Playing Lessons & Group Classes

One of the best ways I can spend quality time with students is on the golf course. Each year I've learned something new about my business and how to best serve players and myself. In the coming year I plan on transitioning to a business model that prioritizes lessons on the golf course & also group classes. What would that look like you might wonder?

Typical Playing Lesson:

1. Select a comfortable golf course. (Ideally one with a driving range)

2. Schedule a tee time that allows you to arrive 30 minutes beforehand.

3. 9 Holes Walking or Riding. (Ideally Walking)

4. Decide whether or not you want me to play or walk along. (Students would be responsible for my greens fee)

5. Talk through situations on the golf course such as Shot Selection, Wind Direction, Yardages, Bunker Technique, Uneven Lies, Green Reading, Short Game, Scoring Strategy & Psychology, Tracking Stats, etc.

6. Close with recommended practice based on the round.

There's a common disconnect between swing lessons and shot execution on the golf course that I hear from students. Part of this reality stems from lack of consequences during practice vs playing, and grass vs turf. When you play you have one opportunity to hit a golf shot. When you practice you have the opportunity to simply hit the same shot over and over. The primary purpose of practice is to focus on the swing that you will trust on the golf course. The potential problem that can arise is that when you play, the golf course is mostly uneven which forces us to make adjustments and adapt. It's imperative that players understand that it's okay to have misses. Golf is a multifaceted game that requires attention on the bigger picture. It's okay to grind out a par or a bogey.

For me to continue coaching, I need to be more physically active in general which is significant motivation for this change. Showing up early allows time to focus on 1 or 2 swing elements. Because of this change, I will only be able to do about 2 Playing Lessons on average per work day. My plan to work on other swing fundamentals and short game technique is to offer small group classes of 4 to 5 players. Classes would have titles like "Driver Fundamentals, Putting Class, Short Game Fundamentals, etc."

Emergency private swing lessons will still be offered if necessary, but will probably be 45 Minutes at the most, instead of an hour. During the winter months, when playing is not an option, I am willing to meet with students to work on full swing technique.

My goal overall is to spend more time on the golf course to see students in action , focus on the playing aspect of the game while talking through fundamentals, and simply enjoying more quality time on the golf course. This also gives me more flexibility to meet students at their local golf course.

Feel free to reach out with any questions regarding these changes. My goal is to play a disgusting amount of golf going forward so I will probably schedule more tee times on my own and send out notifications for whoever would like to join. I do prefer to walk when I play so I would consider investing in a pull cart to make the walk more comfortable and enjoyable.