Richard Mueller, Head Mens Golf Coach at Columbia University is our College Golf Camps – Coach of the Week. Coach Mueller has attended several CGC – Junior Golf Camp events and brings a wealth of knowledge. Junior Golfers are sure to improve and develop with his insight.

Where did you play college golf?

NYU – a wonderful university in our country’s best city: New York.

What is your greatest achievement?

I’m not sure there is a single ‘greatest achievement’ but anything I’m truly proud of is a result of one thing: hard work, period. I wish I could go back in time and still be a lefty – My sense is I would’ve been a little better player since I batted left-handed and hit hockey pucks left-handed. Sadly, the first lesson I ever took the Pro made me switch to be a righty but, because I putted well from the left side, he allowed me to stay that way. To this day I hit right-handed and put lefty. Discovering much too late in the game that education is single biggest contributor to overall success/happiness (not just making money). Kids,when your parents tell you to study, you ought to take them seriously. Just trust me on this one…

What is your proudest moment as a coach?

I’m not sure there is a single moment – there are many.

What trait do dislike the most?

Ego.

What trait do admire the most?

Integrity.
What is your greatest fear?

Letting my family down.

What is your favorite place to eat on the road?

I use Yelp to find all the local spots. Every town has got them but they often don’t have a big neon sign.

Best advice you received as a junior golfer?

Keep your head down – that fixes a lot of things!

Favorite colors?

Forest green and light blue (of course).

What is your motto?

If you don’t love the shot you’re about to hit, back off and reset.

Talent you most desire in your players?

Maturity – on and off the course. And yes, maturity is a talent.