LESSON PREPARATION

Over my entire life in the game of golf I have come to believe there is not one correct way to do things but parameters that we all need to be within.  I also feel that there is perhaps a “best way” for each of us but due to different bodies, abilities, limitations, and mindsets they are likely different for each of us.  As an instructor I must find that “best way” for each of my students and how to get them there.  I feel that the student and I are a team in this endeavor and feel the student can do a great deal before we even begin our work together.  A student being prepared for a lesson can help so much in identifying the path to take and speeding up the process of getting there.

                The student should know their game.  Where do good shots fly and with what ball flight?  Where do misses go?  Do they hit pulls and fades the majority of the time?  Any predominant ball flight, with good shots or bad shots, can tell us a great deal about the golf swing and what needs to be done to improve.  Even with putting this can be a big help.  Does the student miss more puts left or right, short or long?  All aspects of the game should be evaluated this way.

                Keeping up with where shots go with each club helps to identify what part of the game needs the most work.  How many fairways are hit and missed in a typical round of golf?  How many greens are missed and of those how often does the student get up and down?  What is the average number of putts?  Knowing what needs the most work and what needs work first can mean results in improving scores much sooner.

                Being prepared to practice and take lessons year round is also a great way to consistently improve.  Facilities such as The Golf Complex are equipped with heat and covered hitting bays so that we can teach all year long.  A student who continues to learn and practice through the off-season is a step ahead when the following spring arrives.  The off-season is also a great time to make those tougher swing changes that negatively affect the game before it improves.  It is also a great time to take care of any new equipment needs.

                A willingness to learn and practice is an obvious need when improving one’s golf game.  Along with this, proper preparation and good teamwork between the student and instructor can greatly accelerate the improvement process.  This makes for more good shots, lower scores, and more enjoyment of our great game.