If you need help with golf, one of the best things you can do is book a lesson with a professional coach. With so many instructors available, it’s difficult to know who to pick. This article will give you all the information you need to find the right golf instructor for your needs.
Figure out which area needs work
Whether you have a specific weak point or your whole game needs help, understanding which area to target is an excellent place to start.
Many golf coaches specialize in a certain area of the game. Some will be extremely knowledgeable when it comes to short game, while others may specialise in helping people get distance off the tee.
If you want a coach to help you fix a specific part of your game, working with a specialist is a great idea. Alternatively, if you need help in a few different areas, a well-rounded instructor would be a better option.
Research golf instructors
Now that you know which area to focus on, you can start looking for a coach to help fix your problems. Here are a few ways that you can find a good golf coach:
Word of mouth
If you have a good golf coach in your area, a great way to find out about them is through other people. Whether you’ve got a regular four-ball or you play with strangers, ask the people that you play golf with for a coaching recommendation.
Don’t jump for a lesson with the first coach that gets mentioned, ask enough people to get a few different options and if the same name comes up a few times it’s probably a good sign.
Testimonials: A Great Way To Find A Good Golf Instructor
An easier way to get a golf coach recommendation is by reading testimonials from other golfers online.
Platforms like Skillest allow you to search through a number of coaches and read reviews from people who’ve had lessons with them. Let’s take a look at how you can use Skillest to find a good golf coach.
Simply head over to the Skillest website and search for the type of coach that you’re looking for. In this case, we’ve searched for swing speed coaches.
Click the coaches profile that you’re interested in and you’ll be able to read reviews from their students as seen below:
All of the coaches on the Skillest platform offer online lessons. So, if you find a coach that you like the look of you’ll be able to book a lesson with them irrespective of your location. Check out this useful guide to find out more about how the Skillest platform works.
Search Google
Using a search engine like Google is a good way to help you find a local coach. You’ll be able to see which coaches are near you and learn more about them and the service they offer.
At a Golf Club
You will be able to find good instructors at golf clubs near you. The only problem with booking golf lessons directly is that you don’t get to read any reviews beforehand. You find out how good the instructor is after you’ve paid for your lesson.
Their qualifications & certifications
Make sure that you look for a coach that’s PGA qualified. A PGA-qualified coach has been vetted by the Professional Golf Association, which gives students peace of mind when booking lessons.
If you’re looking for a specialist coach, it’s worth checking if they have any additional certifications that can help during your lessons. An example of this would be looking for a putting coach that is certified in AimPoint, a specialist technique that helps you read greens.
Their coaching style
People have preferred ways of learning and coaches will adopt different philosophies for teaching students. If somebody recommends a coach, make sure you ask about their coaching style. Alternatively, you can use a platform like Skillest to read through reviews of the coach and get an understanding of their teaching methods.
Their playing ability
Plenty of golf coaches know the theory behind the technique in golf, but investing in a coach that plays as well as they talk can be a huge help. A coach who’s played at a high level will be able to help you with the mental side of the game and relate to many of the issues you face as a golfer.
The facilities
If you’re looking for a face-to-face coach make sure that you check out which facilities the coach has available for you to use. You might find that you want a coach with certain facilities such as a putting lab or a launch monitor. You can check the professional’s website or query this before booking a lesson.
Reach out to the instructor
Once you’ve found an instructor, reach out to learn more about them. You can find out their availability, how much they charge and more about their coaching style as a final step before deciding whether to book a lesson.
If you’ve found a golf instructor through word of mouth or the internet, you’ll probably have to get in touch with them over the phone. If you find a coach using an online platform such as Skillest, it’s as simple as sending them a message in the app and waiting for their response.
If you like what they have to say, the next step is to book your golf lesson.
Commit to the lessons
Whether you book a single golf lesson or a series of lessons the most important thing is that you commit to what your instructor tells you. It’s easy to see regression at first and move back into your old habits. However, sticking with the advice that your coach gives to you is key to helping you become a better golfer.
If you’re looking for a simple way to find a good golf instructor, you might be interested in the Skillest platform. The subscription model allows you to book golf lessons cost-effectively, with access to dedicated instructors all over the world.
To learn more about the Skillest platform and find a golf coach click here.