Golf lessons ought to result in better golf. Unfortunately too many golf instructors are more like professors than results oriented professionals. Based on profiles of instructors, only about 10% are truly results oriented and 70-80% are professor-like. Think of a professor who stands in front of a class, semester after semester, year after year. On the 2nd Tuesday of the semester, he covers the same data as every previous semester. He may or may not know the names of his students, or whether they are in attendance or not. The students can get the information or not, they can pass or fail, but he delivers the same information the same way year after year. Many professors take little or no responsibility for the outcomes of their students as any college student can attest. It is rare to have a professor that is involved with the success of the student.
Many amateur golfers who have taken lessons for years from an instructor are disappointed in their results. But, the instructor often lets them accept total responsibility for the lack of improvement rather than search for ways to change the outcome. They teach the same way, day after day, year after year, with little discomfort regarding the lack of results. It is a rare instructor that seeks help from others, or admits his shortcomings for the improvement of the client. Maintaining the position of "expert" is more important than the improvement of the client.
The fact is that instructors are not created equal. Certifications and experience do not guarantee quality of instruction. To know if your instructor is right for you, answer these questions.
1). Do you improve after your lesson?
An instructor ought to be as interested in the result of the lesson as you are. If a doctor told you that you would get a lot worse before you got better, would you get another doctor? Same thing with an instructor. It is possible that the instructor is rooted into one way of teaching, and that way may not be appropriate for you. You ought to see improvement during that lesson and be able to duplicate the improvement in practice or play. Does the instructor take responsibility when you do not improve and adjust his teaching methods?
2). Does the instructor tell you you need a series of lessons before you begin?
Be suspicious of an instructor who makes you commit to a series when your swing flaw might be a simple adjustment that can be accomplished in one lesson. Identify your objective first. Define it for the instructor. Evaluate how the instructor views that objective. Is the instructor more interested in ongoing income, or in your results?
3). Does the instructor incorporate evaluation of your golf clubs and how they affect your swing? Does he truly understand how the fit of the club affects your golf?
Question whether your pro really understands the affect of your clubs? Does he look at the ball impact on the club faces to make sure they are the right size, weight, etc.? If not, make sure you go to an experienced club fitter to evaluate your clubs and make any helpful adjustments.
4). Does the instructor change teaching methods based on your physical ability, body type, experience, level of play, or does he/she teach everyone the same way?
Many instructors teach the way they were taught and do not adapt to the learning differences, or ability differences of their clients. They ought to be able to teach the way you learn best. If you want to hit the driver, the instructor ought to be able to improve your skill with the driver rather than confine you to his traditional process. Is the instructor better at teaching men, for example, than women or older clients. Is he knowledgeable about benefits of different kinds of equipment, fitness processes, etc that might be appropriate?
5). How long have you taken lessons without improving?
If you have been taking lessons for a significant period of time without lowering your handicap by significant strokes, what is your instructor's attitude? Does your instructor make you feel guilty if you seek assistance elsewhere? Does your instructor blame your lack of improvement on your lack of practice or other behaviors on your part? Does your instructor seem interested in finding something that works for you or is he/she indifferent to your results? The best instructors will seek help from others or will try different methods to find solutions for you. They take it personally when their clients do not improve.
A golf writer once asked me how I know a golf instructor is good. I answered because the students and clients get better. Find an instructor who can and will demonstrate expertise by helping you define appropriate goals and help you achieve them. To find out your best learning strategies and how to match those to an instructor, go to www.GolfMindRx.com.
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