Coach Portrait

Matthew Watkins

Golf Professional | PGA Associate | Golf Instructor & Coach

associate


Novato, CA
Bay Club StoneTree, Novato, CA

About Matthew

About Me

I’m Matthew Watkins—a PGA Associate and passionate golf instructor dedicated to helping players unlock their best game by blending modern performance coaching with timeless swing philosophy. My approach is built on one core belief: the best golf is played from the body’s center, not the mind’s clutter.

Currently coaching at Bay Club StoneTree, I work with players of all levels—from beginners learning the basics to tournament-level competitors seeking consistency under pressure. My teaching philosophy, Natural Edge Golf, combines athleticism, simplicity, and right-brain intuition. By focusing on the hara (ハラ, lower abdomen / tanden, just below the belly button)—the body’s true center of gravity—I teach golfers how to swing freely, trust their instincts, and feel the game rather than overthink it.

Teaching Philosophy: NATURAL EDGE GOLF

“Play Freely. Teach Boldly. Win Naturally.”

I emphasize a swing that’s grounded, repeatable, and sustainable. Players learn to:

•	Engage their hara for effortless power and balance

•	Maintain a low center of gravity for stability and control

•	Transition from left brain (analysis) to right brain (intuition) in the pre-shot routine

•	Use practice swings to feel the motion, then commit fully to instinct over the ball

The result is golf that’s 90% right brain, 10% left brain—less mechanical thought, more flow and connection.

What You’ll Gain:

•	A consistent, repeatable swing that feels natural and sustainable

•	More confidence and fewer distracting swing thoughts

•	A deeper connection to your game—on the range and under pressure

•	Lower injury risk through body-smart, efficient movement

Why Work With Me:

•	PGA Associate & NCAA Champion – 2 collegiate wins + course-record 61 at Marin Country Club

•	TPI Certified – Expert in golf fitness, movement, and injury prevention

•	Tournament-Tested – 11 NCAA Top-10 finishes, including a win at the Chico State Wildcat Classic

•	All-PacWest First Team & GCAA All-American Scholar

•	Performance Coach – Practical pre-shot routines, competition mindset, and right-brain training for real-world results

Lesson Offerings:

•	Private Lesson – $120/hour

•	9-Hole On-Course Playing Lesson – $250

•	Golf Fitness & Movement Assessment – $100

If you’re ready to simplify your swing, play from your center, and experience golf as it was meant to be played—connected, confident, and free—let’s connect.

Schedule Lesson: https://my.pga.com/coach/matthewwatkins/schedule

Students

65

Matthew's Experience

Helping players achieve their goals.


Improving Your Game

Break 80

Improve your Short Game

Get swing diagnostic testing

Earn a college golf scholarship

Prepare for Tournament Golf


Getting Started

Learn the basics

Avoid embarrassment on the first tee

Get comfortable for business golf

Students & Lessons

Coaching Services

Player Type

Youth

Adult

Session Type

Individual

Group

Skills & Tools

Improve with Matthew.

SkillsTools
Putting
Tournament Strategy
Physical Assessment
Short Game
Full Swing
Course Strategy
Matthew's Facilities

Bay Club StoneTree

Novato CA

*Coaching available to public

9 Stonetree Ln, Novato, CA 94945-3541