PGA Pro = Decent Instructor?

[LankyLefty]

Is this a safe assumption. I'm not looking for miracles I don't need the best instructor in the USA I need someone who can look at my swing tell me what is fundamentally wrong with it and give me some drills to fix the worst of it with. Is it safe to assume that any given PGA Pro is capable of this?

Also has anyone heard of the USGTF (US Golf Teacher Federation) are they reputable? Or will they hand out a certification to anyone who fork over the cash?

[newtogolf]

I don't think a certification in anything equates to being good or decent.  Certification typically means a person meets the minimum requirements required, but doesn't give any insight into the amount these requirements were exceeded.  It's like the old joke that someone is currently being operated on by a brain surgeon that graduated last in his class.

Personal reference is usually the best way to find an instructor, but I'd suggest you interview a few if not to test their knowledge, at least make sure their personality is compatible with yours.

[nevets88]

Yeah, certification doesn't necessarily mean better. It definitely means someone is willing to work harder but I have no idea how effective the program is. I've taken lessons from certified instructors and some were good, some were poor. There are very good instructors who have no certification at all.

[Shindig]

All other things being equal, a PGA member is probably better than a non-member, in large part because they must have demonstrated an ability to play (not that that makes them a good teacher) and have taken some classes on how to teach.

That having been said, recommendations from friends are always good to seek, or watch a lesson.  More importantly, try to find out if he knows his stuff, because it can affect the quality of advice you get.

[MiniBlueDragon]

Being able to do something does not mean you are able to teach it.

[iacas]

I'm in the PGA. I'm an apprentice, and very little time is spent (thank goodness) on instruction.

Why "thank goodness"? Because they'd probably tell me a bunch of crap that's either wrong or poor, and I think I've become a better instructor by working with Dave Wedzik. Period.

You don't have to be that good to shoot a pair of 77s in the PAT for the PGA. You can't suck (one guy we played with shot two mid-90s scores) but you don't have to be awesome either.

The USGTF is far more "they'll certify anyone who forks over the money."

All things equal, as someone else said, a PGA member is the better choice.

But as others also said plenty of people who are great aren't in the PGA. Chuck Evans springs to mind. Or James, with whom I work each day... so I wouldn't give it a ton of weight (the PGA would probably not appreciate me saying that... :-P).

[nevets88]

The moral is it's hard finding good help.