MotionFirst Golf

MotionFirst Golf is a movement‑first coaching program based in East Peoria, Illinois, serving junior and adult golfers across Peoria, Washington, Morton, Metamora and the Central Illinois golf community.

I'm Tom Wolff, Founder and Lead Instructor at MotionFirst Golf. My coaching is built on a simple belief: better movement creates better golf. Over the years I’ve seen how powerful it is when a player understands their body, so I blend biomechanics, mobility principles, and data to help golfers build a swing that feels natural, efficient, and repeatable. MotionFirst exists to give players a clear, movement‑driven path to lasting improvement.

Origin of My Coaching Philosophy

In the 2019 off‑season, I rebuilt my swing around one idea: the body is the center of the motion. I pictured it like swinging a rope with a ball on the end — keep the hand stable in the middle and the ball moves fast and consistently. By focusing only on the motion, without hitting golf balls, my driver speed jumped from 99 mph to 115 mph simply by moving better. That experience became the foundation of my coaching long before I earned my TPI certification in November 2023, which ultimately validated what I had already learned firsthand: better movement creates better golf.

Junior Golf Background

I took over the junior golf program for the FdL Park District in 2005, and since then I’ve helped hundreds of young players build their skills, confidence, and love for the game. In 2021, I brought the Operation 36 Academy to Quail Meadows, earning OP36 Certified Pro status and recognition as a Top 50 Coach in 2022. Many of the juniors who have come through my programs have gone on to successful high school careers, with several continuing to play competitively at the collegiate level.

Private Coaching Experience

I began offering private lessons in 2018 and have worked with a wide range of juniors and adults ever since. I enjoy the one‑on‑one environment because it allows us to slow down, understand cause and effect, and make meaningful changes that actually stick. My focus is always on helping players move better first, so their swing becomes more natural, efficient, and repeatable. Whether someone is new to the game or competing at a high level, the goal is the same: build a motion that fits their body and unlocks their best golf.

Coaching Philosophy

My coaching is built on a movement‑first approach: when a golfer moves well, the swing becomes more efficient, more consistent, and far easier to repeat. I use biomechanics, mobility assessments, and clear cause‑and‑effect explanations to help players understand what their body is doing and why it matters. Data from tools like the KIT launch monitor supports the process, but the foundation is always the player’s movement. Instead of chasing swing tips or quick fixes, we build a motion that fits the golfer’s body and creates long‑term, sustainable improvement.

What This Means for the Golfer

When you work with MotionFirst, you won’t be guessing at swing tips or trying to copy positions that don’t fit your body. You’ll learn how you move, what’s holding your swing back, and how to create a motion that feels natural and repeatable. As your movement improves, the game gets easier — contact becomes more consistent, speed shows up without forcing it, and your swing starts to make sense. Every session is built around helping you understand cause and effect so you can make confident, lasting changes on and off the course.

Your Next Step

If you’re ready to understand your swing, improve your movement, and build a game that holds up on the course, MotionFirst offers a coaching path that fits your goals. You can explore memberships, book a private session, or reach out with questions — whatever helps you take the next step toward better golf.

Choose Your Path

Explore Memberships — Learn how ongoing coaching can support your long‑term improvement
Book a Private Session — Schedule a one‑on‑one lesson to get started
Contact MotionFirst — Ask questions or talk through which option fits you best

Have Questions?

If you’d like to learn more about MotionFirst Golf or discuss whether our coaching is the right fit for you, feel free to reach out directly.

Email: tom@motionfirstgolf.com

Serving junior and adult golfers in East Peoria, Peoria, and Central Illinois with movement‑first golf lessons.

MotionFirst Golf • East Peoria, IL • tom@motionfirstgolf.com