Confessions of A Golf Instructor

By Scott Schneider For NewsUSA

(NewsUSA) - Having spent 20 years teaching the game of golf, I have come to the conclusion that the game is not only hard, but teaching it is even harder.

But let's clear something up right now: There is no student that instructors cannot help. After two decades, there is nothing I have not seen or been asked.

I take that back: I once had a student ask me what poundage he should hold the club. I started with the standard answer but he interrupted me. "No, I need the exact poundage and I have a machine at work that can measure it." I did not have an answer.

We also had a student come to our schools who was taking part in a special university study. He informed us we would have to instruct him without directly watching him. Turns out he was unable to play golf with anyone. He lasted one day.

As you can see, your golf instructor needs to be part instructor, part psychologist, part communicator and part humanitarian. What instructors live for is that perfect shot from their student. But then the student may turn to you and say "That was pretty good, but it did not feel good."

On behalf of the student, it is not his fault. The instructor should expect that and encourage the student to understand and repeat that swing. It might be a bit frustrating to the instructor, but the good ones will never give up on a student, and they understand that the golf swing has a lot to do with feel.

A good instructor has to have various ways of communicating and must remember it is not the student's fault; the instructor has not communicated the concept correctly.

Golf schools such as Las Vegas Golf Schools take all these concepts into account. Simplicity, improvement and fun go a long way toward improving your game.

I mentioned fun: The game is supposed to be fun, and instructors like happy, energetic and interested students. The golf school environment has all these ingredients and should not be a boot camp for golf. A school environment will give you a comprehensive overview of all aspects of the game, and the good instructors will properly address your individual needs.

Having taught as many lessons and schools as I have, I have learned a few things. The students are always right. If they do not get it, it's my fault. And when success comes, it is usually not recognized. I would have it no other way.

Recreation and Sports: Golf Shoes: "Golf Shoes

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Recreation and Sports: Golf Shoes