When you start your search for a golf instructor, I would recommend that you find a professional that teaches full time. Within the ranks of golf professionals, there are a wide variety of jobs and positions, and each of these can have an impact on the instructor.
In my experience, many of the best instructors have positioned themselves in a job that allows them to teach most or all of the time they are working. I have been at several different facilities, and my percentage of time teaching has varied at each one. My current position allows me to teach 100% of the time. The key to this, for me, is that I can spend my entire day thinking only about teaching, my students, and conducting my teaching business. I don’t need to worry about setting up the next day’s tournament, handicaps, shoe inventory, or the slow group that just made the turn.
What I’ve found, is that full time teachers are more focused on each individual lesson. They have time to set up their instruction area. They have an opportunity to review the day’s students, and to develop a game plan. Their mind belongs to the student during their time together.
I know many great professionals that wear all the hats of the PGA Professional, and still manage to be great teachers. This post is not meant to slight any of these fine women and men. I do think when you look at most lists of great instructors, you’ll find that most of them spend most if not all of their time teaching, and working in the business of golf instruction.
Love to hear your comments…