game that challenges you mentally and physically, no matter how much you practice. Early on, I definitely doubted my ability, especially after losing tournaments or playing poorly. You get stuck in that mental trap, where it feels like every shot is going wrong, and it’s easy to get discouraged.
There were also other players who would try to play mind games—little psychological tactics to mess with your head and sabotage your game. That’s when I had to learn the importance of mantras. Things like, “One swing at a time,” or, “One hole at a time,” became my way of quieting the distractions and focusing on the next shot, instead of getting overwhelmed by the whole round. Golf really teaches you how to navigate setbacks, and it’s a skill that’s applicable both on the course and in life.
When I started teaching, I definitely had to overcome a lot of imposter syndrome. It’s one thing to play the game yourself, but to have others trust you to teach them—and pay you for it—was a whole new level of responsibility. I had to build confidence not only in my own abilities but in the idea that I could help others improve, too. There were days where I questioned whether I was truly qualified to be teaching, especially when I was just starting out. But as I kept learning, practicing, and helping others, I realized that I had a lot to offer. It was all about taking one step at a time and remembering that the knowledge I had wasn’t just about the mechanics of the swing—it was also about the mental game, which is just as important.
Being a woman in golf definitely presented its own set of challenges. I wasn’t always taken seriously, and there were times when I felt overlooked or underestimated. In the past, you didn’t see as many LPGA players highlighted in the media as you did PGA players. The pay gap is also pretty massive between the two tours, which can be intimidating when you’re trying to figure out how to price your lessons or services.
For a long time, I felt like I had to prove myself—more so than my male counterparts. I often had to work harder to gain respect and be seen as an equal. But over time, I’ve learned that my value doesn’t diminish because I’m a woman. In fact, I know now that I am worth just as much, if not more, than some of my male colleagues. The experience and passion I bring to teaching my students is unique to me, and I’ve stopped letting gender dictate my worth or my pricing. I’m proud to be a woman in golf, and I know my ability speaks for itself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the creator of Hazard’s Golf Lessons, my primary goal is to teach individuals not just how to play golf, but also how to have fun doing it! Golf is a game that can seem intimidating at first, but I believe in making it accessible to everyone. I focus a lot on the rules, etiquette, and basic techniques, but I also work to instill a sense of enjoyment and personal connection with the game.
I think what really sets me apart is my ability to adapt my teaching style to each student’s needs. Not everyone learns the same way, and everyone’s body performs differently, so I’ve worked hard to find ways to pivot and adjust in the moment. I’m really proud of how I collaborate with my students, incorporating their own insights into each lesson. It’s all about finding what works for them, and then helping them build from there.
I’m passionate about finding new ways to make golf more inclusive. Golf can often feel like a sport for an exclusive few, but I want to break down those barriers. Whether it’s through offering flexible lesson formats, hosting women-specific clinics, or simply creating a welcoming environment for beginners, I’m always looking for ways to make golf more approachable.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the Golfing Gals program I started. These are group lessons specifically designed for women. We meet once a month with a small group of five women, and each session focuses on a different aspect of the game—from putting to course management. It’s become a great way for women to come together, learn in a supportive group setting, and build their confidence on the course.
I’m also always thinking about new ways to innovate the way people experience golf. Whether it’s trying new technology or changing the way lessons are structured, I’m committed to keeping things fresh and engaging so that people stay excited about the game. Golf is a lifetime sport, and I want to help others experience that same love for the game that I have.
A big part of what sets me apart is how much golf has shaped my own life. To me, golf is more than just a sport—it’s a teacher in itself. Golf has taught me discipline, perseverance, and how to push forward in the face of obstacles. These core values are central to how I approach teaching. I try to instill those same lessons in my students, so they not only become better golfers but also stronger individuals in life.
Also, as a female coach in a male-dominated sport, I’m passionate about breaking that stigma. I didn’t even have a female coach until my freshman year of college, and it was only for that first year. There just aren’t many female golf coaches out there, and I think that’s something that needs to change. It’s part of why I started the Golfing Gals program—to provide a space where women can feel empowered and supported in their golf journey.
What also sets me apart is that I am a person that wears many hats. In addition to being a golfer and coach, I’m a wife, a daughter, a cat mom, and I also foster cats in need. I’ve had so many different experiences, both on and off the golf course, and I think that’s part of what makes me a well-rounded instructor.
I’ve worked as a crisis worker, and that has given me a unique perspective on patience, empathy, and understanding the needs of others. These qualities really carry over into my teaching—especially when working with students who might be struggling with their game or their confidence. I’m also a big believer in work-life balance and showing my students that it’s okay to take a step back and enjoy the process, rather than obsessing over perfection.
At the end of the day, I believe that life is about having a diverse set of experiences and sharing those with others. Whether I’m teaching someone how to line up a putt or just chatting with a fellow golfer, I try to bring my whole self to everything I do. I think that’s what helps me connect with my students and create a positive, inclusive learning environment.
I want to continue growing my business and finding new ways to help people love the game of golf. I’m constantly looking for new opportunities to innovate and offer unique experiences. Whether that’s expanding the Golfing Gals program, incorporating more technology into lessons, or creating community events, I’m excited about the future.
But ultimately, my goal is to keep teaching, keep learning, and keep growing alongside my students. Golf is a lifelong game, and I hope to continue being part of that journey for many more people.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Anyone who plays golf will tell you that luck plays a huge role in the game. No matter how perfect your swing is, or how great your equipment is, sometimes golf can just throw you a curveball. You can hit the best drive of your life, only to have it take a bad bounce into the trees. Or you can be a beginner with a hand-me-down set of clubs and have a lucky shot that bounces onto the green. It’s funny how golf has a way of balancing those moments of good and bad luck.
In my thousands of rounds, I’ve definitely had my fair share of both. But that’s what makes golf so interesting—it teaches you to roll with the punches, and how to stay focused no matter what. I’ve had plenty of unlucky bounces, but those moments are just as much a part of the experience as the lucky ones.
Another stroke of luck was the time I was able to attend the 2009 Masters Golf Tournament. My parents managed to get two tickets to the Thursday and Friday rounds of the Masters, which is incredible in itself. But there was a rule I didn’t know about at the time: if you were the actual ticket holder, you could get a junior golfer in for free. The problem was, the names on the tickets weren’t ours. But my mom, always the optimist, suggested we give it a try anyway.
So we got dressed up, showed up early at the entrance gates, and explained our situation. We told the attendant that I was a junior golfer and we’d love to be able to attend together, but understood if it wasn’t possible. She looked at us, then at her manager, and after a moment’s pause, she decided to let us all in! We were completely flabbergasted. It felt like the universe was on our side that day. The attendant even told us to come back the next day, and she’d make sure we could get in again.
Watching the Masters in person is something every golfer dreams of—it’s hallowed ground. You can literally feel the history of the game when you’re there. It was pure magic, and I’ll always remember that experience. It felt like the perfect, lucky moment that reminded me of how special this game is.
In my life, I had bad luck that actually turned into good luck. When I was in high school, it was my dream to play golf at Notre Dame. I had made it all the way to the interview stage for their last spot, and I remember being asked, “Would you still attend Notre Dame if you couldn’t play golf?” Without hesitation, I said, “No.” I knew in my heart that I needed to play collegiate golf to have the college experience I wanted, and I wasn’t willing to compromise on that.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get the spot, and at the time, I was devastated. It felt like a huge blow, but in hindsight, I now see that rejection as a blessing in disguise. That experience led me to open my mind to other opportunities, and soon after, I got scholarship offers from several other universities. In the end, choosing to attend Loyola University New Orleans, where I was awarded both academic and golf scholarships, was one of the best decisions I ever made.
At Loyola, I had a fantastic golf career, an excellent academic experience, met lifelong friends—and, of course, I met my husband there. Looking back, if I had gone to Notre Dame, I might never have found myself in New Orleans, and I might never have started Hazard’s Golf Lessons in Helotes, Texas. It’s amazing how one decision, one unexpected turn, can change the course of your life.
I’ve learned so much from both the good and bad moments in golf, and I think it’s that combination of perseverance, adaptability, and appreciation for the journey that has shaped my approach to teaching and running my business. Golf has taught me how to deal with setbacks, how to keep a positive mindset, and how to embrace the unpredictable nature of life. Those lessons are just as important for my students as learning the perfect swing.
I also believe that every experience—whether it’s a missed shot or a lucky bounce—adds something to your story. As a coach, I try to remind my students that they’re creating their own golf story, and that every step they take, every challenge they face, is a valuable part of their journey. It’s not just about perfecting your game; it’s about how you deal with the ups and downs, how you adapt, and how you keep pushing forward.
Pricing:
- $80 for Adult Hour Lesson
- $65 for Advanced Junior Hour Lesson
- $75 for Advanced Junior Course Management Lesson
- $90 for Adult Course Management Lesson
- $250 Hazard’s Hole-in-One Birthday Package
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @golfingwithhazard
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GolfingWithHazard
