Dr. Paul Hurrion: Europe’s Top Putting Coach
When it comes to studying the science behind using the flatstick, few golf coaches can match up to the résumé of Dr. Paul Hurrion. No less than Padraig Harrington and Lee Westwood are under the tutelage of Hurrion, who has a Ph.D. in biomechanics. Hurrion was kind enough to take time from his schedule to talk with us at Golf Teaching Pro. He explains how he came into coaching putting. “Track and field and cricket were my two main...
Ernest Jones: Remarkable Teacher, Remarkable Man
Were it not for the First World War, Ernest Jones’ life might have passed in comparative obscurity as a competent and respected golf pro in a provincial English golf club. In 1906, aged 19, he joined Chislehurst Golf Club, Kent, on the outskirts of London as assistant professional becoming the club’s full professional in 1910. A slightly built man, Jones is remembered for the understated elegance of his swing and a hand action able to...
The Driver and The Student
It is the most glamorous club in the bag. It can send the ball soaring much farther than the longest home run Hank Aaron or Babe Ruth ever hit. Along with the putter, it is the most rewarding, frustrating, fulfilling, and anger-inducing club we use. Of course, we are talking about the 6-iron. Just kidding! Over the past 10 years, the driver has been the most talked-about and scrutinized weapon in a golfer’s arsenal, due to the rapid...
Let Me Give You A Tip
So there I was, putting my mind into neutral as we embarked on a day fishing trip off the coast of Costa Rica. I was brought back to the present as I took note of a small but neatly printed sign on the bulkhead: “Tipping is a primary source of the Captain’s and Mate’s income. 15% to 20% of the total cost of the charter is customary. Please be generous. Thank You.” There was no mistaking the directive on the bulkhead. We were treated...
The Skill of Putting People at Ease
One of the biggest reasons a golfer may not take lessons is one that many golf teachers may not have thought of. That reason is intimidation. Yes, many people, especially women, are intimidated at the thought of taking lessons and putting their game in front of someone to judge. Part of the problem is the old stereotype of the grumpy old pro who has little patience for beginners and novices who seemingly (to him) can’t walk and talk...
The Commonality of All Teaching “Systems”
I’ve been teaching golf for nearly 20 years now, and over the years I think I’ve just about seen it all when it comes to teaching beliefs. Of course, as soon as I say that, something new and out of the blue will pop up. The most recent “hot” teaching trend is the stack-and-tilt method as developed by Andy Plummer and Mike Bennett. These two fellows have a stable of over 20 touring professionals using their system. Basically,...
What The Public Should Expect From Golf Lessons
Peter Kessler, former Golf Channel personality and now the host of his own program on XM satellite radio, said that he believed the optimal length for a golf lesson was 10 minutes. He said this because there was time to give the student only one thing to work on, and that any more might be overkill. While Kessler is not a golf professional, he has a valid point. One of the worst things we can do as golf teachers is to pass out too...
Winter 2009: President’s Message
It is said that nothing is more inspirational than an idea whose time has come. This was certainly the case in 1989 when we created the United States Golf Teachers Federation. We realized that teaching the game of golf needed to be a specialized industry in and of itself, and in doing so we took the profession to a whole new level. Now, 20 years later and with 18,000 members worldwide, every golfing nation trains and certifies their...
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