What do you expect out of a golf lesson with an instructor?

[NICK S]

What do you expect out of a golf lesson with an instructor?

I am hoping that when I use the term "expect" that your expectations are valid. Asking a golf professional (shop pro) who has just spent the morning folding shirts and building a display may not have the know-how to figure out and meet your learning style to explain why you come over the top the way YOU need to hear it so you change your action.

What kind of information are you excited to hear....
Why you're move doesn't work? How to change it? How nicely you've matched your socks to your visor? Do you want to hear the reasons why - the science behind it - or simply how to change/fix it?

I'm interested to know. I had a lesson today and I knew what I wanted to know so I asked those questions... like things that I'm doing that I don't feel because of My perception. I knew that I would not be advise to make a big swing change since it's "the season", and anyone looking to make a drastic swing change now is in for a long, ball-seaching summer.

Let me know what you think. Going into a lesson with a game plan makes you a little more comfortable when its time to work on your move, and maybe this can help you come up with that plan.

[guitarman]

What do you expect out of a golf lesson with an instructor?

I am hoping that when I use the term "expect" that your expectations are valid. Asking a golf professional (shop pro) who has just spent the morning folding shirts and building a display may not have the know-how to figure out and meet your learning style to explain why you come over the top the way YOU need to hear it so you change your action.

What kind of information are you excited to hear....
Why you're move doesn't work? How to change it? How nicely you've matched your socks to your visor? Do you want to hear the reasons why - the science behind it - or simply how to change/fix it?

I'm interested to know. I had a lesson today and I knew what I wanted to know so I asked those questions... like things that I'm doing that I don't feel because of My perception. I knew that I would not be advise to make a big swing change since it's "the season", and anyone looking to make a drastic swing change now is in for a long, ball-seaching summer.

Let me know what you think. Going into a lesson with a game plan makes you a little more comfortable when its time to work on your move, and maybe this can help you come up with that plan.

When I took lessons this winter my only game plan was to learn the fundamentals so I could hit the ball. Straighter and more consistant. Being a beginner I didn't really know what questions to ask. As I'm now working on getting comfortable with what I learned I think that the next set of lessons I will have more of a game plan in mind. I'll want to know what my flaws are how to correct them and I'll want to know the science behind it. I want to know the technical aspects because that is how I best think. It helps me to analyze what I'm doing as I work it out on the range and course.

[Desi2007]

I think everyone learns differently. I would think the best way is:
1. Learn the proper technique in terms of fundamental (perhaps in slow motion...where your hands/grips/club-head should be in different positions)
2. Learn the feel-how it feels-what to feel
3. Learn what not to do? What is causing a certain problem and why etc.

I think when you fully understand all the different elements, then you can diagnose it yourself if and when you get into same problem again.

[hogannut]

IMO....as a former CGTF instructor, I would say on a first lesson you should expect the following:

1.) That the instructor can identify BOTH the good and the bad aspects of your positoning and swing. Most players will have good and bad aspects of both the "static" positions and the actual swing.

2.) Can communicate to you (the sutudent) what he sees, and explain why it is good or bad. It is really important as an instructor to idnetify both. This is because it gives the student confidence in the instructor, and gives a bit of an ego boost, and confidence goes along way in this game. WHen I taugh, I ALWAYS made sure my students knew what they were doing right, because I didn't want them "messing" with aspects of the swing that were correct.

3.) Make sure you are getting drills to work on in between lessons. Instructors that dont' give drills for "homework" are interested in you booking another lesson, and maybe not as interested in seeing you improve in golf.


My 2 cents worth!!

[Desi2007]

Hogannut excellent points about boosting confidence, giving positive feedback about letting them know what they are doing right and about giving drills. Why you stopped teaching? You seem like you would make great teacher.

[hogannut]

There were a number of reasons why I stopped teaching. First, there is a lot of waiting around between lessons as a golf teacher, and there really is not a lot of money in it. Another reason why I stopped is because I got sick and tired of giving the lesson, the applicable drills for the student to work on for the week (for example) only to find the student did not practice in between lessons, which meant the previous lesson was a waste of time. THat really pi**ed me off because not only was the student really not interested in improving, my reputation was also at stake, and reputation is the ONLY thing that matters as a golf instructor. THat was a huge determining factor, as I am a fairly hard nosed teacher. I expect A LOT from my students, or why bother taking the lessons to begin with, and if you are really interested in improving then do the work. I know people are busy, but if you can't fit in an hour or two in between lessons, then why bother taking them.

I also have coached a lot of kids hockey too, and I always gave the same speech to the kids at the beginning of the year......"it's up to you" whether or not you want to improve. So if you just want to go play and have fun....great, but don't point your finger at me when you don't improve.

I am a self taught player and the MAJORITY of the great players were self taught. In today's sports with the $ involved it is becoming more and more difficult to find self taught players. I still say Lee Trevino would beat most of the modern day players because he was a self taught hussler who got a PGA card. I love his quote....."If I find a teacher who can beat me, then I'll take a lesson, but I haven't yet".

Anyway, I mostly got the CGTF certification because I ran a junior golf camp one summer about 10 years ago and I felt it would be better to have some sort of "credentials". Outside of the summer camp I have mostly taught just friends and family. I don't think I have the patience to teach the average player becuase I really don';t think the average player is willing to do what is necessary to improve.

Most of the peopel who take lessons just want the instructor to hold their hands and show them what to do. That is NOT instructing....it is DEMONSTRATING. The old saying of "catch a fish and he eats for a day, but teach him to fish he eats for a lifetime" is the best example of the way I look at instruction of any kind, and to be honest with you the average player just wants his instructor to catch the fish for him.

[leftintherough]

Hogannut excellent points about boosting confidence, giving positive feedback about letting them know what they are doing right and about giving drills. Why you stopped teaching? You seem like you would make great teacher.

Totally agree! HN made a great post.

Most of the peopel who take lessons just want the instructor to hold their hands and show them what to do. That is NOT instructing....it is DEMONSTRATING. The old saying of "catch a fish and he eats for a day, but teach him to fish he eats for a lifetime" is the best example of the way I look at instruction of any kind, and to be honest with you the average player just wants his instructor to catch the fish for him.

Tell me more, Miyagi-san !!!

[guitarman]

Most of the peopel who take lessons just want the instructor to hold their hands and show them what to do. That is NOT instructing....it is DEMONSTRATING. The old saying of "catch a fish and he eats for a day, but teach him to fish he eats for a lifetime" is the best example of the way I look at instruction of any kind, and to be honest with you the average player just wants his instructor to catch the fish for him.

Exactly why I quit the teaching profession (I.T. instructor.)

[hogannut]

What do you expect out of a golf lesson with an instructor?

I am hoping that when I use the term "expect" that your expectations are valid. Asking a golf professional (shop pro) who has just spent the morning folding shirts and building a display may not have the know-how to figure out and meet your learning style to explain why you come over the top the way YOU need to hear it so you change your action.

What kind of information are you excited to hear....
Why you're move doesn't work? How to change it? How nicely you've matched your socks to your visor? Do you want to hear the reasons why - the science behind it - or simply how to change/fix it?

I'm interested to know. I had a lesson today and I knew what I wanted to know so I asked those questions... like things that I'm doing that I don't feel because of My perception. I knew that I would not be advise to make a big swing change since it's "the season", and anyone looking to make a drastic swing change now is in for a long, ball-seaching summer.

Let me know what you think. Going into a lesson with a game plan makes you a little more comfortable when its time to work on your move, and maybe this can help you come up with that plan.

After reading this again, you are bang on for what you did. If the instructor is good, he will not only appreciate your input, he will embrase it. If I was your teacher I would know that you are serious because you came to the practice tee with some IDEAS, and the hope to improve. That means that you actually THOUGHT about it first.....good for you!!

I could count on 1 hand the amount of students I had that came to their first lesson with your mindset.

What I used to do on first lessons is give a "free" 15 minute evaluation to the student. In reality I was searching to see what kind of 'learner' the person was, so I could figure out the best approach to use for that individual. I would ask them how old they were, what kind of work they did, what other sports did they play (past and present). In fact just a chit-chat to figure out what kind of person I was dealing with. Very little golf talk during that time. I would approach a 25 year man much differently than a 60 year old woman (for example). Or I would approach an accountant differently than a construction worker. Then we would go to the practice area.

Because I took that extra time to figure out what kind of personality I was dealing with I had a better idea how to approach it. There were some aspects that I did the same, the grip being the first and foremost. A poor grip=never improving at golf no matter what.....period. So if the grip was bad that was point #1. Then I carried on by explaining the importance of setting yourself up for success....the "static" positions. No sense in having a Ben Hogan swing if your body points in the wrong direction.

First lessons with me were a lot of talking and very little ball striking...if any. Hopefully if the student was able to work on their static positioning we could start hitting some balls by the 2nd lesson.

One of the things I notice these days with instructors is they want their students to feel like they got their $ worth from the lesson. SO....they throw way to much info at their student to impress with their knowledge. This causes the student to become confused and overwhelemed. When this happens no progress is made and the teacher loses the student anyway.

No more than 3 things per lesson should be conveyed to the student. A really good instructor may even make some notes about their student so that the next time they can refer to what they first saw, because sometimes you forget.

This is why I have always encouraged new players to go get an instruction book and try to establish good fundamentals with the static postions, and when they feel comfortable in their static setup, go ahead and try to hit the shot. Who cares if you hit it crappy at the beginning. I always prefered seeing someone swing the way they interpret and fixing the mechanics from there. However, swing mechanics should NEVER be discussed until the instructor is more or less happy with the students static positions.

My last post....honest!!:hush: :shhh: :eek:

[goshawk]

Hogannut, man are we ever on the same page. The first thing that I do with a new student is to sit and talk with them (off the clock) to find out a whole range of information, since I know nothing about them or their golfing background. How long have they played, what's their average score, what type of course they like to play, have they had lessons before, what do they expect from the lesson(s), how much time do they have to devote to practice, etc. All of this information helps me to adjust my teaching style to them and try to get them to where they want to be by the end of the session(s). If an instructor doesn't do this, he's missing out on a lot of helpful information that will make his job a lot easier.

[swingpure]

What I like about my instructor is that he understands my swing and works with me within the confines of my swing and my potential. When I finish a lesson, I can play better than when I started the lesson. Although we may work on a few different things during the lesson, he always leaves me with one swing thought. He does give me lots of encouragement and praise, but definately lets me know when I am doing something wrong. He is 25 years my junior but we can joke around and relate like friends, but there is no question who is in charge.

I practice a lot and I try hard not to let him down.

[TourIQ]

For my son, I looked for an instructor who would not 'peel the onion' and tell him ALL which is good and bad on the 1st visit. Then its mainly up to him to priortize the order of change and to accept or reject those which do not result in real improvement. I also wanted a new coach every 2 years so he could suck more knowledge out of a different expert. Always kept the no. of lessons to a minimum. Never wanted to hear swing drills, just tell and show him what needs corrected and why. He will figure out how to get there on his own. We never wanted a coach who had to use video analysis to see the faults. He was in charge of his own rate of improvement, not the coach. We also alternated between Technical and Feel coaches, then gravited towards Feel near the end. Now he is a strong Feel player with solid Technique / Mechanics. His last lesson was 4 years ago.

[focal]

my favorite reading on lessons...somewhere in all this I think he's trying to sell something, but the rest of it is really useful information on lessons

"is golf instruction killing your game"
http://www.cegolf.com/

[NICK S]

First lessons with me were a lot of talking and very little ball striking...if any.

I spent the afternoon with an instructor last summer and at one point he was standing on the balls. I expected 30 minutes of his time and got 3 hours of talking about what I thought about the golf swing and how I could see things from a different perspective. I like to learn through analogies and his were awesome. It was more about what my ideas were and not so much on my action. He changed the way I thought about it and therefore changed my move.

I've always been impressed with the guys that can see the cause to the effect. I think its easy to see why the swing has a flaw, but not what actually causes it. Unfortunately people come to lessons to find out what they are doing wrong, so they expect bad news. I like to point out good positions in the setup, like good grips, but its difficult to find out what the player is trying to perfect, or if they do it subconsciously. If its the latter, then they may start to think about doing it and stressing it out of position.
The same goes for good positions that 'just happen' as a result of something in the swing.

I think video is somewhat important in lessons, depending on the person. If you learn by watching then this would be necessary. I also like to demo for these players. But I always caution to video beginners and show them a bad move and have that image in their mind.

I assume that you all meant a private, 1-on-1 format. Does anyone think that they would learn better in a group format? You've got to be comfortable to be ready to change what you think.

[dekker]

I am a very visual oriented learner and I loath weird drills you can't possibly take to the course.I had 3 simple lessons focused on my hands shaping most shots.Knowing that I can comfortably take this to a course was the most inspirational move for my game.

[TourIQ]

I assume that you all meant a private, 1-on-1 format. Does anyone think that they would learn better in a group format? You've got to be comfortable to be ready to change what you think.Hi NICK S

How many lessons do you think a person should get during the golf season, and again during the off-season? Curious what the recommendation interval is.

[hogannut]

I spent the afternoon with an instructor last summer and at one point he was standing on the balls. I expected 30 minutes of his time and got 3 hours of talking about what I thought about the golf swing and how I could see things from a different perspective. I like to learn through analogies and his were awesome. It was more about what my ideas were and not so much on my action. He changed the way I thought about it and therefore changed my move.

I've always been impressed with the guys that can see the cause to the effect. I think its easy to see why the swing has a flaw, but not what actually causes it. Unfortunately people come to lessons to find out what they are doing wrong, so they expect bad news. I like to point out good positions in the setup, like good grips, but its difficult to find out what the player is trying to perfect, or if they do it subconsciously. If its the latter, then they may start to think about doing it and stressing it out of position.
The same goes for good positions that 'just happen' as a result of something in the swing.

I think video is somewhat important in lessons, depending on the person. If you learn by watching then this would be necessary. I also like to demo for these players. But I always caution to video beginners and show them a bad move and have that image in their mind.

I assume that you all meant a private, 1-on-1 format. Does anyone think that they would learn better in a group format? You've got to be comfortable to be ready to change what you think.

Video is by far the biggest change in golf instruction in the last 2 decades. I often wonder if Hogan would have ever watched ANYTING else if he was around nowadays. Video is also an excelent way to determine if the current instructor you are using is competent. If an instructor can't break a video down and show you the key points and angles then I would be suspect of that instructor. Pictures don't lie.

Go to You Tube and type in Adam Scott and you will see his swing broken down with all the applicable angles being shown. As far as technical positions are concerned it doesn't get much better than Adam Scott. EVERY angle and line were "perfect". It was quite amazing to watch.

Also see if you instructor can burn you a disc of your swing and you can go home and obsess about all night!!:eek: :rofl: ;)

[guitarman]

Also see if you instructor can burn you a disc of your swing and you can go home and obsess about all night!!:eek: :rofl: ;)

I like this idea. I never asked my instructor this when I took lessons during the winter.

[focal]

most teachers I start with always ask for my goals at the first lesson. Given that I've transitioned from a few teachers over the past few years due to moving or teachers moving on, I have a fair idea of what works for me. I usually approach lessons with an open mind with clear and realistic goals. I've gathered stats and know which ones are most important for me to improve one (GIR and ups/downs).

There's still a struggle when changes are made. I always UNDERSTAND them, but my habits fight the changes. I am mentally prepared to make those changes and work at them with range practice and on course play

Video is very effective for immediate feedback, but in the end I need to "feel" the changes and it usually doesn't get comfortable until 2 weeks later. That is the reason I like to space my lessons ever 2-3 weeks. Once I start I go the whole season at this interval if major changes are made.

Even when I was happy one season with the swing, I would go for "tune ups" ever 3-4 weeks. it's amazing how many things creep into the swing.

As for practice, if I haven't had a lesson in a while, I rarely work on things at the range. i'll hit a lot of short pitches varying distance, but rarely touch the long game in fear of ingraining a bad habit.

A few teachers have taken notes for me or make me take notes. in hindsight, it's a nice touch but I haven't been as diligent in reviewing those notes.

[TourIQ]

If an instructor can't break a video down and show you the key points and angles then I would be suspect of that instructor. Pictures don't lie.Hi hogannut

What if the person is a 'feel oriented' player and learner? S/he doesn't care to know the angles, and if they are near perfect or not?

I also think a better instructor is one who can do the above in their head with their minds eye [frame-by-frame], and not really need or reply on slow motion photography to see it.

Some of the worst instructors I have seen are the ones who draw all the lines and angles on the computer monitor.

[guitarman]

Hi hogannut

What if the person is a 'feel oriented' player and learner? S/he doesn't care to know the angles, and if they are near perfect or not?

I also think a better instructor is one who can do the above in their head with their minds eye [frame-by-frame], and not really need or reply on slow motion photography to see it.

Some of the worst instructors I have seen are the ones who draw all the lines and angles on the computer monitor.

I benefit much better from having the instructor point out right infront of me while watching the video of me, what my issues are. It doesn't do me as much good if he's got it imprinted in thier minds eye. I can't see it.

[hogannut]

Hi hogannut

What if the person is a 'feel oriented' player and learner? S/he doesn't care to know the angles, and if they are near perfect or not?

I also think a better instructor is one who can do the above in their head with their minds eye [frame-by-frame], and not really need or reply on slow motion photography to see it.

Some of the worst instructors I have seen are the ones who draw all the lines and angles on the computer monitor.

It is the instructors job to determine what kind of student they are dealing with and you are right a "feel" player may not appreciate the technical breakdown as much as "technical" player. However, until the instructor gets to meet their new student they have no idea what kind of "learner" this new student will be. That is why I always would sit down and talk to new students as a first order of business.

Regardless of the type of learner the particulaur student is, the instructor MUST have the ability to assess video in this day in age. Even if the student is 100% feel (and NO student is 100% one way or the other) the instructor does need to address mechanical issues he sees. It is the way he explains it to the student that will determine what kind of communication skills he has.

Communication and the ability to see the breakdowns in the swings are mutually important when teaching golf. If the instructor is not profecient in BOTH of the aspects mentioned above they will not be an effective instructor.

For me anyway if i had a student who was more feel, I would show them the breakdown quickly and NOT spend a lot of time drawing angles and such, but would immediately show them a drill to fix the breakdown, and then get the student to try the drill a couple of times until they could feel the difference between what they were doing and what is correct. I would make sure the student had a total understanding of the drill and then ask them to go practice it.

The following lesson you would video it again and compare to the first video to see if there was a difference. Usually there was. So you'd split the screen and show the "feel" student last weeks swing compared to this weeks and the student could see for themselves the improvement. You don't have to draw lines all over the screen when you are doing that, and the results are obvious when the student sees them.

For the tech player you DO draw all the applicable lines from one lesson to the next and the proof is right in front of their eyes.

Video doesn't lie, and isn't open to different interpretations, it shows you what is going on and it cannot be disputed. Done properly video is the instructors best friend and as long as the instructor can communicate effectively it shouldn't matter what type of learner the particular student is.

[TourIQ]

Regardless of the type of learner the particulaur student is, the instructor MUST have the ability to assess video in this day in age. Even if the student is 100% feel (and NO student is 100% one way or the other) the instructor does need to address mechanical issues he sees. It is the way he explains it to the student that will determine what kind of communication skills he has.

Communication and the ability to see the breakdowns in the swings are mutually important when teaching golf. If the instructor is not profecient in BOTH of the aspects mentioned above they will not be an effective instructor.

For me anyway if i had a student who was more feel, I would show them the breakdown quickly and NOT spend a lot of time drawing angles and such, but would immediately show them a drill to fix the breakdown, and then get the student to try the drill a couple of times until they could feel the difference between what they were doing and what is correct. I would make sure the student had a total understanding of the drill and then ask them to go practice it.Hi hogannut

I think some players can get close to 100% FEEL but it is pretty Rare indeed. This doesn't mean they are not technically sound with their golf swing, otherwise they wouldn't generate a high smash factor with their driver and hit is out of sight / deep. I think most instructors gravitate towards teaching the more technical player, as how do you teach a person to be more of a feel side? Feel takes many instructors out of their comfort zone, as feel is a hard term to define, and gizmo's for teachings are mostly mechanical in nature. Even video analysis is suited for technique not feel. I guess what I am saying is this, 'its easier to teach technique and angles [the mechanics] and much harder to teach golf based on feel. Would you agree with this?

I love reading your posts and 99% of what you write is spot on, but now I do not understand why you would give 'technical drills' to a Feel player? I heard a story once when Darren Clarke was working with Butch Harmon. Butch went to show Darren the technical stuff with drills and Darren just said 'show me where you want the club and why'. He didn't need or want the drills, or see the angles.

Can a person be so much of a Feel Player that technical drills are basically useless since its doesn't fit their learning style? I also think that golfers who think / say they are more Feel than Technical / Mechanical are probably wrong in their personal assumption.

[NICK S]

Hi NICK S

How many lessons do you think a person should get during the golf season, and again during the off-season? Curious what the recommendation interval is.

I think good players who practice every couple days could use a second set of eyes on their swing every 2 weeks. I have players I work with weekly, but we work on shaping shots, short game (building their arsenal of shots), pre shot routine, etc. There's always something to work on. I know some tour players who see their coaches for 2 or 3 straight days every month, and for the first day, its all fundamentals. Maybe the ball position slipped, posture slacked, or their stance got open or closed.

Golfers in Canada need to work on major swing changes in the winter and small adjustments in the summer during the season. I would prefer those players who practice 3-4 times a week in the winter to have an instructor twice weekly for 30 minutes each time. A golf instructor shouldn't have to watch you struggle with your new move as long as there is a mutual understanding that the player knows what s/he is supposed to be working on. It might not take instantly, but it will make a positive difference if the players' comprehension is solid. I love winter lessons because this is where I see BIG changes.

[TourIQ]

I think good players who practice every couple days could use a second set of eyes on their swing every 2 weeks. I have players I work with weekly, but we work on shaping shots, short game (building their arsenal of shots), pre shot routine, etc. There's always something to work on. I know some tour players who see their coaches for 2 or 3 straight days every month, and for the first day, its all fundamentals. Maybe the ball position slipped, posture slacked, or their stance got open or closed.

Golfers in Canada need to work on major swing changes in the winter and small adjustments in the summer during the season. I would prefer those players who practice 3-4 times a week in the winter to have an instructor twice weekly for 30 minutes each time. A golf instructor shouldn't have to watch you struggle with your new move as long as there is a mutual understanding that the player knows what s/he is supposed to be working on. It might not take instantly, but it will make a positive difference if the players' comprehension is solid. I love winter lessons because this is where I see BIG changes.Hi Nick

So if a player has talent and is committed then it is recommended that they seek out a total of 40 hours of instruction / year. This is based on 26 hours of off-season instruction + another 16 hours of golf season instruction. I've assumed a 50:50 split between the off and on season, due to our long Canadian winters [with snow on the ground].

Based on this prescription, I guess my son and I approached his golf development all-wrong. He averaged only 2 hours of instruction / year since he started playing golf 10 years ago, with 20 hours of instruction consumed during the first 6 years and 0 hours / year during the last 4 years of play. 1st coach RonK 4 hours / 2nd coach CamD 8 hours / 3rd coach HenryB 5 hours / 4th coach RobA 3 hours. His last session was 4 years ago with Rob Akins [coach to David Toms]. We drove to Memphis, TN for this single 3-hour lesson, and this was the best money I ever spent on his development. Rob seen 2 swing faults within the first 2 swings, told him what they were and why, then he had the faults corrected within the next 20 minutes. 2 games later [after the swing change] he tied a tournament course record '66'.

Maybe it’s my lack of understanding Nick but here is what puzzles me. Although rare, I would like your opinion on the following statement. Can a real good player be so into their own Cause and Effect reasoning and be able to self diagnose and correct themselves, that he himself becomes his own self-coach?
If their game continues to develop and improve in spite of ‘no coaching for an extended period of time’, then can this be viewed as an effective golf development strategy? Anything wrong with the picture I've painted? Sure it’s easy for the coach to prescribe all which is right and wrong, but why can't a strong player begin to figure this stuff out on their own? Could this not make them an even better player?

A coach is rarely inside the ropes, so when a talented player is playing a tournament and their game goes a little south, many times they cannot figure out for themselves what to adjust to get back on track. If a player is their own self-coach, and as they get better at doing this task themselves, then they should be able to figure out what to adjust to right the ship quickly. Do this while playing and not after the round, or after the tournament ends.

In closing Nick, I don't doubt for a minute that you are very competent at what you do [and your passion rings loud and clear], so I hope your clients are lined up outside of your shop.

I've seen my share of Certified Teaching Hacks and only a few True Masters.
Many of the incompetent instructors will ruin a real good player and not even know why ...

[NICK S]

There are alot of players on tour who know the swing better than most full time PGA instructors. Ames is a great example. I think most guys can figure out the cause and effect to some degree, but for those players to become their own 'self coach' they must be able to identify things that they cannot feel. Players get a perception of what they feel is right and when the feeling is still good but the "reality" of it is off (ie alignment, ball position) its hard to figure it out because they 'don't feel it'. Did you feel like you grew from 5'0" to 5'3" as a young adult? I didn't, but my parents and friends could tell I got taller.

Lots of guys on tour have their own video analysis software and they themselves become their own Second Set of Eyes, and as such, can become their own self coach. But this is all related to the golf swing mechanics. I've had personal coaching sessions over the phone which have helped my game alot, but there lies the difference between a Coach and an Instructor. The instructor can help you with your swing and to increase the number of shots you have around the green, but a coach can do this PLUS provide positive support as a friend, confidant, or simply someone who the player trusts enough to listen to and accept advice on the players' life - aka the mental game. This is where coaching is going. I've met coaches who have studied sports nutrition, fitness, emotional control, swing mechanics, biomechanics and physiology, past playing experiences, and can probably find a way to cure cancer, where an Instructor will send you to a specialist.

Tiger knows the golf swing very well, yet he has had coaching his whole life. To break down the number of instruction hours needed per year is based on the player.

TOUR IQ: your son has obvious talent and from what I've learned is a near genius, so he may not necessarily require that much work on his swing mechanics. I can probably inform him about the how and why, explain how to fix it and what to watch for to know that its changing, and send him to the range for 30 days straight to work on it. From shooting a few low numbers, I'm sure he gets it, but I'm also sure that a great coach could drop some wisdom on him during every coaching session that will change his outlook on the game and perhaps drop him down into that next level of scoring comfort.

I know one of Canada's top junior players who carries around pictures in his bag to remind him that even though he makes a bogey, there are people and places in the world that are worse off than where he is on a plush golf course in Canada. This type of thinking can really only come from a coach (parents can be great coaches too). An instructor might tell him he made a bogey because he came over the top. A coach might say it was because he thought about how much homework he had and it wasn't the right time to think about that.... do you see where I'm going?