I graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and have taught the game of golf at some stellar facilities up and down the east coast. I have been at Olney Golf Park for 22 years and offer a selection of coaching options — private lessons, group clinics, women’s golf schools and club fitting services — and teach men, women, juniors, new golfers and elite players.
As a PGA of America and LPGA Member, diversity in my instruction means meeting my students where they are in their game and putting a plan in place that meets each of their individual needs. That’s not only based on their technical golf skills, but their physical capabilities. What will their bodies allow them to do in performing the golf swing?
Although most of my students seek their fitness workouts at the local gym or with personal trainers — one even has her own fitness center — we start our sessions with some soft stretching exercises, and I encourage a light swing to start each lesson, practice session or round of golf. Most golfers arrive at a lesson or range session and start hitting drivers at full speed and power. I believe it’s important to teach them to warm up with a wedge and then move incrementally to the 7-iron and eventually the driver. Also vital, have them ease into it — 20 percent to start, then 50 percent and eventually 100 percent when their bodies are fully prepared for the rigors of the golf swing - from a stationary position at address to the explosion that is impact and a full follow-through. This is the key to injury prevention and avoiding pulling a muscle or straining something that will heavily hinder one’s ability to play their best golf.
With many juniors, seniors and women on my student roster, I believe this philosophy and approach puts them on the right track to long-term participation in the game. I also make sure they don’t over-practice between sessions — we implement a focused practice plan that addresses the topics we covered in our last lesson or clinic together.
As our relationship develops, I listen to their feedback about how their body feels to ensure my coaching methods and techniques suit them. After all, there are a lot of ways to do the same thing, and coaching is no different. Many students learn differently, and we as the experts in the game must find the sweet spot that each student is looking for.
For instance, we often take the setup for granted. However, someone with a bad back may not be able to bend as much as others. Find alternatives that work within your golfers’ physical capabilities. How do you communicate the importance of attention to one’s body — building strength, mobility, flexibility, stamina and more — over simply beating balls on the range for hours? Educate your golfers on the impact that stretching one’s muscles has on their ability to attain certain positions in the golf swing. They will be surprised how detrimental simply getting tired on the back nine is on their abilities. As they see the fruits of their labor — a more body-focused approach to golf — they will see lower scores and increased enjoyment in the game.
Liza Abood is a PGA/LPGA Golf Professional at Olney (MD) Golf Park.