subject: How To Find A Good Golf Instructor [print this page] Just about every time you see a golf tip on any golf broadcast or on the Golf Channel, they finish the segment with "for help with your game, go see your local PGA professional." Unfortunately, that does not often lead to good golf instruction. The actual curriculum involved for golf professionals seeking to obtain their Class A membership only focuses a small amount on golf instruction.
While the players ability test for Class A membership is more difficult for the PGA than any other golf teaching organization, such as the United States Golf Teachers Federation (USGTF), or the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America (PGTAA), an instructor will probably learn just as much about teaching in these other certification programs. Furthermore, any 6 or 7 handicap golfer can ultimately pass the PGA players ability test. I know of some professionals who failed the test over a dozen times before passing.
It is by luck alone that most good instructors become good instructors. They have to be lucky enough to work for a golf professional who is also a good instructor. PGA members do have the benefit of attending PGA sponsored teaching seminars from time to time. They are required to attend seminars of different types in order to obtain continuing education credits.
So, how does the golf student find a good golf instructor? Well, it requires some research. Some professionals develop a reputation over many years in the business. As a result, much of their business comes from referrals. The best referrals are from the best golfers. Therefore, it is a good idea to approach some of the better golfers at the golf courses where you play to get a referral.
The internet also plays a role. Professionals who focus on instruction will often have a website that helps them with generating business. Review some of the websites of professionals in your area and try to get the answers to a few questions, such as:
What kind of playing record do they have? While it is not necessary to be a great player to be a great teacher, the better teachers tend to be very good golfers in their own right. A good golfer will be able to demonstrate a variety of shots.
Where have they learned how to teach? Have they worked with any top instructors? As I mentioned, in most cases, it is just luck that an instructor learned how to teach from another good instructor. However, some of the top teaching professionals also have instructor certification programs in place. David Leadbetter, Hank Haney, Jim McLean and Jim Hardy all have such programs of varying types.
How many years has an instructor been teaching? How long has the instructor played competitive golf, if at all? Adding up all of the combined experience of an instructor is important. For instance, some instructors may have a short teaching career to date, but may have had a long competitive experience. Also, other life experiences may play a role in how well an instructor can teach. Exposure to teachers in other sports or activities such as the martial arts can help develop the style of a golf instructor.
Once you have narrowed down your choices, it's a good idea to give each instructor a call. A brief phone conversation should give you an indication of how passionate the instructor is about teaching, and how well they communicate. The best instructors are those who are passionate about the game, and who know how to communicate their knowledge to anyone.
With all this in mind, the next time you think about getting some golf instruction, do a little research. You will find that it is time well spent, and your golf game will be sure to benefit. Also, remember, just like in any other business, the best instructors tend to be more expensive than their competitors. But, if you really want to improve, you are better off spending a little extra money.
