Martin Hall ends “School of Golf” run after 15 years and 430 episodes, making him one of the most … More
After 15 years and 430 episodes, Martin Hall is stepping away from his role as the face of “School of Golf,” the popular instructional program that has helped millions of golfers improve their game through television screens and digital devices around the world.
The March 31 final episode marks the end of an era for one of golf instruction’s most recognizable figures. Hall’s distinctive teaching style, combining technical expertise with an approachable demeanor, made him a mainstay in homes of avid golfers since he first appeared on Golf Channel in 2011.
“You have to know when it’s time to end,” said Hall, 68, a former European Tour player who began his teaching career in England in 1978 before moving to the U.S. in 1985. “My mother would always say to me, ‘There’s nothing worse than the singer staying too long when they’ve lost their voice.’ So, I’ve always been aware that if it was my choice, I was going to leave before I was past my sell-by date or not relevant or couldn’t do it well anymore.”
“I’ve spent my life going very fast for a long time to achieve a lot, and I’m ready to just take it a little bit easier and take a breath,” he added.
Martin Hall on set with Blair O’Neal, one of his co-hosts on “School of Golf.”
From Talent Search to Teaching Icon
Hall’s journey to television stardom wasn’t planned from the beginning. Following the success of “The Golf Fix” with Michael Breed, Golf Channel sought to expand its instructional programming with a second weekly show. The network conducted a nationwide talent search in 2011, and Hall emerged as the standout choice.
With decades of expertise as a PGA professional and accolades that included the 2008 PGA Teacher of the Year award, Hall brought considerable credibility to the role with School of Golf. What started as a studio production at Golf Channel eventually evolved into an on-location show, which viewers have enjoyed on GolfPass in recent years.
Throughout his TV career, Hall has been joined by notable co-hosts who added their own expertise and talents to the program. Holly Sonders was his original co-host, helping to establish the show’s format and appeal, and Blair O’Neal was a mainstay in later years.
Holly Sonders, left, was Martin Hall’s co-host at the start of School of Golf.
What’s Next?
While Hall says he’ll miss certain aspects of the job, particularly “sending messages all over the world to avid golfers,” he won’t miss the 3 a.m. wake-up calls or extensive show prep and is instead looking forward to a slightly more relaxed lifestyle.
Though he’s stepping away from the cameras, Hall isn’t leaving the golf instruction world. He’ll continue teaching part-time at The Club at Ibis in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he’s served as Director of Instruction since 1997.
“I still love teaching,” Hall said. “It’s my passion.”
School of Golf has been available as content for GolfPass members in recent years.
Beyond teaching, Hall looks forward to having more time for reading, new pursuits, and traveling (including to his native England more frequently), as well as spending additional time with his wife Lisa, who is accomplished in the golf world herself as a two-time Solheim Cup player and former LPGA rookie of the year.
A Legacy of Distinguished Guests
Hall’s “School of Golf” tenure saw a who’s-who of guests, among them 10 World Golf Hall of Fame members including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo, Tom Watson, and Annika Sorenstam. In total, the show featured guests who have collectively won 118 major championships across men’s, women’s, and senior tours.
“I wouldn’t single any one person out,” Hall diplomatically says when asked who his most memorable guests have been. “They’ve all been wonderful, and I learned something from every one of them.”
Martin Hall on set with Annika Sorenstam, one of the many World Golf Hall of Famers who have … More
Hall says he takes pride in the longevity and impact of the show, including the influence it’s had on players of all levels over the years.
“I love watching how good the players are, especially how good they are these days at a young age. And I think Golf Channel and GolfPass has had a lot to do with that,” says Hall. “It’s pretty interesting when I bump into someone like (PGA Tour pro) Viktor Hovland and he says, ‘I’ve been watching you for years.’ When people at that level say that to me, that’s really amazing, actually.”
Evolution of Golf Instruction
During his time as a teacher, Hall has witnessed significant changes in golf instruction, including massive shifts from a technological standpoint.
“We have things that can measure and verify what people are really doing. And they’re very accurate,” he explains. “It’s not telling us anything that Ben Hogan didn’t do. It’s not telling us anything Jack Nicklaus didn’t do, but it’s quantifying how far away perhaps a lesser player is from doing that.”
“The quality of video now is astonishing,” he adds. “They can shoot at 600 frames per second now in high def, which is remarkable. You can almost see every dimple on the ball. We have so many measuring tools which help us explain to people why golf swings work or why they don’t work very well.”
Martin Hall has been teaching golf in the U.S. for four decades, having moved from his native … More
A Lasting Impact
As Hall reflects on his time with “School of Golf,” what stands out most is the program’s fundamental purpose: helping golfers improve.
“Every show that we filmed is a chance to help golfers, or more golfers, play the game that I’ve loved my whole life a bit better,” he says. “We get to help people who are bad players become better and help people who are good players become really good players. We keep people interested in the game. That’s been my favorite thing.”
