Taking Lessons

One of the questions people often ask is, “Where should I go for a lesson?” That’s the wrong question. The question should be, “Who should I get a lesson from?”

Today, there are myriad places to find a golf coach. They are in places like Golf Galaxy. They are at your local golf courses and country clubs. They are at the local driving range. They are even right at your fingertips with on-line coaching becoming a big deal. Want a lesson from a famous instructor? You can probably get one on-line.

But that doesn’t answer the question, does it?

So, who should you get a lesson from?

Here’s some tips for finding a great golf coach.

First off, you want a coach, not an instructor. A coach is going to do a lot more for you than just teach you swing mechanics. A coach is going to teach you how to play the game. Golf isn’t just about the swing. It’s about how to think on the course. It’s about how to change speeds in your swing depending on the shot. It’s about rolling a ball on the ground and getting it to fall into a hole. The swing is just a part of it. A good coach is going to help you with all aspects of the game, not just the technical swing part.

Secondly, avoid any golf guru who has one method to swing a club. There is no one method. There are all kinds of ways to swing a golf club and produce quality shots. Look at Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Dustin Johnson, John Daly, etc. None of those players swing the club the same way, but all of them have won a Major. A good coach will work with what you bring to the table and refine what you already have.

Third, search for someone who asks you questions. If a coach starts out by telling you what they can do for you, that’s not necessarily a coach you want. If the coach starts off by asking you about your goals, what you are trying to improve, the amount of time you have to practice, etc., that’s a coach who is interested in helping you. That coach will work with you, not force you into a one-size fits all approach.

Fourth, a coach who spends time working on skill development is worth your time and money. Too much golf instruction focuses on getting into the correct positions at different points of a swing, pitch, chip or putt. Most coaches do spend more time in skill development with the short game, but very few do it with the full swing. But skill development in the full swing needs to be as important if not more important than technical instruction. Think about an NFL football player. Each position spends time working on fundamentals and developing good mechanics with their individual coaches. They work on proper technique for a portion of their practice. But then they scrimmage. They run plays. They take those fundamentals and techniques and apply them to playing the game in a simulated environment. This allows them to transfer what they learn in practice to playing an actual game. They don’t keep running drills and focusing on technique for an entire practice and then go play a real game. Golfers shouldn’t either, and a good coach will develop both technique and skill.

Ultimately, finding a good coach involves a hiring process. You need to gather information from other people about who they have found helpful. Narrow it down to a two or three and go speak with them. You have to find the right fit for you and the coach. Some people can be really good coaches, but they don’t mesh well with certain students. Some students don’t mesh well with certain types of coaches, either. You need to feel comfortable with the coach, and the coach needs to feel comfortable with you.

As always, be thankful when you get to play this amazing game. Be grateful for every shot. Appreciate every moment on the course. Now, go golf!