Choosing a Pro
Know your goals.
There's a big difference between teaching someone who's goal is "to break
100" and someone who wants "to play on the PGA Tour." The Pro needs
to know what you want to accomplish, and how much time and effort
you are willing to invest.
Interview Prospective Teaching Pros.
You'll find them at Practice Facilities and Golf Courses. Just stop in and ask
questions. A Good Pro will want to give you a series of lessons.
A good teaching Professional will make one or two changes at
a time. You have to habituate the change (make it a natural part of your
swing) before moving to the next Lesson. Whatever the change, it will
feel uncomfortable at first. Hit a dozen/hundred balls this way and it begins to get
comfortable.
Homework.
If you don't practice what you learned between lessons you are wasting your time and money. The Pro can't give you the
next tip until you've got the last one habituated.
Trust the
Pro.
He or she has a plan. They will not tell you in advance what they are going to
change over the next few weeks. This would distract you. Focus on one small
change at a time until it's a natural, comfortable part of your swing.
And while you are in the care of one Pro, don't listen to
anyone else! Your buddies on the course mean well. Smile, nod, thank
them and do what you were told to do by the person to whom you've paid $. |