19 Jul If the truth be told

The standard of golf coaching in our part of the world leaves a lot to be desired, and is a worrying part of our game, and I have tried to ‘discreetly’ bring up this sad state of affairs over the years. In my following report I’ve assessed a sample of golf teaching professionals in our midst. It’s easy to become cynical as the years roll by but as one that’s been right up there ‘close & personal’ with the best, it’s very hard for me to see and experience a very different standard of teaching —I submit the following three examples.

Only one has recognized qualifications—–and only he was any good!—in fact outstanding, the others were painfully inadequate and it should be mentioned that all were charging around the same. If they were doctors instead of calling themselves ‘golf pros’ Pro ‘B & C’ would kill their patients.

Many years ago on my first trip to America I decided to book up a golf lesson to be able to feel just what it’s like to have the ‘boot on the other foot’!——regardless of whatever our professions might be, we tend to take our jobs for granted–so it was with trepidation that I took that lesson. But it turned out to be an extremely worthwhile investment and brought home to me the sensations of just what my students must be going through. It helped me relate to the ‘awkward discomfort ‘of the exercise and I was able to adjust my teaching method & strategy accordingly.

A leading PGA association recently asked me to do the same exercise in order to help in the assessment of a cross section of teachers coaching in their particular country. I set out on this interesting exercise and booked my first lesson with a teacher who was impeccably dressed from head to toe. My first impression of ‘Pro ‘A’ was that I hoped that his knowledge of golf would prove as impressive as his wardrobe.

The introduction was warm and friendly. Pro ‘A’ asked if this was one-off lesson as his philosophy was to construct a swing rather than apply quick fixes. Walking towards the range, I was probed for information. Pro ‘A’ was inquisitive but courteous, curious and insightful.

Diagnosis:  Once on the driving range, Pro ‘A’ asked me to complete a series of exercises to determine my range of movement and ability to execute potential swing changes. He invited me to hit six balls with a 9 iron, 5 iron & driver, he proceeded to video one swing with each club from behind and down the line. A labtop was used to isolate the source of my ‘slice’ and prescribe the appropriate remedy.

Lesson content:  No time was wasted and Pro ‘A’ observed my ball position was too far forward and my right arm was set higher than the left at address. Technical jargon was minimal, he demonstrated the correct ball position, aligned my arms and shoulders, encouraging me to square up the face.

Conclusion:  This guy was a credit to the PGA and could work successfully at any club with all levels of golfers.

First Impressions          4/5

Diagnosis                       5/5

Lesson Content             5/5

Enthusiasm                   4/5

Value for Money          5/5 

Overall           23/25

If the truth be told my first impression of Pro ‘B’ was that it looked like he got dressed in the dark. Nonetheless, his meet and greet skills were impeccable. A warm approach put me at ease. However, instead of asking what I expected, Pro ‘B’ told me what I would get. I felt I was being talked at rather than talked to. Deep down he couldn’t care less.

Diagnosis: No inquiry was made about physical ailments, he seemed in a rush to get going and asked me to warm up by hitting some balls.

Before long, the ‘slice’ returned. He said he only used video for problem cases and this was not one of them, in fact, he could cure the problem in seconds. He declared the culprit was a weak left hand grip. Although I was showing two knuckles, I should really be able to see three or four. Doing so would help to square up the blade and impart anti-clockwise spin.

Lesson Content: I adopted the new grip and instantly began sending balls left. He expressed satisfaction the slice had disappeared. When I said missing left was no better than missing right, he replied practice would ultimately send the ball straight. He made no attempt to modify my forward ball position or faulty alignment.

Conclusion: My initial suspicions proved well founded. Pro ‘B’ appeared to have a method which applied to all golfers, regardless of body shape, level of ability, technical faults etc. Beneath the slick patter, he masked inadequate knowledge with interpersonal strengths. I concluded he should find alternative employment where such skills might benefit.

First Impressions          3/5

Diagnosis                       2/5

Lesson Content             2/5

Enthusiasm                    2/5

Value for Money           1/5

Overall           10/25

Disillusioned from my previous lesson I booked up another lesson with Pro ‘C’ who came highly recommended. The initial signs were not promising. He commenced the session by announcing how well he was playing. I formed the distinct impression that, like it or not, Pro ‘C’ would spend much of the hour exhibiting his ‘comprehensive’ knowledge of the game.

Diagnosis: Pro ‘C’ proceeded to hit shots for five minutes while talking about golf (his). He asked me to hit some balls. At no point did he inquire about the nature of the problem requiring attention or why the lesson had been booked. He simply watched for 20 minutes and muttered to himself before saying I needed to rotate through the shot.  This conclusion was based on the fact it had helped his game a few months earlier.

Lesson Content: I obliged and began hitting balls with an ever increasing degree of rotation through the ball. The impact on my slice was predictable- it got worse. Apparently I wasn’t rotating enough and should add more right shoulder. Now my slice turned into a shank.

He seemed untroubled by the rapid deterioration, telling me to get out the driver. Pro ‘C’ was no more perturbed by a series of shots squirting off the heel, he merely confirmed the information he had given was correct and suggested an intensive course of practice. The lesson concluded with a warm handshake and reassurance I was well on course to hitting the ball just like him.

Conclusion: This was a shocking lesson. Pro ‘C’ was lazy, ignorant and self obsessed. Good players are often poor teachers. My experience underlines how any recommendation from amateur golfers must be treated with caution.

First Impressions          2/5

Diagnosis                        0/5

Lesson Content              0/5

Enthusiasm                    1/5

Value for Money            0/5

Overall            3/25

The moral to this story is to pick your golf coach carefully as your future enjoyment of our wonderful game depends upon it!