It rained the first time Grant Waite met Jodi Ewart-Shadoff. He filmed two swings and the pair talked about Jodi’s back pain. Ewart Shadoff was concerned that her career could be cut short after she had missed the cut in eight out of 10 events. Waite suggested some swing changes to help ease the pain, and said that he would see her soon at the LPGA stop Arkansas.
Pinnacle Country Club’s first hole is shorter than the rest. Waite, a former winner of the PGA Tour, saw Ewart Shadoff hit it from 70 yards. The next event made an impression.
Waite said, “She walked on a green and she kind of stopped breathing.” “I could see her body language and how stressed she was. It wasn’t just the financial situation, but also the fact that she was playing golf right now. I told her that I have never felt more urge to hug a player and tell them everything is going well.
Grant Waite hits a tee shot at the third hole of the Toshiba Classic at Newport Beach Country Club on October 8, 2016, in Newport Beach, California. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images).
Ewart Shadoff was seventh at ShopRite the following week, which helped secure her 2022 status. The 34-year-old Englishwoman won her 246th LPGA start, just one year after the pair first met.
Ewart Shadoff, who worked with Waite, said that “He has walked through my shoes.” He knows how it feels. He understands what it is like to be on the course. Grant knows my thoughts, which is what makes it so great to work with. Grant is a master of emotion and knows what it takes to win.
Waite, 1993 Kemper Open champion and 13-year veteran of the PGA Tour, decided to switch gears and teach. His clients on the Tour included Charles Howell and Aaron Baddeley as well as Trevor Immelman, Mike Weir, and Trevor Immelman.
After a stint as a coach for the PGA Tour Champions, Waite decided to retire. He then had two operations to repair a torn rotator cuff and resumed teaching. Waite’s LPGA client roster includes several PGA Tour hopefuls. It also includes a variety of players at various stages in their careers.
Patty Tavatanakit and her caddie at the ninth tee of the Gainnbridge LPGA at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club, February 25, 2021 in Orlando. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images).
Patty Tavatanakit is no longer on the list. Waite recently learned that she wants to pursue her own path. The talented Thai player was first introduced to Waite by the Chevron Championship title, as well as the Louise Suggs Rolex rookie of the year award. They have been working together since the beginning of this season.
Waite has a list of clients that includes Ewart Shadoff and promising players who are preparing for Q-Series as well as a champion returning from maternity leave. Here are his ways of helping each one:
