Instructing Styles

[Crafty]

Heres some background info:
I am 16 years old and am a 1.2 handicap. I have been playing golf all of my life and the only person who has instructed me is my dad. He was a club pro for about five years, so he knows a good bit about the swing.

THis summer, he wants me to see another instructor. I am very comfortable around this instructor, so that is not an issue. THis is my dilemma: My dad either wants me to take a series of scheduled lessons from him over roughly a 5 week period, or pay a rate to have him be my instructor for the entire season.

My dad seems to want me to take the series of lessons, but I am leaning torwards the summer long instruction setup. What do you guys think is better? Would it be tough to balance two instructors, even though they have similar thoughts about the swing?

[joseywales]

Just go with one instructor. I have never thought it to be a good idea to mix philosophies. The more conflicting theory, the more your brain has to remember and think about befor swinging the club. Decide which one breaks it down in the easiest terms and buy into his methods.
Also, why so many lessons? If you are already nearly scratch, you just need to be thrown into the fire of competition. Play in as many competitive tournaments as you can to increase your edge. Save your money on lessons and spend it on tourney entry fees. Groove your short game. Those are the things that will give you an advantage in junior golf. Seeing how you react under tournament pressure will really let you know what you need to work on. Also, try to play a variety of tourneys that include stroke and match play. In my opinion, nothing will make you better under pressure than playing match play against other scratch or near scratch players.
Good Luck!

[MPS67]

Hi Crafty.

Are you saying that your dad wants you to simultaneously work with him and another instructor?

If the swing styles are similar, I'd say it wouldn't hurt to have two pros looking at your swing, as long as all of you are aware of the arrangement and can appreciate the slight differences amongst the methods. If you find differences, commit to one and try it out to see if it works for you. Improvement may also take a little longer using two.

I'm learning at GolfTec where I work with one of the five available teaching pros, but can select from any of the other four at any time. It's my choice. The GolfTec teachers are supposed to adhere to a specific swing style or swing template so that the instruction is uniform across the board. But even so, my default instructor knows my swing faults and characteristics the best, and will be able to provide more optimal instruction than the others. Many times, your instructor will piece together swing improvements in a unique sequence that is appropriate for you. Other instructors may not be privy to this plan and can introduce you to new methods for which you may not be ready. That's why good communication is vital if you'll use more than one instructor.

Best of luck

[Crafty]

Thanks for your input, those are great points.

THe one area where my dad doesn't seem to know quite as much is the short game. Would it be a bad idea to take a series of short game lessons from the other pro, and leave the full swing to my dad, who knows my swing a lot better and would probably be a better coach for me in the end?

[TourSpoon]

IMO, the short game area is one place where that wouldn't hurt you. You need to learn all the shots and to work with someone else to get a new perspective will be refreshing. Go for it and get down to scratch.

[Eore]

definitly just do short game with the other pro.....if you are slightly older than me and 27 shots better with only your dad teaching you, you should be just fine

[FortAsel]

Go for the most experienced one.
3 yrs ago I had a fat guy has my coach, and he didn't understand anything about the game. He coul'd tell me my faults, but I couldn't correct them. Then I changed to a "true" pro. Eever since I'm with him, my handicap has got down each year about 4 strokes.

What I mean is, if you think your father knows the golf swing pretty well, stay with him. If the other guy knows the movement better, change.

[hawkeye]

It can be a good idea to divide your game up as stated above.

I am working with my club pro on my swing - mechanics, posture, grip etc. - about once a month. It's handy because I see him weekly, play a few holes with him (for free) and he picks up some stuff I miss.

I also get lessons with the National Coach as part of my college programme - this guy is awesome.... I work on "everything else" with him - short game, putting, mental side, course management (the IMPORTANT STUFF). This guy charges 3/4 times what my club pro charges - when my course finishes I will still go to see him (and pay this time!)

I have so far been careful not to double up on anything - The college guy is not very technical in his teaching and I like it that way.

Lessons over a season would be ideal - any pro/scratch golfer i've spoken to has said that to me - it can take a while to develop - playing off 1.2 at 16 you must be very talented - so perhaps seek the advice of the pro himself and see what he would recommend. Ask him what programme he would advise you to do.