The line between coaching and teaching
The learning process of golf, when done right, needs to have
both teaching and coaching elements in order to allow for all the
benefits that good instruction can give to your game of golf.
But what is the difference between teaching and coaching?
The line between coaching and teaching
The learning process of golf, when done right, needs to have both teaching and coaching elements in order to allow for all the benefits that good instruction can give to your game of golf.
But what is the difference between teaching and coaching?
Some golf professionals call themselves coaches and some teachers. In this day and age we need to be both.
First, I am both a golf coach (Gavilan College golf team) and a teacher (director of instruction Eagle Ridge GC). Before I can coach a golfer, I need to teach them what to practice to improve. When I am coaching them I need to make sure they are practicing what I have taught them.
Some of the players on my golf team won’t compete in the tournaments until their second year because they need that time to improve. With them, I both teach and coach.
The others I only coach and teach as little as possible to maintain their level of consistency. That doesn’t mean some of them go haywire from time to time and need teaching, but the less teaching the better.
When I start a new student on a series of lessons I am pretty sure that after the second lesson that we are both on the same page as to what and how they need to practice. The next time we get together will not be a lesson but I will be coaching them, making sure they are practicing what we have been working on. If they aren’t I get them back on the path to improvement. This may take from 10 to 20 minutes and does not count as a lesson, and keeps them pointed in the right direction.
Eagle Ridge’s Kids Course is open every Sunday at 3 p.m. for kids 12 and under. Cost is $5 for all the holes you want to play. We provide clubs, balls and tees.
Have any golf related questions? From rules to club fitting you can call me at 408-846-4531 or e-mail me at sk*****@**********gc.com. We are beginning our summer junior golf programs.
We will be offering classes that run from five days a week on down to once a week. So call or e-mail me for details. If you would like to read some of my past tips, you can do so at www.pinnaclenews.com.
And don’t forget, if you’re not having fun playing golf call your local PGA or LPGA instructor, we will help. Golf is more fun when you’re improving. Don’t be afraid to be good.
