Lessons from a Pro that...

[CG031]

Would you guys take lessons from a Pro that:

A. You can beat.
B. Has an iffy looking swing himself, not that smooth, etc.

I am probably going to end up getting a lesson with a guy that posses at least one of these qualities. He can probably beat me, but I've seen his swing and mine and mine appears to be a lot smoother and in better positions, but he's still a pro so I'm going to take lessons.

Would that bother you guys if his swing wasn't very good (for a lesson-giving pro standard) and what he shot on the course?

[jonnythan]

Pros take lessons from guys they can beat ;)

[wedge player]

Would you guys take lessons from a Pro that:

just bercause he cant do it dont mean he cant get you to do it and besides who you think has a better swing and positions?tiger or hank?phil or butch? just because you acan beat them or your swing looks better doesent mean anything

[chspeed]

There is a huge difference between a PGA tour player beating his swing coach and an 11 handicapper looking for an instructor.

If a local pro doesn't have a very good swing, and can barely beat an 11 handicapper, I would find another pro. Most are quite a bit better than that.

[itzzzberny]

Would you guys take lessons from a Pro that:

as long as he's not trying to get you to swing like him, i wouldn't worry that much. gotta remember the quote.

"Those who can, do.Those who can't, teach"

[Eeryck]

Would you guys take lessons from a Pro that:

If the "pro" is a PGA pro then he had to play a player apptitude test. IIRC you have to be something like a 2.x index to pass that test. Can't find the link at the moment though.

Regards, -E

[right handed phil mickelson]

Would you guys take lessons from a Pro that:

Just because you don't have the right swing, doesn't mean you don't know what it looks like. Knowing something and doing it are two different things. I'd go with the guy who has the iffy looking swing. Why take lessons from someone who you can beat? Thats like me giving Shaq advice on free-throws. Which, A. I'm horrible at free throws, and B. He's never going to get any better anyways. Good luck! ~RHPM

[wedge player]

If the "pro" is a PGA pro then he had to play a player apptitude test. IIRC you have to be something like a 2.x index to pass that test. Can't find the link at the moment though.

ive looked into it before you have to be able to play to at least a 10

[iacas]

If the "pro" is a PGA pro then he had to play a player apptitude test. IIRC you have to be something like a 2.x index to pass that test. Can't find the link at the moment though.

I think they try to shoot about 156-158 over two rounds. Within 15 of the course rating (x2).

And you only have to pass it once. Not every good teacher can necessarily play. My wife could have probably beat Harvey Penick towards the end of his life, but he was still one of the top teachers around. Admittedly, his issues were more age-related, but it still holds true. A lot of the best teachers never get time to work on their own games.

[CG031]

Yeah, I guess you guys are right. The guy can probably beat me, it's just I've seen him play and hit on the range and I wasn't too impressed with his ballstriking, so it makes you "iffy" about whether to take instruction from him.

I guess I was spoiled with how good my last teacher was. He set the course record with a 63 at a pretty tough country club near me. And he could play righty (low 80's), and lefty (usually in the low 70's).

[HSip]

Yeah, I guess you guys are right. The guy can probably beat me, it's just I've seen him play and hit on the range and I wasn't too impressed with his ballstriking, so it makes you "iffy" about whether to take instruction from him.

You'll have to trust that the instruction will work. If you can't "let go" of your perception of his game/swing and remember, that you're working on your game/swing, then save your money or find another pro. Good luck

[whip_it_out]

Butch Harmon's swing is nothing to drool over, but I'd definitely pay to have him look at my swing

[Cooker]

A lot of the best teachers never get time to work on their own games.

Very good point... I know my instructor is an awesome golfer, he plays one round a week and it's usually with a student...