Best Tips to Choose Golf Instructor
by the Experts of The Farms San Diego Golf Club
There are certain questions you would ask your doctor and
certain things you would require from your doctor that will allow you feel
comfortable with your treatment plan. You should ask similar questions and
expect similar services from your golf instructor before investing your time
and money improving your game.
Compatibility - It is your responsibility to insure that
there is a fit between you and your instructor on all levels regarding
personality type, mutual goals, are your beliefs similar about the game and how
it should be played, as well as your instructor's ability to relate to your
individual needs. 11 years ago, the communication vehicles and methods we now
have access to did not exist, and now have to be part of the compatibility side
of choosing the best golf instructor for you. Does the instructor use modern
methods of communication that provides you instant feedback and contact with
your instructor? Or is the instructor still using antiquated forms of
communication and not replying to his or her clients request for contact and
follow-up?
A good instructor will be happy to talk to you about your
game, get to know you as an individual, as well as allow you to peak into a
lesson prior to helping you with your golf game.
Accreditation and Experience - Does your golf instructor
have the education and experience to take your game to any level you desire?
Many individuals claim to be golf instructors. Many of these individuals are
self-proclaimed "experts," or had enough money to take a one to two
week course on how to teach golf and make more money.
You cannot get any better golf instruction than from a
Member of the PGA or LPGA. The programs these men and women complete are
intense, include first-hand experiences over a longer course of time, and are
constantly required by the organizations to re-educate themselves on a regular
basis.
Swing Aids -
Does your golf instructor use swing aids? Does your
instructor have a solid reason for using a swing aid that applies to your
needs? Many instructors have bags full of swing aids; I call them magic bags of
tricks and I must admit, I have one myself. The bag can't just be there for
show. The instructor must instructor actually believe and use the aids in a
constructive and meaningful manner to assist you to improve.
Technology - 11 years ago this portion of the article was
entitled, "Video." Wow has time changed video and how we all use
video to communicate. Video is just a small and expected part of a golf lesson
now. If you cannot post the video to various social media immediately, you are
behind the times. I stand by my statements in the previous version of this
article that Video should visually confirm the diagnosis to you, not the
instructor and when used correctly, its use is similar to an X-Ray or M.R.I.
assisting a doctor to confirm to you what is broken or torn. If your golf
instructor is relying solely on video to tell what is happening in your swing,
you will eventually lose trust in the instructor's ability to help you.
An Expert Team - Golf is getting so diverse that an
instructor cannot know everything about golf anymore. A good instructor will
surround him or herself with a team of experts that can include but is not
limited to a fitness instructor, sports psychologist, nutritionist, club
fitter, travel manager, educational tutors, and a host of other experts the
instructor feels can benefit the student. You may not need all those experts
but knowing that your instructor has them at your disposal is a huge benefit to
you.
Playing Ability - Can your instructor play golf at a
competent level? You would be surprised as to the number of golf instructors
that cannot break 90! This is still true and probably more prevalent than ever,
based upon the demands now placed on golf professionals. The real key to look
for is the instructor competitive background. Knowing the instructor has played
at a level of competition that are looking to achieve is critical to allow
proper communication and sharing of experiences with you, as you go through the
learning and/or frustration process of reaching that level.
By John Hughes, PGA
The Farms Golf Club
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