I have a dream!!

[G_Mulligan]

Ok guys cards on the table opening myself up to some ridicule here but I am sick of dancing round the subject. I am 29 years old I took up the game 2 years ago and last year I decided to become a golf coach. I enroled in university as I wanted a degree in sports psychology and that is going well with good marks and learning a great deal. What is not going so well is the golf.

I still do not have a handicap. I have definately improved but my problems off the tee are holding me back when playing with members off the whites. I get lessons as regularly as I can but as a student they can be a major drain on already limited funds. The reason I am posting this is that I am sick of keeping things secret. If somebody has seen me play golf I keep quiet about wanting to be a coach. If I tell someone I want to be a coach I keep very quiet about my current golfing ability.

This has started to chip away at my confidence that my goal is even possible and I guess I just wanted to see what other golfers think about the subject.

Hit me with some opinions if you have them please!

 

[PhilTheFragger]

I think that it would be hard to become a respected coach if you didnt have the ability to play the game to a high standard.

What happens when you have to demonstrate a shot, "Hit it like this"....Then shank it into the bushes.

You cant be an unmarried marriage councellor

But then again

" Those who can...DO
"Those who cant... Teach"
"Those who cant Teach.... Teach Teachers"

Good luck

Fragger

 

[timgolfy]

My honest opinion:
You don't need to be a Tour Pro to teach golf. However, if you're hoping to attract customers then you will surely need to demonstrate some golfing ability - ie: Cat I at the very least. Maybe it would then be possible to build a reputation by word of mouth.

I think most people will agree that teaching skills are unique to teaching, so not all good golfers can be good teachers. But it's the credibility issue.

(As an aside, you may want to get yourself a copy of the book The Talent Code which defines new thinking for learning skills and coaching them).

 

[G_Mulligan]

Yeah 100% agree it can't be done with anything but low single figures. I do see things the way Tim does though that teaching is a skill that not all people have. In fact you could say it is harder for naturally gifted people to teach becuase they can do it so naturally and without thought that they can't explain it.

Me, when I get there I will be able to explain every minute process of building a swing from nothing as I will have already done it with myself.

Come on guys still want some more opinions positive or negative I have given plenty these last few months

 

[timgolfy]

Okay - I'll add something more:

Negatives:
Does this mean you'll be competing directly with PGA qualified pros? Are you intending for that qualification? Can you earn enough from this to live on?

Positives:
The most successful people in the world were not handed success on a plate - they earned it through hard graft, forging a niche for themselves. In the golfing world one standout name is Dave Pelz who effectively forced his way into a teaching role by becoming a short game expert. Another modern example is Chuck Quinton of RotarySwing.com who has built a huge client base in theoretical golf alone (I happen to find his information very useful and well worth the $150 annual fee).

In my opinion, it's not a case of ticking the boxes, but drawing your own boxes and have others tick them for you. Break the mould.

 

[fundy]

Its an admirable dream and I wish you well, like many others I think its something many of us would love to try.

I learnt a lot about the coaching side of the game when I was in my teens as a low hcap player who all but lived at the golf club, and still have a decent understanding of the mechanics of a golf swing.

Taking it to the next level sounds a huge jump and it may prove difficult with the approach you are taking (ie not from a playing background as such). It may be worth talking to bob/charlie hopper who are both teaching pros (i think) and they may be able to give you a better idea of what you would have ahead of you to get to the required level.

One thing I would add, I would have no hesitation taking lessons from a pro who was not the best golfer if he was able to fully convey his point without needing to demonstrate it himself. In the lessons I have had over the last 6 mths, I dont think at any point my pro has had to physically demonstrate a point for me, though that may be because I have a good understanding of the swing mechanics (especially my one).

Oh and youve a very captive audience of guinea pigs

 

[G_Mulligan]

hmmm interesting Tim

I do already see myself going down the shortgame and psychological approach. This may just be a teaching focus and style rather than an all or nothing thing like Pelz or Rotella.

Yes I guess I would be competing with PGA professionals and I don't yet know if I will be going for that or a lower level qualification.

 

[ademac]

Firstly I will say all the best to you mate and I sincerely hope you achieve your dream!
However.......
If I'm honest I dont think you will achieve it. I say this because I think you are a bit too old to get that good at golf to be able to teach it.
I know that sounds harsh but it is my honest opinion.
All of the coaches that I have met and would only consider going to for lessons are PGA pro's and have been playing since childhood. I doubt there are many coaches who decide to teach first then learn how to play the game well, its usually the reverse.
As I say though I do sincerely hope you prove me wrong and fair play for having a dream but I think thats all it will ever be.

 

[G_Mulligan]

Firstly I will say all the best to you mate and I sincerely hope you achieve your dream!
However.......
If I'm honest I dont think you will achieve it. I say this because I think you are a bit too old to get that good at golf to be able to teach it.
I know that sounds harsh but it is my honest opinion.
All of the coaches that I have met and would only consider going to for lessons are PGA pro's and have been playing since childhood. I doubt there are many coaches who decide to teach first then learn how to play the game well, its usually the reverse.
As I say though I do sincerely hope you prove me wrong and fair play for having a dream but I think thats all it will ever be.

Thats ok mate don't apologise and it wasn't harsh I asked for opinions good and bad. So what level would you consider a coach had to be for you to be comfortable getting lessons? Scratch or even + figures? Also would you only consider full PGA status or someone with the other available qualifications?

 

[bladeplayer]

1st.. always follow & chase your dream , dont look back in 10 years time & regret that you didnt become a coach because you didnt give it your best .. 2nd & unfortunatly for you mate its is easier to take tips and advice from people who can show you what they are trying to tell you,it gives the student confidence in your teachings. i know some guys will say ledbetter & sean foley & co are not pros & they teach but they can play the shots that they are showing theyr pro,s , they just arent consistent enough to play the shots regulary, or cant handle pressure that goes with tournament ..get the qualification under you belt , get lessons from different pros to see their different aproaches to teaching , communication &shot explination etc .. then work your ass off & achieve your dream mate & the very best of luck with it ..sorry if i sound too negative

 

[G_Mulligan]

I don't think it's possible for a message that starts with "chase your dreams" to be negative I do need to work an awful lot harder than I have been recently though to make them a reality.

 

[ademac]

Firstly I will say all the best to you mate and I sincerely hope you achieve your dream!
However.......
If I'm honest I dont think you will achieve it. I say this because I think you are a bit too old to get that good at golf to be able to teach it.
I know that sounds harsh but it is my honest opinion.
All of the coaches that I have met and would only consider going to for lessons are PGA pro's and have been playing since childhood. I doubt there are many coaches who decide to teach first then learn how to play the game well, its usually the reverse.
As I say though I do sincerely hope you prove me wrong and fair play for having a dream but I think thats all it will ever be.

Thats ok mate don't apologise and it wasn't harsh I asked for opinions good and bad. So what level would you consider a coach had to be for you to be comfortable getting lessons? Scratch or even + figures? Also would you only consider full PGA status or someone with the other
available qualifications?

Personally I would say that anyone that I went to for lessons would have to have full PGA status. There may be a few exceptions to this but I would really have to get to know the person or they would hsve to have a remarkable reputation for me to spend my money on lessons because I would always have a bit of doubt in the back of my mind if I was getting my moneys worth and sound advice.



Also I think whilst you are trying to achieve your dream the pressure to get really good would be so great as there would be so much riding on it that I may prove too much!

 

[G_Mulligan]

Also I think whilst you are trying to achieve your dream the pressure to get really good would be so great as there would be so much riding on it that I may prove too much!

Yes that is something I am worried about and something that I am already experiencing to some extent. I need to keep it fun when I practice and play and cut myself some slack.

 

[Jabba]

I'd say it depends on whether you want to be a sports psychologist or a golf coach. If it's the latter then I don't think it's realistic. If, however, you want to be a sports psychologist then your ability as a psychologist is all that matters.
On recommendations from here I have bought books by Bob Rotella and Dr. Bee Epstein-Shepherd and found them fascinating and helpful but I've no idea if either of them are any good at golf.
When I was lifting competitively I had hit a brick wall on my squat. I went to an elderly female psychologist to help me and it was hugely successful, I knew she couldn't lift or help me with physical technique but that's not why I went to her.
So short answer, Golf coach no, sports psychologist definitely.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

If I was going to be brutally honest, I'd always look for a PGA qualified coach as my go to for lessons and I don't know if you will get to the standard to be a PGA pro. You may prove me wrong. Have you looked at other sides of the game to get involved in other than coaching?

 

[haplesshacker]

Where do I start?

First things first. Can you teach? What I mean is, can you convey a concept to different types of people? As you're probably aware, some punters like to be shown, some like to listen, and some like to watch. It's just that we all liked to be taught in different ways. Sadly some Pros don't get this. So personally I don't care if they're a failed touring Pro that's ended up teaching us how to play as a poor second choice. If they can't teach, their 'skills' are useless as an instructor. I'm sure that just being a Pro, doesn't nesacarily mean that you're a good teacher, it just means you're a good player who's got the ticket. After-all we all have driving licences, but it doesn't mean that everyone 'can' drive!

A good instructor can teach students to a higher level than what the instructor is capable of. A great golfer, but a bad instructor can't. My old man is a physicist, he couldn't teach me anything that would help me through my 'o' level physics and maths.

I would agree that being able to demonstrate every aspect is important, at least 8 or 9 times out of ten. I've had lessons with Pros that certainly don't get 10 out of 10. So why should you, or the punter, worry if it doesn't work everytime.

My own check list for an instructor is their ability at teaching, their understanding of how I like to be taught, (deciding on realistic goals, lesson plans, 'homework', and time / budget), and not just "thanks for the £20!". And humor. Their actual ability comes next.

Folks get too hung up on an individuals ability at the sport, rather than their ability to teach and their understanding of the mechanics.

PS.

This is by no means a 'dig' at Pros, more a dig at who we consider worthy of teaching us.

I'm now going to run and hide!!!!

 

[Region3]

I honestly wish you all the best with it.

Maybe someone else can confirm, but I think you have to be off about 4 to take the PGA exams, including passing a playing exam.
If you're not confident you'll progress to that level I think it's a big ask for other people to have faith in you teaching them the swing.

Psychology though is a completely different kettle of fish. The only things I'd be concerned with if I wanted to go down that route is that the teacher had a good positive attitude and conducted himself well. That and qualifications of course, but I don't suppose you need to be good at golf to get those?

 

[bobmac]

I didn't turn pro until I was 44.
I always enjoyed helping people with their swings and after 22 years in the RAF I decided to go for it.

I wasn't really interested in running a pro shop or being Director of Golf at some big resort or even having my own club making business. I just wanted to teach.

I looked into the different ways including the EGTF.

But then there's the issue of WHERE TO TEACH.
I asked around all my local ranges and clubs and WITHOUT EXCEPTION they all would insist on the PGA Qualification.

So, if I followed the EGTF route which involved scoring 83 on a par 72 course, paying £1000 and attending and passing a week's residential course, I would find it very difficult finding somewhere to teach.

When you consider between 250 and 300 people qualify as PGA Pros every year, as an EGTF teacher, you will find it difficult to get started.
Of course, once you're established as a good teacher, people wont care what qualifications you have. It's just getting started.

If I were you, I'd ask around and see if you can find somewhere to teach first, then decide whether you go the short cut EGTF or do the whole 9 yards.

If I had my time again, I'd certainly go the PGA route again.
If you want to know more about the PGA course, pm me.

Which ever way you go, good luck

 

[Swinger]

Personally, I think your mad. Why would anyone want to get seriously involved in this crazy little game is beyond me. If I was teaching new golfers I would feel duty bound to tell them to get out before it's too late.
Even if they do stay in the game most of them are hackers, where is the enjoyment seeing them take your advice and teachings and throw it away because their raking 80yards slice works better, how would that be for job satisfaction.

Your not too old at all though. Don't let anyone tell you that either. Just crazy.

I know people in their 60's off 3, 4 and 5 and 2 of them started in their 50's. They have very tidy short games and great mental approaches.

The one reservation I would have is that to really understand the short game and the mental side of the game you have to have been there. Not playing a great shot one in 100 or getting up and down once when it was important but having no real idea of the shot you were going to play.
You need to know what being good around the greens actually means.

Putting from the rough or 30yards out because you can't 'see' any way of getting on a green isn't moving in the right direction!!

You need to get down the practice ground with some wedges in your hand. Maybe read a book or two but I don't feel that is as important as learning to do it yourself.

That is my only concern about where you are, that and the fact you are mad.

 

[G_Mulligan]

Cheers guys. Yeah I do think I have the ability to be a good teacher it is always something I enjoy when given the chance with training at work or when I used to be an actor I loved going to schools and helping kids put on shows. Yeah I have looked into it and you do need to be off 4 to be a PGA professional. I would look to specialise in the short game and mental aspects of golf as this is what I am good at and what I most enjoy. I do spend a lot of my practise time up on the short game area working on my chipping and pitching.

As much as I love golf it is definately the coaching I want to get into I would not want to work in another area of the sport and if I could not do that I would look to be a coach in another field.

Thanks for all the advice guys and especially to Bob that info should prove very usefull and I think I will contact you at some point for some more help and advice in the future.