| THE
FIVE LINKS IN THE
Chain
of Learning Golf
By
Marty Delohery
USGTF Examiner
As
golf teaching professionals, we encounter students who have
either reasonable or unreasonable expectations as to what
golf lessons can provide them. Happily, most of our students
have a grasp as to their limitations. For those who do not,
I believe an introduction to “the five links in the chain
of learning golf” can be of great help both to the student
and the golf professional.
Link
#1
On a scale of 1-20, rate yourself as to your golf athleticism
(20 being tour pro)
Link
#2
On a scale of 1-20, rate yourself as to your motivation to
improve your skills.
Link
#3
On a scale of 1-20, rate yourself as to your ability to listen
and accept new ideas. Resistance to change must be scored
low.
Link
#4
On
a scale of 1-20, rate yourself as to the amount of time and
money you have to make a commitment to acquiring those skills.
As we know, golf can be an expensive pursuit.
Link
#5
On a scale of 1-20, rate yourself as an instructor of golf.
Since
the student holds four of the five links, it puts into proper
perspective the relative strengths or weaknesses, which they
bring to the process of acquiring golf skills. This is an
important first step for the student who possesses unreasonable
expectations.
To
the majority of students possessing reasonable expectations,
this approach provides the golf professional a means of applauding
and encouraging the progress a student makes. They need and
deserve the credit for improvement since they hold four of
the five links.
Everyone
is aware that if there is a weak link, the chain will break.
The golf teaching professional must do everything that they
can to avoid being the weak link. Remain current! Stay up
to date on rules, equipment, teaching techniques, and playability.
Upgrade your own USGTF certification. I wish you all happy
and successful teaching.
|
2003
Australian Golf Teachers Federation