Golf is notoriously difficult. Even players with years of experience can find themselves inexplicably struggling, and maintaining any kind of consistency can prove nigh on impossible.
Whether you’re just learning the game or a 20-year veteran, one of the best ways to improve is by getting some expert advice and guidance. A golf coach can spot things in your game immediately, helping you identify bad habits and take steps to remove them from your game. Below takes a closer look at why you might need a golf coach and how to find the perfect teacher for you.
If you’re a beginner
Golf can be punishing for beginners. The game is so tricky that many newcomers find themselves quitting before they’ve really given it a chance, feeling like they’re never going to able to make any kind of progress.
While becoming a pro golfer is one of the most difficult sporting career paths out there, learning how to hit the ball consistently is easier than you might think. All it takes is technique and practice. While practice can be done by yourself at the range or on the course, getting a golf coach is the only way to understand and get a grip on the proper technique.
As a beginner, getting lessons from a golf coach will give you the foundations – knowledge, technique, and etiquette to build upon, making the game more enjoyable through seeing positive results.
If you want to take your game to the next level
If you’re past the beginner stage but still consider yourself something of a novice, it can be difficult to go beyond a certain point and really start to see any type of improvement. You might find yourself good with the driver but hopeless with the irons, or adept on the green but consistently missing fairways.
In this case, advice from a professional can prove invaluable. A golf coach can identify and tone these areas of your game, and by practicing these changes improvements will happen and you’ll see real progress and your scores will come down.
Many golfers believe there is no need of a coach but all the top players have one!
Golf is all about fine margins. A millimetre difference in your grip or your stance can be the difference between a 300-yard drive down the fairway or slicing it right out of bounds.
As you play for longer, you might lose your concentration, focus and become engrossed in just playing round after round seeing bad habits creep into your game. Without realising, your performance and scores will suffer and you might be scratching your head wondering why.
This can be incredibly frustrating and can make you feel like all your progress has been for nothing. Before you throw away your clubs in despair, consider seeking guidance from a golf coach. No matter how long you’ve been playing, getting your game analysed by a professional is one of the best ways to iron out any mistakes and get you back on track quickly. You’ll be amazed at how fast this can improve your game.
So, now that you know why you might need a golf coach and how important lessons can be, how can you find the right golf coach for you? Let’s find out.
Get recommendations
Golf is incredibly popular, according to research from the R&A, around 5.2 million people played golf in the UK in 2020. Given these incredible numbers, it will come as no surprise to learn that golf teachers are in high demand.
If you’re looking for a golf coach, ask around for recommendations. If you play at a club or visit the driving range, ask the staff there. They will definitely be able to give you some names of reputable teachers.
Think about price and location
Our modern lives are busier than ever. It can be difficult to find the time for any hobby, let alone one that requires as much time and practice as golf. When looking for a golf coach, it’s important to get one that is local. This will make it much easier to fit your lessons around your schedule.
Golf lessons can be expensive too. Draw up a list of local teachers and compare their prices, reviews and coaching areas. This will ensure you don’t go over budget when booking a golf coach.
Book one lesson first
Golf lessons are highly personal, you’ll be receiving one-on-one tuition, diving deep into your game. The chemistry between you and your goal coach is incredibly important. A good rapport will ensure you get the most from your lessons making it more enjoyable.
When booking a golf coach, start out with just one initial lesson. This way, you’ll be able to see how the two of you gel before making a decision to move forward and book more.
Conclusion
Taking lessons from a golf coach can be a fantastic way to improve your game and reduce your scores. Use this guide to learn why you might need one and what tips to consider when finding your perfect golf coach for you.
