We live in an era where everyone wants a quick-fix for their problems. This include golfers! However, golf lessons are the most efficient way to improve as a golfer. It is important that a golfer adjusts their expectations based on their goals. One should not expect a 30-60 minute lesson to magically fix their swing. It takes time, practice, and repetition sometimes over several lessons to fix one issue. But this remains a fact: there isn’t a golfer in this world who does not need golf instructions. Here’s a guide to help you in choosing the right golf instructor.
1. Compatibility
This is most critical aspect in choosing the right golf instructor. Every golfer learns differently, a good instructor is able to adjust their teaching style to suit you. You need to choose someone who you can get along with. Someone who takes time to understand your golf needs and goals and is willing to customize lessons to fit your needs and learning style. At the end of the day, you want to enjoy the lessons you get from your instructor; it’ll help you learn faster. It is your responsibility to ensure that their a fit between you and your instructor.
2. Qualification
You need to look at the qualification of your instructor. The right golf instructor should be accredited by a reputable organization, have verifiable experience or preferably both. You are investing in your game. Wouldn’t you also like to know that your instructor is investing in his work? Wouldn’t you want to know that your instructor has put in time and had the necessary experience and track record?
Golf is a complex game. The swing itself is made up of many complex parts not to mention that there are several kinds of swings. An accredited instructor will have invested his time and money in learning the intricacies and principles behind the game. It is a sign that they are serious about teaching. They will have learned and been tested on hands-on training, rules and playability.
In the absence of accreditation (or in addition to their accreditation), you need to look at their experience and track record. How have their past student fared? Do their students show observable progress?
Word of caution. There’s no doubt in my mind that playing ability does not translate to ability to teach. Therefore, do not simply sign up for lessons with a playing pro or a low handicap player just because they’re good players. The ability to transfer knowledge in the form you can understood is critical to your lessons. A good player might be in control of their game and their swing but they might not be able to translate that to you in way that would be effective.
3. Teaching philosophy
Choosing the right golf instructor requires you to understand their teaching philosophy. Does the instructor believe all swings should be the same? Does he use technology or swing aids in their lessons? Do they focus only on the “feel”, the technical/mechanical aspects of the game, mental or all of the above?
A good golf instructor understands that golf swing are like fingerprints. No two golf swings are alike. They should therefore be wiling to work with your swing and find ways to improve it without necessarily trying to overhaul it or make you swing like another person.
They should also be able to identify areas that need improvement, explain to you why and show you how to fix them. The “why” helps you understand and grasp the “how” much more easily.
4. Communication and follow up
A good golf instructor will follow up on their students progress. Partly because they are supposed to motivate but more importantly because they care about it. So its important that you find an instructor that can and will communicate in your preferred way be it WhatsApp, email, texts or phone calls.
An instructor who only communicates when you have booked a lesson or when they see you does not care about your progress. They are there just to make money. If you feel the instructors communication doesn’t suit you, it’s best you find one that you’ll be comfortable with.
5. Technology
Technology has changed how golf if taught. It’s amazing how easy it is for a student to understand their flaw if they can see if one video. It is, therefore, imperative that a golf instructor invest and understand how to use technology in their lessons.
Although there are many types of technology for lessons today, video technology is the least and most basic tool an instructor should employ at all levels. The more skilled a golfer is, the more technology they need to understand their game. Things like ball flight, spin rates, angle of attack are critical for a top amateur or a playing pro to understand.
6. Swing Aids
In addition to technology, there are many swing aids that can help you learn the proper techniques that can help your swing. Swing aids should help you feel the difference of what you’re doing versus what the instructor is trying to get you to do. A good instructor should have various swing aids and understand how and when to use them.
7. Playing ability
Granted, there are some very good golf instructors who are on wheel chairs and thus cannot play the game. However, this is an exception. Good golf instructors should be able to play the game with some competency. That does not mean they need to be playing at a professional level. They should be able to demonstrate what they are asking of you. They should be able to play and return decent scores. This is why the playing ability test (PAT) is part of all recognized accreditation courses.
8. Cost
You have to get value for your lessons. Value is based on what your goals are. Cost is therefore an important consideration to determine if you are getting value for your money. If your goal is to play in the 80s regularly, you might not want the most expensive or most qualified instructor in town. However, if you want to become a top amateur or get a golf scholarship or turn pro, it might behoove you to find the most experienced instructor and that might affect how much you have to spend.
The reverse is true. If you pay to low of a price for the lessons, chances are that you will get what you pay for – inadequate training or worse you’ll be trained the wrong way. Consider that this in an investment you are making on yourself. You might pay a steeper price, but with the right golf instructor, it will be worth every penny.
Conclusion
It is important to set your expectation accordingly when choosing the right golf instructor. It is also important to understand that one 30-60 minute lesson will most likely not cure your issues. Fixing or improving golf swing requires a process that includes evaluation (to find issues in our swing/game) followed by a plan on action (number of lessons, drills, swing aids, practice routine etc) to fix them.
Once you have narrowed those you think would make the right golf instructor for you, find out if they are amenable to giving you trial lessons. Give them a try and settle for one. Avoid jumping from one instructor to another (unless it’s for specific area of the game they specialize in). Also avoid using YouTube for instructions when you have an instructor. There are many teaching and swing philosophies out there, YouTube will only confuse you even further.
Investing in golf lessons is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. It is even more important if you are planning to start your child in the game of golf. It will lead to long term enjoyment of the game regardless of what your goals are. Unfortunately, in Kenya there are very few accredited and qualified teaching professionals. Below is a list of some you can choose from.
