A golf instructor is a professional you will work with to help you learn the basics of golfing, point you towards the right career direction, and cheer you on as you accomplish your milestone. Because of this, you cannot just walk in and come out with an instructor. It is a process much like choosing a doctor to diagnose and treat you.
There are questions you should ask and certain things you should look forward to from the instructor. Before you invest your money and time to learn and improve your golfing game, the following are some factors you should consider.
Compatibility
Golf instruction is a journey which requires that you blend well with your instructor in terms of personality, mutuality of goals, and similarity of beliefs among other things. Therefore, it is your responsibility to choose a perfect fit for an instructor, one with the ability to relate to your individual needs.
The instructor should employ modern methods of communication which give you instant feedback and follow up. Regular contact with your instructor is very important.
Experience and Accreditation
An instructor can only take you to the next level in your game if he has adequate experience and the requisite qualifications. There are many people who claim to be golf instructors, but in real sense they are nothing but self-proclaimed experts who have undergone a few weeks of training and are out to make money.
The best instruction is from a member of the LPGA or PGA. These professionals undergo rigorous training over a long duration of time and are required to re-educate themselves from time to time. Institutions such as The Bird Golf Academy have invested in such professionals. Instructors here have a history of positive results and can lead you to glory if given a chance.
Swing Aids
Using swing aids in golf instruction helps you to feel the difference between what your instructor would like you to feel within your swing and what you are currently doing. While golf instructors may have bags full of swing aids, it is their belief and constructive usage of these aids that will help you improve. There is no cure-all swing aid and your instructor must customize one for you.
Technology
Over time, golfing just like any field has been shaped by technology. Initially, video was used as a supportive technology for training, but now golf instruction lessons have integrated other forms of technology you should expect to see in your instructor. One of the technologies you must ask your potential instructor before signing the coaching contract is ball flight monitoring. This technology is used for club fitting sessions.
Video technology should include swing path tracing devices which clearly show swing direction from different dimensions. The technology used should be simple enough to provide you with information that helps in your improvement plan.
Playing Ability
Another aspect you should look for is the competitive background of the instructor. Find out if your golf instructor can play at a competent level. Instructors who have participated in competitions at different levels are instrumental in sharing their experiences with you. At one point or the other, you will go through a process of frustration and for you to sail through, you need someone who has been through it and knows exactly what it takes to reach the next level.
An Expert Team
Golf is a diverse sport and whatever instructor you get, you should not expect them to know all there is to golf. A good instructor will have a team of experts around him such as sports psychologists, fitness instructors, club fitters, educational tutors, travel managers, and other experts. You may not necessarily need all these experts at once, but knowing they exist at your disposal is important to you.
Golf is not rocket science and the level of instruction you receive will help shape your values and competence to become a top golfer.
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