Selecting the right teacher
It seems to me that an interesting thing is happening in the world of golf: instruction has become a highlight show, a celebrity moment, something larger than just helping someone with a golf swing or their golf game. From Ray Romano and Charles Barkley dealing with the reality of Hank Haney to the man on the Golf Channel that screams out answers to caller’s questions, instruction has blossomed into bad reality.
I thought we could discuss what to look for in a teacher, if you golf game is in need of one.
The first thing to look for is qualifications. Your instructor should be a PGA Professional or on his/her way to achieving that status. The best player you know is not always the best instructor you know; in fact I would be willing to bet the opposite is true. Teaching is a passion, and requires great thought and energy, and it really has very little to do with playing ability.
Why the golf club moves the way it does, how to correct bad movements and adjustment to ball flight are things that a teacher thinks about, and these are far removed from the thoughts of a person who plays golf only for enjoyment or for a living.
The second thing to look for is a personality match. An instructor is often like a physician, it is important to match personalities. If you are an intense, analytical person you may find someone that has those traits a great match.
I would caution you to remember, though, that opposites attract, and someone who is a mirror of your emotions may be enough to cause a teacher/student flameout. Either way, please spend some time matching your personality traits to those of your instructor, as it will make for a better learning environment.
Finally is cost. How much a golf lesson costs and how long a golf lesson lasts are important factors to consider. Usually forty minutes is pretty solid, as I find that anything much shorter does not allow for a whole lot of dialog and discussion, two entities that facilitate learning.
In short, figure out what you are going to pay and how much time that buys you with your instructor. You will not be worried at the lesson and wondering how the pay system works if you get these questions answered up front.
It is interesting how we pick instructors. No matter how we pick our instructor, make sure you have a system in order to verify qualifications, cost and personality traits as well as availability.
Your golf game is important, so please do not let just anyone toy with your game. Do some solid research and your golf education will be more beneficial than imagined.
Rich Conwell is the PGA Head Golf Professional at Uniontown Country Club. Rich can be reached at 724-438-7831 or richconwell@atlanticbb.net.