I would like to
talk about choosing an instructor. Some of you might feel you
don't need another pair of eyes, you prefer to work it out
yourself, and that's fine. Lee Trevino never took a lesson
until he was over 50!
But most golfers need a mentor; somebody to give you feedback,
a sounding board. It is so easy to fall into little problems;
bad alignment here, swaying off the ball there, and then
developing compensations for the little problems. You might
get away with this for a while, but like a dog who chases
trucks, it won't last.
It is important that you find an instructor you trust,
somebody whose personality is compatible with yours. Some of
the factors I would recommend in seeking a teacher are these:
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Word of mouth
can be a great way to narrow down the list of potential
coaches. If ten people say: go see so and so, that would
be the person I would go see. |
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I would tend
to seek an instructor who just teaches. They do it all day
long, and earn their living at that trade. They had better
be good or they won't be in business long. |
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Some teachers
have specialties. Some instructors might be more
successful with the lower handicap golfers, usually those
were great players themselves, at least in the past.
Others have a knack with the average golfer, and so on.
Don't be afraid to ask. |
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I believe that
video is a necessary tool to accelerate learning. And new
computer technology can go even further.
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I would be
more prone to seek instructors with the commitment to
continuing their education. CPGA and PGA members are
required to keep current. The CPGA and PGA Teacher
Certification diploma a must for any serious instructor. |
Finally, once
the choice is made, stick it out. Don't go from teacher to
teacher like items in the supermarket. He or she has a plan
for you. Sit down at the outset and discuss your goals; you
are in it together.
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