To help PGA Magazine readers learn more about the ways they can bring golf together with health and wellness, this department includes best practices information from the Golf Fitness Association of America (GFAA). The GFAA was started by the publishers of PGA Magazine in 2020 and is led by an advisory board of PGA of America Golf Coaches and highly regarded golf fitness experts, including GFAA President Dr. Steven Lorick. We hope you find this department beneficial and encourage you to learn more about the GFAA at golf.fitness.com.
Communicate the Role of the Body in the Golf Swing
Tennye OhrPGA of America Teaching Professional,Man O’War Golf Center,Lexington, Kentucky
After coaching for seven years in Maryland and a year in Hawaii, I have been at Man O’War Golf Center for almost 25 years and have built a dedicated clientele. Striving to get ahead of the trends, I got TPI-certified back in 2007 and have applied those concepts in my coaching ever since. Most of my beginning students don’t understand the relationship between the body and the golf swing.
These days, the first steps of instruction go beyond the grip, stance and posture, and delve into teaching students how to move their body efficiently and effectively to produce the proper swing sequence. In fact, it’s likely they’ve never even considered how their body affects the swing because most of their first swings are all arms. The concept of dissociation – moving the upper and lower body independently of each other – is often understood once taught, but very difficult to apply in the golf swing. Many golfers are not physically able to perform that action. So, it is important for us as coaches to not only explain what we’re looking for, but demonstrate it and provide drills and exercises that slowly but surely help the golfer get to that point – starting at ground level and moving the energy up to the hips and to the upper body.
As a result of coaching for more than 30 years, my student roster consists of contemporaries in the Kentucky PGA Section and many junior golfers who have aspirations of playing in high school and college. Proper sequence in the golf swing is vital to the success of all of these golfers, but it’s up to me to analyze where they are in their games and blend the right amount of technical golf coaching and physical training. I emphasize the importance of these physical traits in my coaching and highlight the benefits to one’s golf game. In addition, other forms of physical fitness and discipline are effective in golf, like Pilates, which I’ve implemented for my golf team once per week. They diligently do their own fitness workouts on other days of the week, throwing small medicine balls against the wall and utilizing tools like the GolfForever swing training system.
Use the Power of Video Documentation
Matt WilkesPGA of America Head Instructor,Mike Bender Golf Academy,Lake Mary, Florida
When giving lessons, using a camera to document the process is essential. This practice is not just a passing trend; it aligns with coaching best practices that enhance the golfer’s learning experiences. Video technology offers a unique way to capture and analyze the player’s techniques before and after instruction. However, the process goes beyond merely recording an individual’s form; it extends to capturing the effectiveness of drills and training exercises introduced during the lesson.
When coaches demonstrate various drills, recording these sessions gives golfers a visual reference to refer back to. This visual feedback is invaluable; seeing progress can ignite motivation and encourage consistent practice. Showcasing before-and-after comparisons provides a powerful motivational tool. Players can see the changes in their technique, which gives them the confidence to practice more purposefully. This not only fosters a growth mindset but also reinforces the idea that improvement is possible.
Implementing this coaching best practice can also have a significant business impact. By leveraging video documentation, coaches can enhance the overall value of their lessons. This differentiates a coaching service from the competition, creating a more comprehensive learning experience. Clients are more likely to see tangible results when they can visualize their progress, leading to higher satisfaction rates.
Satisfied clients often translate into referrals and repeat business. Coaches can also highlight success stories on social media, showing potential clients the tangible results they can expect over time. This visibility creates a sense of trust and credibility, which is critical when new clients are making choices about which coaching service to invest in. Ultimately, the combination of effective teaching methods, such as video documentation, not only leads to better student outcomes but also makes sound business sense.