What Makes a Good Teacher?

Have you tried to teach yourself?
Have you tried to teach someone else golf – like your child, your wife, your husband?
Have you ever taken a lesson from a professional?
Have you ever attended a golf clinic/school/camp?

Golf Teacher’s Motto:

“If you’re going to teach golf, accept the responsibility of having an impact on people’s lives and work every day to help your student obtain their goals.”

This past week, I was honored to receive a nomination for the 2007 PGA SCS Teacher of the Year.

Part of the selection process includes answering questions about my teaching philosophy, discussing what I have done in the past year and finally, what I consider a good teacher. I also read a great article by C. King in my last issue of PGA Magazine that got me thinking…

What Makes a Good Teacher?

Whether teaching yourself, working with others, or being the student, what should you look for in a good teacher?

What does the Graves Golf Academy strive to attain with every one of our students? Here are my “Top Ten” points I think everyone should look for in a good teacher.

1. There is a program for improvement, not just a single lesson. A single lesson is like putting a “bandage” on the swing/golf issue. It doesn’t “cure” the problem, only covers it up until it “falls off”.
2. Goals for improvement should be discussed along with a “realistic” time frame. Nothing in golf is an “overnight” fix – NOTHING!
3. There should be an equal emphasis on short game and long game. Never forget – 60% + of the scoring occurs in the short game.
4. The entire game of golf should be taught – NOT just the golf swing. Meaning, a good instructor will teach short game, long game, course management, mental game, rules of golf, club fitting, etc.
5. Concepts should be explained, demonstrated and shown in an UNDERSTANDABLE manner in “bite- size” pieces.
6. Information “overload” must be avoided.
7. The student should be given drills and or training aids that will turn new concepts into habits.
8. The instructor will use VIDEO ANALYSIS as a feedback tool. Video is the BEST way to bridge the gap between perception and reality and fact and feel.
9. The instructor must understand everyone “learns” a little different, and he/she should be able to teach the student in a way the student “learns” the best.
10. The instructor should have a “passion” for the game of golf and for the student’s improvement.

My recommendation for you, whether teaching yourself, working with other’s, or taking a lesson, is to follow these 10 points. Use them as a guide, and you can’t go wrong.

This is our path to aid you in playing your BEST GOLF EVER!!!!  Learn more about the PATH to Single Plane Success.

As always – please, please PRACTICE WITH A PURPOSE.