Golf School: to attend or not to attend?
Talk to aspiring golfers and many will tell you horror stories of various golf schools they have attended. The pompous instructors, the droning lectures and lack of improvement in the game are usually the three most common complaints of the people attending
golf schools.
So the questions arises, should one attend a golf school or not?
Golf school is perhaps the single most important way of improving one’s game. There is no better method that offers a combination of hands-on coaching and golf theory. So why do many people have a negative perception about the golf schools?
The main reason is that many people do not choose the school that best fits their requirements. Every player is at a different level and there are schools for every level.
If the two factors are mismatched, problems will arise and the whole experience will turn into a nightmare for the student.
The number one thing to look for is not the school. That comes later. The first step is to honestly evaluate one’s golf skills. Many players usually form a high opinion of their game and enroll in schools offering advance coaching. These players lag behind
the course and blame the school for their troubles.
The best way of evaluating one’s skills is to play a friendly match against an experienced friend who knows a bit about golf. Another sensible choice is the resident pro at one’s local golf course.
These professionals are in the best position to advice one about their game and usually give an unbiased assessment.
Once students know where they stand, it is time to hunt for a school that offers coaching for their level. Consult the pro for recommendations. Another great source is the USGA.
This body is dedicated to further the game of golf in the US and is in the best position to advice players about all golf related issues.
Once the list of schools has been finalised, do not rush to join the first place on the list. Visit each place and try to get the feel of the place. Talk to the students and the instructors.
Usually the best places are where there is a ratio of one instructor to four students. This ensures that every student gets individual attention that is an integral component of game improvement.
The second thing is to pay attention in the class. Many students take the school lightly. The best way to take advantage of the golf school is to take notes when the instructor is describing a technique. A simple diagram and a couple of sentences are enough
to preserve the essence of the lecture.
These notes come handy when a student goes into the practice sessions. Golf is all about proper technique and the notes serve as a useful guide in improving one’s stance and techniques.
The final point that many students forget is a simple word: Practice!
Just going to the school, sitting through the class and then knocking the ball a few times is not enough. In fact, it is counterproductive for their game.
If they do not practice what the instructor has told them, not only will they be wasting their money but will also hurt their game by not learning the proper way of hitting the ball.
Attending a golf school is a must if one wants to learn the game of golf. However, the three points should be kept in mind when one goes to a golf school.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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