Stuart Smith
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Stuart Smith brings a remarkable depth of competitive, instructional, and club leadership experience to Somersett Golf & Country Club. Since joining the Club in 2007, he has become a respected and familiar presence within the Somersett community, helping golfers of all skill levels grow their game through modern coaching, deep technical knowledge, and decades of high-level playing experience.
▶ About Stuart
Stuart Smith’s passion for golf began at age three and continued through a standout junior career that included qualifying for two U.S. Junior Amateurs and becoming the youngest winner of the Roseville City Amateur. He later went on to play collegiate golf at UCLA, where he set a team scoring record with a 64 at Bel Air Country Club. After graduating with a BA in Sociology, Stuart turned professional in 1984 and began a competitive playing career that would span nearly a decade.
Over the years, Stuart has combined elite playing credentials with a deep commitment to helping others improve. His instruction is shaped by firsthand competitive experience, decades spent studying the golf swing, and an ongoing dedication to staying current with the game’s most effective coaching methods. His long tenure at Somersett reflects both his connection to the Club and his commitment to developing golfers in a way that is both personalized and results-driven.
▶ Experience & Recognition
Stuart spent nine years competing on the Ben Hogan, Nike, and South African Tours. Highlights of his professional career include a victory at the 1989 Palabora Classic and a 6th-place finish on the South African Order of Merit. He later transitioned into the club industry in 1992, serving at Sierra View Country Club and then as Director of Golf at Granite Bay Golf Club before joining Somersett.
His competitive accomplishments are equally impressive. Stuart was named Northern California PGA Player of the Year in 2004 and has made 13 combined appearances in major championships, including the PGA Championship, Senior PGA Championship, and U.S. Senior Open. His contributions to the game have been recognized with the Sierra Nevada Junior Golf Leader Award (2007), the NCPGA Junior Golf Leader of the Year Award (2010), and the prestigious NCPGA Professional of the Year Award (2016).
▶ Certifications & Coaching Background
Widely regarded as one of the region’s leading instructors, Stuart is a TPI Certified Professional and emphasizes the Body–Swing Connection to build efficient, individualized swing patterns. He is also one of 450 Certified AimPoint Green Reading instructors worldwide.
In addition, Stuart is a member of the Titleist Leadership Advisory Staff and one of only 50 members nationwide of Titleist’s Elite Player Program. Known for staying current with modern coaching philosophies while maintaining an active competitive playing schedule, he remains committed to helping every golfer progress to their highest potential.
▶ Contact Stuart
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