The Triangle to Better Golf

Quality Instruction
The first in a series of three articles

The diagram illustrates the basic components that I believe are needed in order for someone to make significant and lasting improvements in their golf game.

Although the equal length of each side of the triangle would seem to indicate an equal importance to each component, that is not necessarily the case. Just as there are triangles with different length sides, each individual needs to determine the importance of each component at any given point in time. Early in the season the mix may start out being weighted towards instruction and practice with only a small amount of play on the course, while later in the season it may shift to being weighted towards practice and playing with a "maintenance" lesson thrown in for good measure, to keep the swing flowing smoothly. No matter what weight you give to each component it is important to understand that each one has a roll to play if your going to be successful in improving your game.

I'm sure there are many qualities I am leaving out, but the four most important factors in my mind, when assessing the quality of a golf instructor would be as follows:

 COMMUNICATION SKILLS

The ability to communicate is the single most important component in quality instruction. Although we normally think only in terms of verbal communication, for golf I believe you need to break it down further, into three distinct areas: Verbal, Visual and Tactile.

 Verbally - The instructor should be able to speak clearly, concisely, and have the ability to convey all the necessary information to match the understanding and ability level of the student. Also, they should be able to provide context for a concept, so the student can understand why the concept is important and how it fits into the bigger picture.

 Visually - The instructor should not only be able to demonstrate the physical motions, but should also have the ability to execute specific shots so you can see the result you are striving for.

 Tactilely - The instructor should be able to direct your movements effectively by using direct contact with the hands or through the use of a teaching aid.

 I feel the visual and tactile aspects of communication play an important role and should not be discounted when searching for a quality instructor for a physical activity like golf.

 KNOWLEDGE OF THE SUBJECT

There are many theories out there on how to swing the golf club properly. How can they all be correct? Well, they can't, but they're not all wrong either. It depends on the ability of the student. Most instructors will have a preference for teaching a particular swing theory, usually because it validates how they themselves swing the golf club, but a quality instructor will have knowledge of many different swing theories and be able and willing to adapt their understanding of those theories to whatever the student may need. In my opinion, there is not a specific right or wrong way to swing the golf club. There is a swing that will work the best for you, and helping you find it is the goal.

 PATIENCE AND EMPATHY

The instructor must possess an abundance of patience. This is also an important requirement of the student, but that's a topic for another day! The instructor must understand that each student learns at a different pace and will have varying degrees of flexibility and coordination. A quality instructor can relate to the trials and tribulations that their students are going through and communicate their understanding that playing the sport can be challenging. A quality instructor will feel the joy of the good shots and the regret of the bad shots right along with the student.

 A STUDENT CENTERED PHILOSOPHY

To me a teaching philosophy embodies reason for teaching. The philosophy of a quality instructor should have the students success as a priority. Enthusiasm and concern for your success should be on evident.

 That's it. The four basic qualities which, in my opinion, make up the framework of all quality instructors. There are a host of other attributes which you may, or may not, deem to be beneficial such as teaching experience, the instructors playing ability, or the use of the latest technology or teaching aids, but by themselves they do not make for quality instruction, they are merely supporting elements.

Follow the links below to the other articles in this series

Quality Practice - the second in the series of three articles

Practice on the Course - the third in the series of three articles

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