Mat Blair has dedicated his career to helping young athletes refine their golf skills, turning a lifelong passion into a profession. After years of coaching at various schools, clubs, and studios, he knew he wanted a space to train golfers at the highest level. That vision became a reality in 2017 with the launch of Elite Golf Performance, which later evolved into Mat Blair’s Golf Studio in 2019.
“My passion has always been to provide junior golfers with the same top-tier technology used by the PGA Tour, LPGA, and Champions Tour,” Blair said. “My goal has been to equip them with the best tools to reach their full potential and become the best players they can be."
His collegiate career fueled his competitiveness. He started at a junior college in Anderson, South Carolina, where his team reached nationals. He played under Jay Seawell, now University of Alabama’s golf coach, and was Seawell’s first recruit and All-American. He then played at Ball State University.
“Playing professionally, I’ve competed with many great players and learned so much,” said Blair. “I’ve always sought out better players to learn from since I was young. I’ve always been a student of the game. From a coaching standpoint, I’m more of a coach than just a golf instructor because every golfer has their own ‘thumbprint.’”
Blair has coached 15 Indiana, Illinois, Alabama, and Texas state champions. His experience also includes working with professional players, including one who reached the PGA Tour and five who have competed on the Korn Ferry Tour. Currently, he is coaching Alexis Miestowski, who is playing on the Epson Tour.
“College was the greatest experience of my life as It taught me how to compete while also forming lifelong friendships with my teammates,” said Blair. “I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Coach Earl Yestingsmeier for shaping my approach to the game and Jay Seawell for sharpening my competitive edge. Their influence has shaped my coaching, instruction, and everything I’ve done in the game ever since."
He emphasized that, in golf, there comes a point when players must stop actively seeking guidance and instead rely on their coach’s voice as a background influence. Rather than constantly looking for answers, they must learn to discover solutions independently.
“My coach in college, Coach Yestingsmeier, always said something that stuck with me,” said Blair. “People look at me like I’m crazy when I repeat it, but it’s one of the most important lessons in competitive golf. He always used to say, ‘Keep your equipment clean.’ It seems like a small thing, but it’s about the details. I shouldn’t have to remind you every time – you should hear my voice in the back of your head.”
Blair feels the key difference for success lies in whether someone believes in the message. If they think it, they will internalize it. The most crucial aspect is guiding student-athletes through the process, watching them absorb the information, apply it, and ultimately achieve success.
"I always tell my players, ‘Failure is not the destination; it’s just part of the journey,’” said Blair. “You have to fail, and that’s one of the biggest challenges for athletes today. We keep giving kids accolades and placing them in situations they aren’t ready for instead of letting them grow into success.”
He emphasizes the importance of watching athletes succeed and making the sport their own. Ultimately, they are the ones who believe in his guidance and work hard to achieve their goals. This includes Blair’s daughter, who embraced the process, worked hard, and grew as an athlete and a future coach.
“The most rewarding experience of all has been coaching my daughter,” said Blair. ”She may not have accomplished everything she set out to do, but she worked hard to get herself into positions that challenged and shaped her. Those experiences will make her a better coach, a stronger person, and, ultimately, very successful. Watching her mature and step into coaching herself is the greatest reward."
He acknowledges that his work demands a lot not just from him but also from those around him. Along the way, sacrifices have been necessary because the job required his commitment. His family has given up so much for him; he will never take that for granted.
“I'm just blessed to have a great family as they understand what I do, and they've always supported me,” said Blair. “My oldest daughter and my youngest daughter are absolute saints in my book, and my wife Tia, she’s got a place in heaven, no doubt.”
For more information about Mat Blair and his golf studio, please visit his website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.