As you set your goals for 2011, your golfing success could hinge on getting the right
coaching for you and your game. Golf is a game that is difficult to learn without another set of eyes and some guidance through the learning process. This is why the best players in the world on the P.G.A. and L.P.G.A. tours have coaches that keep an eye on their technique. A great coach is not only a swing changer but can be a valuable sounding board for a golfer in all areas including the mental side and course strategy. Sometimes an individual to listen to a post round synopsis or an encouraging pep talk before a round can be the difference between success and failure. I believe in coaching in all areas such as business, spiritual and physical fitness as it pertains to your needs in golf and in life. The question becomes,”How do I find the best coach for ME (you)?” Here are some ideas that may help push you in the right direction:
1. First, decide on what type of lessons that you want. Private or in a group setting. I think groups are a wonderful way to learn the game with friends and family. Small groups (4:1 ratio or less) is a great way to meet other golfers of like ability. Private instruction is for the golfer that needs more attention. You decide.
2. Do your research: Just like making any major purchase, I would suggest doing some homework. Here are a few keys to get you started. 1)ask your friends that take lessons (if they are getting better) who they see. 2)Ask the better players at your club who has the best reputation, they will tell you.
3. Interview the coach before hand. 1)ask them their teaching philosophy (if they can’t give an educated answer or say something like “I just keep it simple”, might not be worth your time. 2)Are they busy? Great teachers teach alot because their students come back. Ask them how many lessons they give a year. Easy sign of a successful coach.
4. Check out their website, blog or videos. This will give you an idea of their personality, teaching ideas and presence before you contact them.
5. Is the coach easily accessible for follow-up questions – I have no problem giving my students my email address and social site handles so they can contact me whenever they want. The last thing I want to do is leave them out there without there questions being answered. If I don’t, someone else will.
6. Does the coach ask you for your golfing goals? Do they listen to your feedback? There are too many coaches that are self-centered and have their own agenda. They might have lots of knowledge but it is useless unless applied to help the student improve.
7. Ask what kind of training they have had and how did they learn to teach and coach. Will give you some insight into what you might get during a lesson.
8. Finally, you can tell if the coach enjoys what they do and is passionate about teaching golf by their body language and personality. Do they dress an act like a professional? Find a personality that will help you improve. Some need nurturing ann some need tough love. An expert coach knows when to do both.
Books are great to learn new ideas and to see pictures on different skills. Videos are great for the visual and auditory learners to help clarify and educate golfers. These things will only take you so far…………NOTHING CAN REPLACE spending time with a great golf coach. The only way I can allow you to feel what I am teaching you is to use my two favorite training aids: MY TWO BARE HANDS. I am a master of manipulating my students during the lesson and creating the correct feel for the change. The other venues simply wet your appetite, you must join me on the lesson tee to get the FULL COURSE MEAL. Just like any business or occupation, there are good teachers and then there are not so good teachers. Choose wisely and you will be able to enjoy this great game for many years to come. I don’t care what your buddy might say after he shot 130, It is always more fun to play better. Heres to your greatest golfing year ever, 2011
See you on the lesson tee,
Jason
The Golf Guru Show 