One great thing about golf is that there are people that can teach the game. One bad thing about golf is that there are people that Think they can teach the game.
The Good from the Bad
How do you determine who can or can’t….that is the question. I feel that I’m qualified to give you the answers you seek. I have been lucky to be taught by some of the best professionals in the area. I have watched the best, studied the best and copied the best. So I have a list, its not perfect, its not complete, but it will help you find the type of teacher that can IMPROVE your game. Those second set of eyes that; through training and experience, find the fault and provide ways to correct it.
The Price Myth
People often ask me if the rate a Professional charges is equitable to the level of instruction….my answer is no. I’ve paid $200 for a lesson (names withheld to protect the innocent) that got me absolutely nothing…nada…worst experience ever. I have also paid for a $20 lesson that I would have gladly paid $60-80 for. Pure gold, plenty of ideas, thoughts, drills. So don’t get stuck on the price of the Lesson, rather the experience, the communication, the planting of a process.
Are Good Teachers also Good Players
Yes. Is it a steadfast rule?…no. I believe that you need to be able to play the game at a level in which perfection (that means PAR) is in your bag if you teach. Now can some of the best teachers still say they can do that? Well no…but at one time they could. I have yet to meet a Top Level Instructor that couldn’t break 80 on their best day. It’s the whole teach a man to fish parable. But the most important quality I look for is can they communicate, can they relate to the experience that I am trying to achieve. If you struggle to break 100 for 18 holes, then by all means go to some dude that can shot 85 day in and day out to get some advice. But to limit yourself, by accepting mediocrity in your Instructors ability, is a flaw that can be fixed.
So how do I start?
Check out the Sports Section in the Tribune on a Tuesday. Most Illinois PGA events are on a Monday. Look for the scores. Anything below 81 means they can play…50% of their game was perfection (PAR). I suggest that you also ask the best players in your clubs handicap system who they go to. The idea is to find someone that can guide you (well this website will do it too, but sometimes it helps to ask those you see at the course) to reach your goals. Call the Professional and sign up for a lesson. Yep just one…If it goes well, you feel comfortable, something clicks in the brain, then sign up for a series. If you didn’t connect, that is ok, move on and find another Instructor and repeat as necessary.
The List (No special order) of PGA Professionals I recommend
- Andy Krajewski
- Marty Schiene
- Lou Solarte
- Brian King
- Jason Hyatt
- Michael Lyzun
- Joe Sterr
- Billy Klemz
- Michael Wenzel
- Jeff Pajula
- Dan Kochevar
- Chad Johansen
- Dennis Troy
- Mike Troy
- Gary Pinns
- Jim Suttie
- Kevin Weeks
- Connie DeMattia
- Rich Dukelow
- Kyle Rich
- Visanu Tongwarin
- Jason Shook
I did not place many Private Club Professionals, mostly due to the fact that they are not usually accessible to the public. There are many great teachers of the game working at private facilities (partly because of their teaching abilities).
