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.
- 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”.
- Goals for improvement should be discussed along with a “realistic” time frame. Nothing in golf is an “overnight” fix – NOTHING!
- There should be an equal emphasis on short game and long game. Never forget – 60% + of the scoring occurs in the short game.
- 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.
- Concepts should be explained, demonstrated and shown in an UNDERSTANDABLE manner in “bite- size” pieces.
- Information “overload” must be avoided.
- The student should be given drills and or training aids that will turn new concepts into habits.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Your answer was just what I neeedd. It’s made my day!