Resume & References • Golf Shop Operations • Merchandising • Tournaments Teaching • Ladies & Juniors
Teaching Teaching the game of golf is imperative at any club and in any location. It is the way that we as professionals can grow the game of golf. How the game is taught, communicated and portrayed can either make or break the future of golf. It is the responsibility of any golf professional to promote the game of golf and to teach lessons or clinics in a means of growing the game. Steps to Successfully Teach: 1. Understand your client (Talk with them) 2. Know their goals and objectives for the lesson and the game of golf 3. Set achievable goals 4. Understand their physique and limitations (Administer various assessments and measurements to understand how THEIR body works) 5. Observe their swing and ball flight 6. Take the appropriate actions to improve their swing (Use of drills and training aids can assist and speed up the learning process for swing changes) 7. Keep communication direct and simple, appreciate silence (Often a player can learn or feel the changes on their own if let them or get out of the way) 8. Set a schedule of lessons and practice session to work toward their goals. 9. Follow-up is key (Sending an email or making notes as a reminder of what you are working on.) Philosophy It is my goal to understand my client from top to bottom. In the first appointment I will speak with the client and understand their short term and long term goals. I want to understand what they hope to gain from the experience and where they want to take their game to. From there I will go through various assessments, measuring physical limitations and flexibility. This will help me to gauge and understand their body movements. The next step is to watch their swing and break down how they are moving and what is causing the dissatisfaction with the current state of the swing. We can work together to set up a routine built on practice sessions, physical exercises and lessons to get the client to where they want to be. Break It Down: • I believe the swing should focus more on the larger muscles (We want to make sure the swing is replicable and a routine, so every swing feels the same) • Each person is built differently and has a unique body style. My goal is to work with your swing; not to fit you into a set swing type or style. • The most important piece is communicating in a way that best fits the client; ensuring they can feel and see the difference in where we want to go from where we are currently. Essentials The basics are always a good place to start; grip, posture, aim, ball position, set-up, etc. That is the first place I like to start. If the set-up is off then we cannot expect the swing to work. The client must be in an athletic stance promoting good movement within the swing. Balance is an underrated piece of the swing that has a huge impact on the outcome. Lesson Schedule Policy • It is extremely important for members to have access to professionals for lessons. The shop will strive to have lessons booked in advance; yet I will strive to have a staff equipped for walk-ins. (I find that making the staff available to the membership is the main reason we are here, it is our goal to provide a service whenever possible.) • I believe in a shared lesson book for all professionals. This will help us to track hours of availability and note when events are going on, etc. (The expectation will be that professionals should not double book lessons, unless they are certain there is coverage for the shop at the designated time.) • It is important that as a staff we offer a variety of teaching styles; playing lessons, individual lessons, clinics. • Be prompt and mentally prepared for the lesson. 1. Review notes from previous lesson, have the member’s clubs ready for the lesson. 2. Have all teaching aids, an adequate supply of balls, video equipment, pictures, etc. Scheduling When booking all information should be recorded: 1. The students full name (spelled correctly) 2. Telephone number 3. E-mail address 4. Staff should note any special needs for the lesson (video, lesson type, course management, teaching aids) Promotion 1. Playing golf with members is a great way to advertise lessons. 2. Remain accessible. 3. Offer different types of lessons: a. Individual lessons b. Clinics & small groups c. Swing technology and video d. Playing lessons 4. Lesson packages 5. Teach a variety of clients 6. Offer interest in members and their games. 7. Be present on the range and in practice facility areas 8. Practice your own game, show initiative to improve your skill set.
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