Some people may see grey hair and a grey beard when they look at me, while others see "EXPERIENCE." Turns out, both are true.
Who is David Govan?
My name is David Govan, and I am a proud PGA of Canada Golf Professional. With over 30 years of experience in the golf industry, I have dedicated a significant portion of my career to teaching the game I love. Helping golfers improve their skills and enjoy the game more deeply has always been my passion.
How I Found My Way Into the Golf Industry
Golf has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My father, an accomplished golfer, represented Scotland in international amateur events and later became a Golf Professional after our family immigrated to Canada. Thanks to him, I was introduced to golf at the early age of five, complete with access to equipment, a practice facility, and my first instructor. Golf quickly became a defining element of my life—I was fortunate to grow up with such incredible opportunities.
Following in my father’s footsteps, I also became a Golf Professional and proudly joined the PGA of Canada, a membership I still hold today.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working at various golf facilities, from private courses to municipal ones, and in roles ranging from Assistant Professional to Head Professional, Teaching Professional, and Manager. My career has been diverse and exciting. Highlights include mapping over a thousand golf courses across Canada for SkyCaddie’s GPS systems and serving as an onboard Golf Professional on a cruise ship, taking guests to play golf at different ports. At every stage, I’ve appreciated the unique experiences and the view from my “office window.”
Teaching, however, has always been my favorite aspect of the golf industry. I thrive on one-on-one interactions, helping students grasp the nuances of the golf swing. Few moments are as rewarding as when something clicks for a student, and they suddenly understand a concept that had previously puzzled them. Watching my clients improve and grow as golfers is deeply fulfilling.
That passion for teaching inspired me to open my own private golf studio. This space allows me to work face-to-face with students, guiding them toward better performance. It also provides the flexibility to offer virtual lessons for those who live too far to visit in person. Whether in the studio or online, my mission is the same: to help golfers improve and enjoy the game.
Teaching golf is more than a job—it’s what I love to do.
Golf Excellence Academy is the name of my golf teaching business, through which I provide personalized instruction both in-person and online. It’s how I interact with clients, offering tailored golf lessons and guidance to help golfers of all levels improve their skills. Whether you’re visiting my private studio or working with me virtually, Golf Excellence is dedicated to helping you achieve your golf goals.
What is Golf Excellence Academy?
Golf Excellence Academy is a premier indoor private golf studio located in Scarborough, Ontario. It offers personalized one-hour golf lessons taught by PGA of Canada Golf Professional, David Govan. Designed to help golfers of all levels improve their game, Golf Excellence combines expert instruction with advanced tools in a comfortable, weatherproof environment.
What is Golf Excellence Academy?
Golf Excellence Academy is a private indoor golf studio located in Scarborough, Ontario, offering one-hour personalized golf lessons with PGA of Canada Golf Professional, David Govan. Additionally, Golf Excellence provides online or virtual golf lessons, making professional instruction accessible no matter where you are in the world.
What is Modern Golf Instruction?
Modern golf instruction combines advanced technology with flexible communication tools to deliver impactful results:
In-Studio Lessons:
Modern tools like slow-motion video, golf simulators, launch monitors, and swing analysis software are used to provide detailed insights into your game. Lessons also leverage the OnForm app for feedback and practice guidance.
Formula: Video + Launch Monitor + Swing Analysis = Results
Virtual (Online) Lessons:
Utilizing the OnForm app and the internet, virtual lessons offer professional instruction for clients unable to visit the studio. Video swing analysis, detailed feedback, and custom practice drills help golfers improve from anywhere.
Formula: Video + Swing Analysis + Practice Drills = Results
Whether in person or online, modern golf instruction ensures golfers receive tailored support to enhance their skills and achieve their goals.
What is OnForm?
OnForm is a cutting-edge app designed specifically for sports—and for our purposes, golf. It serves as a comprehensive communication and learning tool between student and teacher. Through OnForm, you can:
Best of all, OnForm is FREE for my students, whether you take in-studio or online lessons. I provide it at no cost because I believe it’s the best way for us to stay connected and make progress together.
After booking a lesson, I’ll send you an invitation with a link to download the app. Simply install it, and you’re ready to go. Inside, you’ll find a welcome letter from me with clear instructions on the next steps. It’s straightforward and user-friendly.
OnForm truly is a game changer, and I’m confident you won’t be disappointed!
Had my first lesson yesterday and I'm already feeling confident that my game will improve substantially. Dave is very patient, persistent (I had developed some bad habits), corrects me in a gentle way, whereby I know now it is ingrained in me and I will only use his teachings in my golf swings. If anyone is on the side line deciding on a golf coach, you can't go wrong with this instructor.
Golf Excellence has had an outstandingly positive impact on my golf game and golf score in just a few lessons. David has a deep understanding of the golf swing and his ability to communicate clear and concise ideas make him an incredible teacher. He provides a friendly and comfortable learning environment and his video analysis of your swing is an amazing value added service. I look forward to continue working on my golf game with him and would highly recommend him to any golfer of all ages and skill levels.
I had a solid experience with David. I really enjoy his teaching style and did not expect to improve as fast as I did. The video swing analysis Dave does has been a game-changer for me. His indoor simulator setup is fantastic and ideal for private lessons. I came in for 1 lesson and have now signed up for package. Money well spent and highly recommended.
Prior to my 1st lesson I only had about 3 hours of golf under my belt. Having the opportunity to work with David has really helped me shape my swing & hit the ball straight. In just 5 weeks I've managed to grasp a lot of the fundamentals of golf and avoid any bad habits that could cause my ball to change direction. David is very thorough in his explanations and a great teacher. I highly recommend him if you're looking to improve your game.
As somebody who just started playing golf this year, I could not be happier with the decision that I made to sign up for golf lessons with Dave! Tutorial videos and video breakdowns of the past lessons help tremendously. Even in between lessons, I am able to send videos to Dave and he is quick to point out and give corrections. Highly recommended!
David is a class-act. Not only a phenomenal golf player, but an exceptional teacher of his craft. I have to admit I’m a bit clumsy at times, but he was patient and observant of all my micro-mistakes. He goes the extra mile and provides video feedback of your technique and even supplementary video-tutorials. Cannot humanly recommend more, whether you’re new or a pro looking to polish your technique.
Invested in a package of 10 lessons with Dave versus new equipment and there are no regrets. The knowledge I’ve gained will forever continue to improve my game. Dave is an excellent instructor who has the ability to tailor and articulate instruction to individual needs, from beginner to professional. Impressed with my progress, my son also invested in a package of lessons with Dave. Thanks Dave for giving me the confidence and skills to love golf.
Hands down the best Golf teacher we know. Dave is a memorable character with excellent knowledge and masterful teaching style stemming back to his early days at St. Andrews. He took us from zero to hero with simple fun instruction. The Golf Simulator is a lot of fun and puts many pieces together for you quickly. Definitely time well spent!
I’ve only been working with Dave for a short period of time , but right away I could tell that he was very professional and very knowledgeable. His golf studio is amazing and you get instant feed back from the different numbers that he is able to show you . I would highly recommend working with Dave at Golf Excellence if your serious about improving your golf swing .
I've been to a couple of lessons with other people, one of which was with a big box place and comparing David to them is night and day, in my opinion at least. David was very personal and he made me feel that he genuinely wants to help me improve rather than treat me like another customer. His techniques and approach is very easy to understand and I felt an improvement even after 1 lesson with him. I am looking forward to continuing my lessons with David. And 100% recommend his business to anyone else who would like to learn or improve their golf skills, whether they are a low handicapper or a 36 handicap golfer (like me!)