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Following
are common questions and concerns that people have
regarding the game of golf, the golf industry, and
InstructorsofGolf.com:
Q.
WHAT DO I LOOK FOR WHEN SELECTING AN INSTRUCTOR?
A.
- Experience
and reputation. Not much needs to be said about
the importance of these two factors. If you are
serious about playing better golf and are seeking
the guidance of a qualified instructor, go about
finding that person like you would any other
professional. Do your research. Select two or
three in your area and talk to them. Get to know
them. Tell them what you are looking for and what
your goals are. Share your experience with them
and listen. First impressions are often lasting
impressions. Be prepared. The instructor that best
suits you may not be found at a topnotch country
club or learning center. Good instructors can be
found anywhere. Once you find one you are
comfortable with, be prepared for a long-term
commitment. Expect the same from them. It's
important to understand that it's not always their
years of experience or their reputation that is
important.
- Excellent
communication skills. Teaching is a very demanding
yet a rewarding profession. Seldom is the fee
someone charges for his or her expertise important
to the big picture. A good instructor receives
tremendous joy in helping golfers develop and
improve. It's how they communicate that knowledge
and skill that is important. GOOD TEACHERS REALIZE
THAT HONEST COMMUNICATION IS ABSOLUTELY VITAL TO
THE SUCCESS OF A STUDENT-MENTOR RELATIONSHIP.
- "Plan
your work and work your plan." This favorite
old saying has many applications. A good teacher
understands that their students will progress much
faster if there is a structured plan in place
devised by both student and mentor.
- A
good instructor is one who can produce positive
results in a relatively short amount of time. Each
student should see some progress after the first
lesson.
- A
good instructor is a knowledgeable student of the
game. A teacher of any subject must have a
thorough knowledge of the subject being taught.
The same is true for golf. It is important that
the instructor conveys to you, not only the
"how's" of the golf swing, but also the
"why's." The professional instructor
knows that in order for their student to improve,
they need to have a complete understanding of the
golf swing (their golf swing specifically). When
you give a student the knowledge of why some part
of the swing must be done a certain way, and what
typically happens if it doesn't, the student has a
better chance to self-diagnose when things start
to go bad on the golf course.
- Many
of today's golf professionals use some form of
video equipment. Without a doubt, the use of video
equipment can drastically help improve your
understanding of the golf swing. The speed at
which you can improve is dramatically affected
with the use of video equipment.
- The
use of drills and teaching aids should also be
incorporated in most lesson formats to help you
progress on pace. Keep in mind it is up to you to
continue with these drills on your own. You must
practice properly. Swing drills are designed to
help do just that.
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