I would like to relay some interesting points. First, good golf coaches are tough to find and the good ones are way to expensive for the average player. Also, most of the top guys never have enough time and they refer you to an assistant...
The CPGA is working hard at developing a much better Coaching and Teaching Program for us golf professionals in Canada. However, education and having an open mind to new research are integral parts of becoming a great coach, I believe experience and great influential persons around you are just as important. Through my career as a golfer, I've always had encouraging and supporting people around me. Early in my playing days, I learned a lot from my father whom was a low handicap golfer, historian of the game, and a person that believed in honesty, integrity, and etiquette in the game. He taught me the fundamentals and I can remember he always made sure I was playing by the rules and obeying the etiquette of the game. As I grew older and started to become a top player around the club, many of the members taught me about respect, camaraderie, and having fun. I will never forget those individuals at the club and they will always stay dear to my heart.
As I turned professional I truly realized I couldn't progress any further in the pro ranks without seeking a great coach. I gained lots of experience through my competitive playing and learned the most through my highest peaks and lowest lows. I truly learned how to play the game through my own trials and errors. However, I was still missing something and needed a coach. In 2006, I found Steve Chapman, a former tour player and golf coach of many years, and have been working with him ever since. Through Steve, I have met Dr. Sean Fletch and Bruce Howard. Dr. Fletch introduced me to the world of golf fitness and biomechanics while Bruce Howard has been a great coach for me in the science of putting and short game. These great coaches have made me a better person, player, and young coach to others.
My advice when searching for a coach is to make sure that they have the appropriate education, but pay attention to their background. Both playing and influences. See where they came from, who they've worked with or for, and how much playing experience they have. A good coach will eagerly meet with you and should answer all your questions openly and honestly. They should make you feel like a friend and push you to your limits. He will not give up until you have achieved all your goals. He will have a long term plan and not a short term fix. Believe in him, but also be open. Challenge him with questions and keep him on his feet. He will appreciate it, and will love it.
As I turned professional I truly realized I couldn't progress any further in the pro ranks without seeking a great coach. I gained lots of experience through my competitive playing and learned the most through my highest peaks and lowest lows. I truly learned how to play the game through my own trials and errors. However, I was still missing something and needed a coach. In 2006, I found Steve Chapman, a former tour player and golf coach of many years, and have been working with him ever since. Through Steve, I have met Dr. Sean Fletch and Bruce Howard. Dr. Fletch introduced me to the world of golf fitness and biomechanics while Bruce Howard has been a great coach for me in the science of putting and short game. These great coaches have made me a better person, player, and young coach to others.
My advice when searching for a coach is to make sure that they have the appropriate education, but pay attention to their background. Both playing and influences. See where they came from, who they've worked with or for, and how much playing experience they have. A good coach will eagerly meet with you and should answer all your questions openly and honestly. They should make you feel like a friend and push you to your limits. He will not give up until you have achieved all your goals. He will have a long term plan and not a short term fix. Believe in him, but also be open. Challenge him with questions and keep him on his feet. He will appreciate it, and will love it.
