Josh Handelman is a private golf instructor and former competitive golfer based in the Chicago area. A lifelong player, Josh competed for New Trier High School and trained under respected instructors, including our own Sam McKenney and the staff at Northwestern/Wildcat Golf Academy. His competitive background, combined with years of coaching experience, continues to shape his approach to instruction today.
After graduating from DePaul University, Josh spent several years working in software sales while continuing to play competitively and coach golf on the side. Throughout high school and college, coaching remained a consistent part of his life, allowing him to build valuable relationships within the golf community and develop his passion for helping other players improve.
Josh has since made golf instruction his full-time career. He runs his own private coaching business while continuing to coach with Wildcat Golf Academy’s youth program. He teaches at The Glen Club during the spring, summer, and fall, and at Dinx Social Club in Highland Park during the winter.
Josh works with golfers of all ages and skill levels, offering private lessons, group lessons, playing lessons, and clinics. Whether working with a beginner learning the fundamentals or a competitive player looking to take their game to the next level, Josh tailors his instruction to each golfer’s individual needs and goals.
His coaching philosophy combines technical instruction with feel-based teaching. Rather than relying on major swing overhauls, Josh focuses on targeted adjustments that help golfers develop a more consistent, repeatable swing while maintaining the natural strengths of their game. His goal is to create an encouraging environment where golfers can build confidence, understand their swing, and enjoy the process of getting better.
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