THE FIVE LINKS IN THE Chain of Learning Golf
As golf teaching professionals, we encounter students who have either reasonable or unreasonable expectations as to what golf lessons can provide them. Happily, most of our students have a grasp as to their limitations. For those who do not, I believe an introduction to “the five links in the chain of learning golf” can be of great help both to the student and the golf professional.
Link #1 On a scale of 1-20, rate yourself as to your golf athleticism (20 being tour pro)
Link #2 On a scale of 1-20, rate yourself as to your motivation to improve your skills.
Link #3 On a scale of 1-20, rate yourself as to your ability to listen and accept new ideas. Resistance to change must be scored low.
Link #4 On a scale of 1-20, rate yourself as to the amount of time and money you have to make a commitment to acquiring those skills. As we know, golf can be an expensive pursuit.
Link #5 On a scale of 1-20, rate yourself as an instructor of golf.
Since the student holds four of the five links, it puts into proper perspective the relative strengths or weaknesses, which they bring to the process of acquiring golf skills. This is an important first step for the student who possesses unreasonable expectations.
To the majority of students possessing reasonable expectations, this approach provides the golf professional a means of applauding and encouraging the progress a student makes. They need and deserve the credit for improvement since they hold four of the five links.
Everyone is aware that if there is a weak link, the chain will break. The golf teaching professional must do everything that they can to avoid being the weak link. Remain current! Stay up to date on rules, equipment, teaching techniques, and playability. Upgrade your own USGTF certification. I wish you all happy and successful teaching.
