Craig Hocknull Golf Industry Consultant
Craig Hocknull: A Rare Combination of Entrepreneur, Athlete, Coach and Social Media Influencer!
Craig Hocknull is a multiple award winning PGA professional whose career is defined by excellence across many domains: as a tournament player, elite coach, inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, and industry leader. With a deep understanding of the sport and a vast network of CEOs, executives, venture capitalists, and angel investors, Craig is a trailblazer driving innovation and growth in the golf industry.
Tournament Expertise: Competing at the Highest Levels
Craig’s expertise as a tournament golfer is extremely rare among his PGA professional peers. His career is marked by numerous high-profile appearances that showcase his ability to compete with the best in the game:
• Major Championship Appearances:
• 2018 PGA Championship at Bellerive Country Club and 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage Black: Competing on one of golf’s grandest stages, Craig demonstrated his skills and mental toughness, representing the PGA professional community with distinction.
• Waste Management Phoenix Open and Shriners Children’s Open: As a regular competitor in these elite PGA Tour events, Craig continually proves his ability to perform under pressure on the global stage.
• PGA Professional Championships: Craig has excelled in PGA Professional Championships, where his consistent performance underscores his mastery of the game. His achievements in these events make him a role model for other PGA professionals striving to balance competitive play with their broader career responsibilities.
Craig’s tournament experience gives him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by elite players, allowing him to offer unparalleled insights as a coach, mentor, and industry leader.
Coaching Expertise: Developing Champions at Every Level
Craig’s coaching expertise is rooted in decades of competitive experience, paired with a passion for helping others succeed. Whether working with beginners, junior golfers, or seasoned professionals, Craig tailors his approach to meet the individual needs of his students.
• Senior Teaching Professional at Westchester Country Club: As a coach at one of the most prestigious golf facilities in the United States, Craig has earned a reputation for helping golfers of all skill levels unlock their potential. His philosophy emphasizes strong fundamentals, logical instruction, and a focus on mental and emotional resilience.
• Saber Golf Academy: As the founder and head coach of Saber Golf in Arizona, Craig has built a premier training academy that combines cutting-edge tools and techniques with a deep understanding of the game. His holistic approach ensures students are equipped not just with technical skills, but also with the confidence and mental focus required to succeed.
• Training Aids and Innovation: Craig’s work with Saber Golf extends into research and development, where he has designed training aids that address common challenges faced by golfers. These innovations reflect his deep commitment to improving the learning process for players at all levels.
Craig’s coaching legacy is reflected in the success of his students, many of whom have gone on to achieve remarkable milestones in their own golfing careers.
Public Speaking: Motivational and Inspirational
Craig is a gifted public speaker, known for his ability to inspire audiences with his passion, insights, and personal anecdotes. He regularly addresses PGA professionals, executives, and aspiring golfers at industry conferences, seminars, and special events.
• Topics of Expertise: Craig’s presentations cover a range of topics, including:
• Career development for golf professionals.
• Mental game strategies for elite performance.
• Business innovation and leadership within the golf industry.
• Lessons in resilience, adaptability, and pursuing excellence.
Craig’s charismatic and approachable style makes his presentations not only educational but also deeply motivational, leaving audiences energized and inspired to pursue their goals.
Digital Influence: YouTube and Instagram Reach
Craig has successfully leveraged digital platforms to expand his reach and amplify his impact:
• YouTube Channel: The Craig Hocknull Golf YouTube Channel serves as a hub for instructional content, tournament insights, and industry commentary. With its wide-reaching audience, the channel has become a key platform for connecting with golfers and businesses alike.
• Content includes swing tips, mental game advice, and reviews of training aids and equipment.
• The channel’s success has generated opportunities for brand partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborations.
• Instagram Network: Craig’s Instagram presence is another cornerstone of his influence. With a large and engaged following, Craig shares a mix of instructional posts, behind-the-scenes glimpses of his career, and inspirational content.
• His vast network of Instagram influencers and industry professionals allows him to amplify messages, promote innovative products, and connect with a broader audience.
• Companies looking to market to golfers recognize Craig’s ability to authentically engage his followers, making him a sought-after partner for social media campaigns.
Industry Leadership: A Connector and Innovator
Craig’s influence extends beyond the golf course, as he plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and collaboration across the industry.
• Networking Power: Craig has cultivated a vast network of CEOs, executives, venture capitalists, and angel investors, making him a critical connector for companies seeking to expand their reach or develop new products. His ability to bring together industry leaders, investors, and innovators has led to transformative partnerships and groundbreaking projects.
• Business Development Expertise: Craig’s deep understanding of the golf market enables him to identify opportunities for growth and improvement. His focus on increasing revenues and reducing expenses has helped companies achieve sustainable success.
• He has worked extensively in both B2B and B2C settings, providing strategic guidance to businesses looking to thrive in a competitive industry.
• His involvement in research and development has led to the creation of innovative products that address real-world challenges faced by golfers and course operators.
A True Leader in the Golf Industry
Craig Hocknull is a rare blend of talent, vision, and influence. As a player, coach, speaker, and business strategist, he has left an indelible mark on the golf world. His ability to inspire audiences, develop champions, and drive innovation makes him a valuable asset to the industry and a role model for professionals everywhere.
Whether speaking to a room full of PGA professionals, coaching aspiring golfers, or collaborating with CEOs and investors to bring new ideas to life, Craig embodies the qualities of a true leader. His contributions continue to elevate the game of golf, ensuring its growth and success for generations to come.
Craig Hocknull Biography
Craig Hocknull, born in Papua New Guinea, has led a life shaped by diverse cultural experiences and a relentless passion for golf. His early years were spent in the highlands of Papua New Guinea, a rugged and remote region, before his family relocated to Adelaide, Australia, when he was just two years old. Soon after, they settled in Darwin, Northern Territory, where his mother worked for an advocacy organization supporting Aboriginal communities. This environment exposed Hocknull to rich and unique cultural experiences, including close interactions with Aboriginal elders. One defining moment in his childhood was his participation in the Crocodile Ceremony of the Gumatj Clan, an event that instilled values of tolerance, respect, and a profound appreciation for tradition. These early experiences shaped his worldview and later influenced his inclusive approach to teaching and mentoring in golf.
Hocknull’s journey with golf began at the age of five when he first picked up a club. Showing early promise, he dedicated himself to improving his game, eventually earning a spot at the prestigious Kooralbyn International School south of Brisbane. Known for its elite golf program, the school produced world-class players such as Adam Scott and Jason Day. This rigorous environment provided Hocknull with the foundation he needed to take his game to the next level. His determination and skill earned him a full scholarship to Jackson State University in Mississippi, a historically Black college with a storied athletic program. Under the mentorship of Eddie Payton, brother of NFL Hall of Famer Walter Payton, Hocknull helped lead his team to three victories in the PGA Minority Collegiate Golf Championship. In his freshman year, he achieved a remarkable 4.0 GPA, exemplifying his discipline both on and off the course.
While at Jackson State in 1994, Hocknull faced a life-threatening incident that would become a pivotal moment in his personal growth. Two armed men attempted a home invasion at his apartment. Demonstrating extraordinary courage, Hocknull managed to slam the door on one of the attackers, trapping their arm and preventing them from entering. This harrowing experience left a lasting impact on his outlook on life, teaching him the importance of composure under pressure—a trait that would serve him well on the golf course and in his professional career.
After graduating in 1997, Hocknull dreamed of joining the professional golf circuit alongside contemporaries like Tiger Woods. However, a wrist injury derailed his immediate plans, forcing him to pivot toward teaching and mentoring. Embracing this new chapter, Hocknull became a Class A Member of the PGA of America, Australia, and Canada, distinguishing himself as a global ambassador for the sport. His dedication to instruction earned him several prestigious awards, including the 2014 Southwest Section PGA Teacher of the Year and the 2013 Southwest Section PGA Junior Golf Development Professional of the Year. He held leadership roles at some of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world, such as Glenwild Golf Club in Park City, Utah; Silverleaf Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona; and The Club at Black Rock in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. These roles allowed him to work with players of all skill levels, from juniors to elite amateurs, and refine his teaching philosophy.
In 2003, Hocknull’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit led him to create the Outback Golf Show, a traveling trick-shot performance where he donned an outfit reminiscent of Crocodile Dundee. The show captivated audiences worldwide with its combination of humor, skill, and entertainment, cementing Hocknull’s reputation as one of golf’s most engaging personalities. During this period, he also began developing the Saber Golf Trainer, an innovative training aid designed to improve golfers’ strength, speed, timing, and technique. The product gained significant recognition, winning “Best New Product” at the PGA Merchandise Show in 2017. This success further solidified Hocknull’s role as an innovator in the golf industry.
While Hocknull excelled as a teacher and entrepreneur, his competitive drive never waned. Between 2011 and 2013, he competed on the Canadian Tour and Web.com Tour, sharpening his skills against some of the best players in the world. His perseverance paid off when he qualified for the 100th PGA Championship at Bellerive Country Club in 2018 and the 101st PGA Championship at Bethpage Black in 2019. These achievements earned him the nickname “The Most Interesting Man at the 100th PGA Championship,” a reflection of his unconventional journey and rich life experiences. The media highlighted his unique background, from his upbringing in Papua New Guinea to his time spent with Aboriginal communities and his resilience in overcoming adversity.
In October 2023, Hocknull participated in the Shriners Children’s Open, continuing to compete at a high level while maintaining his teaching and entrepreneurial pursuits. His ability to balance multiple roles—competitor, instructor, and innovator—sets him apart in the golf world. Hocknull resides in the United States with his wife, Laura, and their three sons: JC, Hugh, and Gregor. Together, they share a love for the game and a commitment to inspiring the next generation of golfers.
Hocknull’s story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and passion. From the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea to the fairways of major championships, he has carved out a career that is as diverse as it is inspiring. His life and work continue to impact golfers worldwide, serving as a beacon for those who aspire to succeed both on and off the course.
