Larry Rinker

I was born and raised in Stuart, Florida as the second son of a flower farmer who had a real passion for golf. My dad didn’t start playing golf until he was 24, but he inspired three children to go on and play golf on the highest level. We were considered Florida’s first golf family. My dad was voted golf father of the year, in Golfweek magazine in 1986, after Laurie and I won the J.C. Penney Mixed Team Classic in 1985.

Larry, the Total Game Golf Instructor, Competitive Player Coach, Short Game Specialist

Director of Instruction since 2015 at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando at Grande Lakes. Competed in 525 PGA Tour events and has over 10,000 hours of teaching experience. For more information on Larry Rinker’s programs and rates click on Larry Rinker Golf Instruction.

The Journeyman

In 2020, Larry released of his third book, “The Journeyman,” How a Veteran Tour Player Found his Swing After 50 Years.

“This is such a killer book! This is a must read for anyone interested in what it takes to succeed in the cutthroat world of professional sports. I couldn’t put it down.”
Paul Azinger, former PGA Champion and NBC Analyst

 “Larry Rinker will rock your world as his story of perseverance in life and his rise to the highest level of golf instruction is a true inspiration. Well done, my friend.”
Gary McCord, PGA Tour Veteran Member, CBS Announcer

“He may have called himself “The Journeyman” – but as anyone will tell you, the joy in life is in the journey, and no one tapped into that joy more than Larry.”
Jim Nantz, CBS Sports

“It’s a story worth telling.”
Tim Finchem, former PGA Tour Commissioner

The Upper Core Swing, The New Revolution

In 2018, I released my second ebook “The Upper Core Swing, The New Revolution“  an interactive ebook with 6 hyperlinks to video lessons. The ebook is based on Dr. David Wright’s science and research of Wright Balance which screens and identifies golfers as being either low, mid, or upper core players. I’m an upper core player, and 85% of the over 500 students that I have measured, are upper core. Most golf instruction is based on the mid-core model which does not work for upper core players. This ebook is about finding your natural swing. PDF Format

  • Chapter 1. Core regions and determining if you are an upper, mid, or low core player.
  • Chapter 2. Grip based on carrying or power angle.
  • Chapter 3. Set-up characteristics of the Upper Core Swing.
  • Chapter 4. Swing characteristics of the Upper Core Swing.
  • Chapter 5. Grip size based on dominate core region and hand measurements.

Rinker’s 5 Fundamentals, 3rd Edition

In March of 2017, I released “Rinker’s 5 Fundamentals,” 3rd Edition of my online interactive ebook (PDF format) with 11 hyperlinks to video lessons. The ebook has a major focus on the short game inside of 100 yards and is a great reference for all skill levels. It is also an in-depth manual for the competitive player who is aspiring to play golf on the highest level.

  • Module I. Putting: putt with intention, commitment, and confidence.
  • Module II. Short Game: chipping, pitching, and bunker play you can count on.
  • Module III. Distance Wedges: learn how to hit your wedges pin high.
  • Module IV. Golf Swing: are you an upper, mid, or low core player? Wright Balance.
  • Module V. Course Management: learn how to play, execute and run your routine.
  • Appendix I. Mental Weapons
  • Appendix II. Goal Setting

larry-rinker-pro-golfer

Larry, the pro golfer.

After graduating from the University of Florida in 1979 with a BSBA in Finance, I turned professional and started playing the mini-tours. In 1980 I won six tournaments and was voted mini-tour player of the year by Golfweek Magazine.

In 1981 I qualified for the TOUR at the last Spring School at Walt Disney World with Payne Stewart, Denis Watson, Clarence Rose and Mark Calcavecchia. We would play for the next year and a half Monday qualifying to get into tournaments. 1982 was the last year of the TOUR as we knew it. After finishing 132 on the money list I went back to the Q-School and re-qualified for the 1983 season, the first year of the all exempt TOUR.

In 1984 I finished second at New Orleans and finally made the top 125 finishing 60th on the money list, the “old standard” to be exempt before 1983. I would make the top 125 the next ten years and 12 times overall. My best year was 1985 when I finished 30th on the money list, had six top tens, and led the TOUR in eagles. I also led the TOUR in putting in 1990. I have 525 PGA TOUR starts with 283 made cuts.

Larry, the radio host and commentator.

From 2013 to 2020, I hosted a show, Rinker’s Golf Tips on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio, Saturdays and Sundays 9:00-10:00 am EST. Sirius 208 XM 92. My special guests included Bob Toski, Johnny Miller, Gary McCord, Brandel Chamblee, Deane Beman, John Cook, Peter Jacobsen, Lee and Laurie Rinker, Sean Foley, James Leitz, James Sieckmann, Stan Utley, Darius Rucker, Rudy Gatlin, Edwin McCain, Dr. Bob Rotella, Nathaniel Crosby, Billy Harmon, Chuck Cook, Don Sargent, Scott Munroe, Mike Malaska, David Orr, Dr. Rob Neal, Buddy Alexander, Bob Ford, Jon Sinclair, Mark Wiebe, Olin Browne, Mark Brooks, and Donnie Hammond among others… I have worked for ESPN, Golf Channel, and USA Network on the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, and PGA Tour Champions. From 2008-2010 I worked 28 events for SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio covering the PGA Tour as an analyst and on-course correspondent.

Larry, the musician. 

I started playing the guitar when I was eight and continue to work on being a better player. It was fun playing the Tour and getting to know some celebrities through this great game. I remember the first Bob Hope Classic in 1985 and playing with Joey Bishop and Glen Campbell. At Pebble Beach my partners have included Glen Campbell, Johnny Mathis, Kenny G, and John O’Hurley. Always a treat for the pros on the west coast swing to play in these tournaments and meet new friends.

Through the years I have met many great musicians and have sat in with Stephen Stills, Vince Gill, Hootie & the Blowfish, Edwin McCain, Harvey Mason, Bob James and others. On April 15, 2010 I sat in with Stephen Stills on seven songs at the House of Blues in Orlando, FL. I currently play lead guitar at the Vail Church in the summer, do outside gigs, and have played and sang with the Worship Team at First Baptist Orlando.

“Larry’s a great guy, just a great guy. He plays real good guitar. Anytime I get together with Larry, it’s a great time. I really look forward to it.”
– Stephen Stills, Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist