Jeff Gibson

I am actually trying to work with USF to include golf classes in their business masters program. I teach the golf classes at USF on the side. It is a lot of fun, good money, and a lot of new contacts. Business and golf really do go together. Big business is done on the course - thats what my dad always told me. I have also thought about reaching out to a few local businesses that have company tournaments and pitching them a company clinic, at a reduced price,on a Saturday or something. I would think people in the business world would be wanting to get involved in it.

Thats a great point - most players do not recognize that a great instructor knows that there are more than one way to teach a golf swing! If it works for you - it works for me! Getting that across in the first lesson is a priority for me. I want you to see results, not make your swing look like Tiger. Realistically, most players do have a few swing flaws to work on, but just one at a time. So would you say you would be interested in hearing more about his philosophy before taking a lesson? Maybe through a video or seminar?

Free clinics and lessons are a good start - but in a college town it is hard to convince hardworking student to pay (what is realisically a decent price) for a private lessons. Clinics are the way to go. Our Junior Clinic averages about 10 on Saturday mornings for only 20 bucks, and a beginners clinic for the same averages about 6. Our biggest money maker at our old location was ladies clinics - but in Tampa, alot of mom's work and could only do it late in the afternoon - so most will not commit. I have been in this business of teaching for years and years - and I feel like I am still learning.

This is a normal part of golf - not that it is ok by any means. Our skins game here at the club consist of guys who actually play to their handicap. If a newcomer wants to play, and tells us they are a 3, we merely say ok, we will see. Another thing I see often, is alot of junior and college players here in Tampa might fudge their handicap to be able to play in qualifiers, etc. Although why you must be a certain handicap to try to qualify is beyond me... anyone can have an amazing day and make it. Its not like a 12 handicapper shooting 75 is unheard of...

Ugh I hate cheaters. Once a cheater - always a cheater. This man might just think it is all in fun, and might not even realize the nickname he has been given. Maybe consider speaking to him about it before the round, a day or so before, privately of course. Simply say that although you are sure his morals are intact, there have been rumors going around that he cheats. And that you do not want these rumors to persist. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, walk up to him on the first tee, shake his hand, look him in the eye, and say "I am looking forward to a fair round today - hopefully you are as well" If you see him doing something - immeadiately call him out. Don't be embarassed to follow him around - chances are you will spook him so bad he will be scared to do it! :)

Hey everyone, I am new to the forum. I was looking for a good site for golf related ideas and questions and it led me here! I am happy to participate and lend an ear (and comment) to anyone that has anything to ask an old pro. It is also a way for me to get to know the common golfing population, and what you all REALLY want from your teaching professionals. So I guess my question is, what is your stance on paying for private lessons from certified teaching professionals? No feeling will be hurt on my end - I am merely curious as to what I could do to help my academy thrive in the community I am in (a college town - USF). What might convince the skeptics out there to try out a lesson or two? Or attend a beginner's clinic? I understand that the majority of player's are weekend, just for fun types. But what might motivate these higher handicappers to come out for clinics, etc? Any ideas for marketing or community outreach are appreciated. And no, I am not trying to spam. If you want us professionals to do things different, now is the time to let us know.

Hemlock, You are completely right! I voted that it is good for the game - only because I think the good outweighs the bad. In my Junior Summer Camps I do not require collar shirts - I only require that the boys tuck in their shirts (thats respectful to the girls in the camp, and the course), wear their hats properly (we are not at a rap concert), and wear sleeves (mostly because of sun protection). As for the adults playing the course... I could care less. Except if their lack of dress leads to misconduct on the course. Everyone in this form that works in the golf business has had to kick out a bunch of college boys in gym shorts and teeshirts for horseplay or distruction to the course. I hate to be stereotypical - but enforcing a dress code keeps out misfits a lot of the time. (yes I understand not all boys wearing gym shorts will misbehave - but you will never catch me dead in shorts while teaching, and I would never let my son or daughter practice or play in gym clothes or casual wear). Golf is a gentlemen's game and should stay that way to some extent. Lax on trhe rules for kids and teens, and enforce only the very worst of them at public courses. To me, wearing a nice golf shirt and slacks shows a respect for the facility and the game.

This is exactly right. Most players that come to me with handicaps between 15-30 need short game work - BADLY. Unfortunately, most only want swing lessons because they do not understand the importance of the "little shots". With some short game work, you could be a much better player. In fact, the difference between amateurs and pros is not ball striking - it short game! Once you get your short game stats up to par (and by that I mean 50 percent up and downs, 30 percent out of the bunker, under 32 putts CONSISTENTLY - or whatever goals you and your pro come up with) THEN you should go, "ok Bob, now that my short game is tight, how else can I improve"? You will also notice that your game will remain solid if and when you decide to make a swing chance. :) As for changing your swing to fit the club - that was a deffinate mistake to us old pro's. But what is done is done. Dance with the gal you brought man.