Chris Aoki: NW teaching pro enters

It’s been quite a career for long-time LPGA Professional, Chris Aoki. She remembers playing for the University of Washington under Coach Edean Ihlanfeldt and entering the PGA Apprentice Program in 1978 when women were allowed to join. She is now entering her 31st year as a PGA Member.

“As a youngster, I admired some of the great local teachers like Harry Umbinetti and Billy Derickson. My father encouraged me to play even when it was unusual for girls,” she said. “I began working for Ted Wurtz and Jack Frei while in school. After graduating from the UW, I mentored under Tag Merritt at Sahalee, Tom Sursely at Mill Creek, and Al Mundle at Bear Creek:”

Chris has been teaching at Harbour Pointe Golf Club since 1994 and in 2008, opened an indoor teaching studio nearby as a complement to her outdoor lessons. “I wanted to incorporate state-of- the-art technology using a simulator and have an area for training aids. We analyze golf swings using simulator video, create better golf swing movement with training aids and get results faster,” she said.

In 1999, Chris invented a putter fitting system, Fit2Aim. Different design components are interchanged during a fitting process to improve aim and stroke. The system is used by many teaching professionals around the country. Kirk Smith is Chris’ full-time club and putter fitter, teacher and CFT and specializes in proprietary and in-house training aids to help golfers achieve their goals.

“It’s been a life-long journey that keeps getting better and better,” she says with a smile. “I wouldn’t change any of my adventures. It has lead to keeping up with technology, developing golf swings through innovation, and seeing golfers make friends, stay active and play better golf.”