Who Is Matthew Wolff's Coach?

We get to know Matthew Wolff's coach George Gankas in this piece.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

We get to know Matthew Wolff's coach George Gankas in this piece.

Who Is Matthew Wolff's Coach?

With one of the most recognisable and interesting swings in golf, Matthew Wolff has become a star. One possible reason for that was the coach he met as a youngster, who only sought to refine his swing, not change it like other coaches wanted to. That coach is George Gankas.

Who Is Matthew Wolff's Coach?

At the age of 14 Wolff headed over to Westlake Golf Course which is where George Gankas is based. Wolff introduced himself, hit some shots and Gankas was hooked.

“I thought it was the sickest swing I’d ever seen—I loved it,” Gankas says. “I promised his dad I wouldn’t turn him upside down, and although we’ve refined a lot of things, he’s essentially the same. By high school, he was even more dominant.”

Related: Matthew Wolff What's In The Bag?

Wolff's mother, Shari, also acknowledged to Golfworld just how influential their player-coach relationship is.

“He’s more than a big brother to Matt, more like a father. He’s a big kid himself, and he nurtures Matt in a sweet way. George knows that Matt responds only to positive reinforcement, but I’ve seen him be firm with him, too. Those two love each other.”

A photo posted by on

Gankas has a huge social media following thanks to his charisma and energetic style. Some other players he has coached include Sung Kang and another possible future star of American golf Akshay Bhatia.

Related: 8 Things You Didn't Know About Matthew Wolff

In terms of other coaches in Wolff's career, he also played at Oklahoma State University and under head-coach Alan Bratton.

Additionally one of the key assistant coaches he played under is part of his inner circle, Donnie Darr.

A photo posted by on

In fact it was Darr who helped Wolff get over the hump at the 2019 3M Open for his first PGA Tour win. After the third round Wolff couldn't sleep but got a text from Darr that said;

“Get after it tomorrow and just do what you do. Remember, you’ve won more in the last six months than any of the guys you’re playing against.”

For all the latest golf news, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels @golfmonthlymagazine on Facebook and @golfmonthly on Twitter and Instagram

Sam Tremlett
E-commerce Editor

A golfer for most of his life, Sam is Golf Monthly's E-commerce Editor.

Working with golf gear and equipment over the last six years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes. 

He combines this knowledge with a passion for helping golfers get the best gear for them, and as such Sam manages a team of writers that look to deliver the most accurate and informative reviews and buying advice. This takes the form of buying guides, reviews, supporting gear content as well as creating deal content.

This is so the reader can find exactly what they are looking for, at a good price.


Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website, whilst he is also responsible for all content related to golf apparel. 

Additionally Sam oversees Golf Monthly voucher/coupon content which seeks to find you the best offers and promotions from well-known brands like Callaway, TaylorMade and many more.


Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a single-figure handicap. 


Sam's What's In The Bag: 

Driver: Cobra LTDxLS (9 degrees) 

Fairway Wood: Ping G430 Max (15 degrees), Nike Covert Tour 2.0 (19 degrees) 

Irons (4-PW): Titleist AP2 

Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 54˚, 58˚ 

Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom X 5.5 

Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

Shoes: G/FORE Gallivanter/Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 3/Cuater The Ringer
(For off the course he goes for Nike Jordan 1 Low G shoes as well)