The GolfSmart Team

Max Garrett
Owner, Master Teaching Professional and Club Fitter 

To schedule with Max, call 713.463.7755
  • Played collegiately at UT, and professionally for 2 years

  • Max has taught golf indoors in Houston since 2000 and given more indoor lessons than anyone in Houston

  • Teaches from beginner to professional level

  • Has been teaching existing students for over 15 years

Max's students have numerous accomplishments

  • Over 80 have played Division 1 collegiate golf

  • State Amateur Champions

  • State Junior Champion

  • Houston Amateur Champion

  • Collegiate Champions

  • HGA Junior Players of the Year

  • STPGA Junior Players of the Year

  • AJGA Champions

  • US Amateur Qualifiers

  • All State, All Regional and All District High School Awards

  • Club Champions as well as hundreds of other tournament winners

"Max knows golf mechanics.  He's got the eye to see what you are doing wrong, high speed video to prove it to you, and the knowledge and tools to improve your game. Instruction doesn't end with your swing either.  Max will teach you how to prepare yourself mentally, give great tips about rules, course management, and strategies on how to be prepared for inclement weather.  My son is in Max's group lessons. His rapidly improved swing as been recognized by his High School golf coach. We get great returns from time and money spent at Golfsmart."

— Bram W


Ric Teran
Part owner, Senior Teaching Professional and Club Fitter

  • Played collegiately at Sul Ross State University

  • Degree in Physical Education & Business

  • Assistant Professional at Vista Hill Country Club, El Paso, Texas

  • 15+ year teaching experience

  • Trained and taught golf at the Golf Club at Cinco Ranch, Junior Golf Program

  • Works well with juniors (5-18), adult men and women and seniors

  • Has successfully prepared Jr. High students for High School golf

My Teaching Approach {applied appropriately based on age and skill level)

First, I get an understanding of your goals and help you understand what it will take (in terms of time, effort and mental approach) to accomplish these goals.  Understanding any limitations you may have I then assess your swing to identify development needs using video and Trackman.  With a clear idea of what needs to be done with your swing, we begin the development phase by first ensuring that your pre-swing and swing fundamentals are solid and ready to support other development needs. Next, we begin work on correcting specific swing flaws by first understanding the problem and its root cause.  I then explain and demonstrate the change(s) needed to correct the problem.  Finally, I have you perform the correct technique/motions, using the appropriate drill(s) and swing aids, at a speed that ensures proper execution until full speed is achieved. All this is documented in your personal development plan and videos sent home for reinforcement. As you settle in to your drill regiment, we begin work on other parts of your game such as chipping, pitching and putting.  You compliment this work with a lot of practice indoors and outdoors and playing on the course on your own or with me. All necessary to leverage the lesson and achieve real improvement. We follow up with additional lessons as needed and monitor your progress via metrics we put in place to measure your progress.   

Testimonials

“I have been taking lessons from Ric for 9 years, starting in 4th grade. I am now a senior golfer in high school and I couldn’t be happier with my choice of coach. He helped me become the golfer I am today by helping me with a range of things from basic fundamentals to complex shots. I would recommend Ric to anyone and everyone in hopes of him making the same impact on their life as he did mine”.

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“I have been associated with Mr. Ric Teran and GolfSmart for about 4 years now and have been thoroughly impressed with the firm and specifically, in Ric’s approach to teaching. The aspect that is most significant to me is the tailor-made approach to coaching and instructions. While the majority of instructors and coaches have a fit-for-all type approach, Ric’s methodology is specific to the individual that focuses on strengths and systemic improvements in the individual’s golf game. He has been instrumental in taking me from a high handicap to show significant improvements and has yielded a step change in my golfing career. Another point of note is that he does not overwhelm the trainee with a plethora of information, but is very succinct in delivering high-quality instructions that are designed to categorically improve the individual golf game. He is great with all age groups and golfing levels. I hold him in high regard, and recommend him and GolfSmart with no reservations whatsoever.

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"I play in the senior league at Cinco Ranch.  A few months back I lost my swing. I couldn't break 90.  It was at this time that I began working with Ric at GolfSmart.  Today I am a 13 handicap and for the first time in competition I shot in the 70's!

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“Thank you so much for your love, care and patience with my 6 year old son. And thank you so much for giving him such a positive learning experience. We are very lucky to have you as his Coach and he loves to learn from you. “

Phil Harmening
Teaching Professional and Club Fitter

  • Attended Sam Houston State University - earned All American honors in football

  • Assistant/Teaching Golf Professional at Pine Crest Golf Course for 8 years

  • 20+ years teaching experience

  • Played professionally (including 2 Texas State Opens)

  • Loves the game of golf and helping others attain their development goals

  • Works great with kids/juniors of all ages