Kari’s Credentials

  • Women's Assistant Golf Coach at University of Idaho (2009-2010)
  • Men's and Women's Assistant Golf Coach at Washington State University (2004-2009)
  • University of Washington golf team member and scholarship recipient-competing within arguably the best conference (Pac-10) in Division 1 golf.  
  • Evans Scholar recipient (1996-2000)
  • Golf Marketing Research Analyst at NIKE Golf Headquarters (1999-2000)
  • NIKE Junior Golf Instructor-University of Washington (1996-2000), Stanford University (2004-2006)
  • 2 District Championships for Clarkston High School Golf  Team (1994-1996)
  • Top 20 place at WIAA State Championship (1995) and top 10 place at WIAA State Championship (1996)

Kari's Teaching Philosophy


I have always been a firm believer in hard work. Nothing worth savoring comes without a good amount of hard work, determination and heart. I am also equally a fan of having fun, enjoying life for all the special moments and memories made. Golf is by far one of the most challenging sports I have ever played.   Even after over 15 years of experience. I hold a very deep amount of respect for the GAME OF GOLF. It seems like at no point in time has anyone mastered the game (Tiger has had his moments, just as did Jack Nicholas, Lorena Ochoa, Annika Sorenstam,etc.) Just when you think you have the game figured out, the game gets you , and once again you are back at the course trying to figure out how to “get better”. However, on the other hand, when you least expect and more often than not when you are about to give the clubs up for good, you will hit the “shot of your life”, which inevitably brings you back to the course again. Golf is very addicting and when played to your specific ability it can be EUPHORIC. 

My teaching philosophy is pretty simple. I want to provide you with the most accurate and helpful ways to improve in the timeliest manner. Habits are hard to instill in someone and once instilled, they are exponentially harder to remove. It was once mentioned, by my teaching instructor that it takes up to 10,000 repetitions to correct a habit. When broken down into the amount of time it takes to change a habit, wouldn’t you want the most efficient method to fixing your bad habits, as soon as possible? I believe the best teacher is one who can identify both a player’s strengths and weaknesses in their golf game (swing, short game, mental game, etc.)   Once I accurately assess you, I will provide you correct ways to strengthen your weaknesses, while continuing to maintain your strengths, thus making you a stronger player from top to bottom. Often golfers misconstrue success with improving on what they are already good at. The best players work on what they aren’t good at and make these areas their strengths over time.    Every player desires to improve, but often they do not know how to effectively do so. My job is to provide you with proper instruction, insight and drills to improve in an effective and efficient manner.  
 
Above all, my desire as an instructor is to build a good working relationship with my clients. I love to teach because I find it gratifying to help others attain success at all skill levels and all ages. Whether you are a beginner or an elite college player, there is always something that you can improve on in order to take your game to the next level. I would love to help you go above and beyond whatever you think is your “true potential”. With my optimistic, charismatic and nurturing personality, combined with my experience in the game of golf both as a competitor, collegiate coach and instructor, we are bound to have a great time learning more about your golf game and finding success! 
 

Kari Sampson, Bryden Canyon Golf Instructor
Contact Info:  208.746.0863 
karisampsongolf@gmail.com