08 Nov Why a smart coach should be a requisite for students

What are the qualities of a good golf teacher?

As there are countless teachers who have spent many an hour watching ball after ball being pounded away, yet few become head and shoulders better than others.

From the students’ perspective, a lesson should be enjoyable and something is learnt, and therefore improvement is made.

There are different types of smart human beings, but a smart golf coach should be a requisite and one who doesn’t overuse today’s available technology.

Method teachers who say that there is only one way to swing differ greatly from those who allow the swing to fit the student together with his or her personality.

Good golf coaches understand that their students shouldn’t be taught the same thing or the same way.

When our drives no longer have the carry they used to, or when our iron shots are not as crisp as they once were, and the 28/29 putts per round are now more like 34 or 35, it’s perhaps time to have a check-up — but choose carefully who checks up.

Good coaches are not thinking of what to say but rather how to say it, as they know how fragile their students’ psyches are when games have been lost.

An example of where words are important would be not to say “grip the club like this” but rather “let’s try to place your hands on the club like this.”

An experienced coach wouldn’t say “don’t do that” but rather “could we try a little of this?”

Out of bounds: “Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.” — Bill Gates