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I believe that the game of golf is the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding game an individual can play. For me, the enjoyment of the game is the ability to control the golf ball and make the ball do what I want! Controlling the golf ball begins with understanding something I like to call club mechanics. If a golf coach can teach a student the ability to use the golf club correctly, the student will begin the process of ball control. Unfortunately, too many golfers do not understand the correct concepts with club mechanics.  Explaining to students the science of impact conditions can open their minds to new possibilities as a golfer.

As an advocate of the short game, it is essential to develop sound club mechanics starting with the easier skills in golf such as putting and chipping. Establishing these fundamentals makes it much easier to progress to the more complex skills in golf. Students must learn to move the golf club correctly through the impact zone. Impact is not a static point in the golf swing and includes the club movement prior to impact and after impact. It is my belief that a student can learn this using shorter distance swings and slower speeds. Therefore, the short game is the perfect skill to develop for long-term success as a golfer.

Finally, golf is more than a physical or athletic movement. The mental discipline necessary to perform in a competitive environment makes golf one of the most demanding mental challenges an athlete can encounter. Mental discipline is a skill just like hitting a bunker shot is a skill. The key is to begin educating, training and developing the mind in order to reach your peak performance.

My teaching philosophy is based on the premise that any golfer can learn the correct concepts and elements necessary for improvement. My job is simply to facilitate each student’s learning.

Correct Concepts

I teach generally accepted fundamentals in terms of all short game and full swing shots with an emphasis placed on how the club should move to create proper impact for the desired shot. In doing so, however, I always adhere to a strict set of priorities that I believe make it easier for my students to comprehend the information and allows them to focus on small areas of improvement. These priorities are as follows:

1. Setup – The setup or address includes all aspects which comprise the Pre-Swing: Grip, Aim, Stance, Posture, Ball Position.
2. Motion – The proper motion for each shot is explained.
3. Contact – Correct Impact Alignments.
4. Direction – Elements controlling straight or curving shots.
5. Distance – Controlling and/or adding power.

I help my students learn to approach all golf shots (putting to driving) with these priorities in mind and in the proper order. Golf instruction is all about concepts. For the beginning golfer, instruction provides the correct concepts at the outset. For experienced golfers, instruction is often about changing the players’ incorrect or incomplete concepts. As golfers improve their concepts about the game, their game improves (assuming correct practice).

My job as a golf instructor is to impart the knowledge each player requires to help them achieve their goals. Some of my students aspire to play golf for a living on the various professional tours. Some of my students just want to learn the basics so they won’t “embarrass” themselves on the course. The majority of my students fall somewhere in between. Regardless of the students’ goals my job is the same…I must provide the tools, in the form of proper instruction, each student needs to get the job done. I am a facilitator in a sense, a guidance counselor, guiding each student on their own individual path towards their own golfing enlightenment. How is this accomplished? Initially, I explain to every student my belief that anybody seeking to become a better golfer must understand that there are several aspects to the game that must be addressed in order to improve. These aspects are:

1. Full Swing – Covers all shots outside 100 yards.
2. Short Game – All shots inside 100 yards: Chipping, Pitching, Bunkers and Putting.
3. Mental Game – Course Management and Mental Approach
4. Golf-Specific Fitness – Improving the body’s ability to perform the desired motion.
5. Equipment – Matching clubs to student (specifications and set make-up).

When I work with a student I incorporate all of these aspects into their Golf Improvement Program. Additionally, I teach on the golf course as often as possible instead of on the range. Ultimately, golfers must learn to play the game, not just practice the game. There is a tremendous difference between playing and practicing. Even during range practice sessions, I encourage my students to create challenging situations which mimic the pressure and anxiety they will feel out on the golf course.

Perfect Practice

The concept of “perfect practice” is an idea developed through many years of research. While it may be true that golf cannot be mastered, all golfers who wish to improve should still strive for perfection, whatever that means for them. For example, if a golfer needs to change their grip, then the golfer should work on it until it is as “perfect” as possible. If a golfer aims poorly, he must learn correct aim and then continually practice until his aim improves while always striving to make it “perfect”. The golfer ultimately may never be perfect, but improving any aspect just a little at a time makes that aspect better and a little bit closer to perfect. As each element improves, the golfer’s competence increases and their game improves. Additionally, “perfect practice” incorporates multiple learning concepts into the practice routine: blocked/random, massed/distributed, and precision/playful. Each form of practice can be useful in helping golfers improve. This philosophy has served me well throughout my career with all levels of players (beginner to advanced). I believe the fundamentals of the golf swing are the same for all players. Although each player’s goal may be different, ultimately all players must learn similar elements to improve their level of play. Any attempt to over-simplify golf instruction invariably leads to a longer than necessary learning process. My goal is to help my students improve…I accomplish this goal by teaching the proper fundamentals utilizing a systematic, consistent and practical approach.

Correct Concepts + Perfect Practice = Better Player!

My philosophy of teaching is all about Y.O.U.!   “Your Own Understanding”, not mine.

As your instructor, it is my job is to encourage, motivate and share suggestions and information in a fun, creative and engaging way.  I prefer to “INVOLVE” you in the learning process with the intent for you to be able to “self- correct” when away from me, regardless of skill level or ability.

It is important for me to understand your learning preference and readiness.  Combining your interests, hobbies, experience, time and personal background, we can set a realistic “student-centered” performance plan.  This plan will enhance your belief of accomplishment and potential.

I will respond to your feedback and interpretation of any information shared.  I will continue to educate myself through study and observations to be a better instructor each and every day.  Our commitment to learn together will enable me to adapt the learning environment and teaching style to meet your personal needs and objectives.

“Tell me and I’ll forget.  Show me and I’ll remember. Involve me and I’ll understand.”  Confucius

I am devoted to teaching golf in the most efficient and effective manner and providing my students with comfortable and productive learning environments. Since golf is a game of hitting a ball to a target, the skill set of striking the ball the intended distance and direction should be acquired to enjoy the game fully.

While each person will determine what level of skill acquisition provides enjoyment, as an instructor, it is my task to present the what and how of ball striking in a clear and precise manner, so the individual golfer can reach their desired level.

I believe the desired ball flight and/or roll determines the club movement required, which leads to the golfer’s discovery of the body movements needed for execution.

Since the desired ball flight is the root for all action that follows, I clarify this as primary at the beginning of my instruction.

Because golf is a simple “flat surface – round ball” game, the club mechanics are definitive for all possible golf shots.  Therefore, the second primary point I explain during instruction is what the club has to do to the ball during impact to create the desired shot.

Thirdly, I guide the student to how they may best move their body to achieve the required club mechanics, thereby creating the desired shot.

Summary

The philosophy of playing the game based on the development of ball striking skills allows individuals to focus their attention on meaningful aspects of club movement that create desired outcomes. The logic thread below summarizes my concept:

The BALL FLIGHT DESIRED leads to definable CLUB MECHANICS that lead to individualized BODY MOVEMENT that CREATES CLUB MECHANICS that lead to the SHOT DESIRED (or guidance for correction).

This allows the golfer a simple reference for ball striking skill acquisition, improvement and correction that leads to more enjoyment as they play the game.

My golf teaching philosophy is to help students learn the skills to be better players. Self-awareness and the ability to self-correct are critical to a player’s success. Students need a plan, journal, keep statistics and focus on performance. Form follow function! I stress to students the importance of driving the ball in play and being great from 100 yards in.

My teaching philosophy in class is to create an open atmosphere encouraging students to ask questions, interact with each other, are involved in activities and seek further understanding through research. Enthusiasm and focus on key concepts rule the classroom. The objective is to prepare students for successful careers always remembering that the golf industry is a people business!

My Teaching Philosophy changes based on what I am preparing my students for. At Keiser University, College of Golf (COG) students are not only learning what should be done to improve their own games, but also developing the skills they need to teach others. Therefore, the way I teach at the COG is different from how I teach the general public at my Golf Learning Center in Connecticut. How I teach at Keiser is similar to how I trained my assistant professionals at various country club venues before teaching at Keiser—preparing them to become credible players and golf instructors. Keeping this in mind, the typical first lesson at the COG begins with me asking the student to assess his or her own swing based on their current experience and general golf knowledge. This assessment opens up a discussion on swing concepts, fundamentals and priorities; allowing us to formulate a step-by-step blueprint for their own game improvement. Subsequent lessons start with an assessment of prior assigned tasks and whether or not the student is ready to graduate to the next step. During this process I’ll assign homework assignments to promote steady progress. For example, homework may include minimum practice repetitions, drills, training aids or useful technologies such as video, a launch monitor or 3D capture. While following the blueprint, each student’s core curriculum such as Golf Swing Fundamentals, Introduction to Golf Instruction and Advanced Golf Instruction, will be constantly referenced. And the student’s understanding of the golf swing will become more and more refined. Golf is a complex subject, thus the many months of College. However, remember the Latin aphorism from Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes, “scientia potentia est”, meaning “knowledge is power”. As a player you should understand the game’s complexity for your own personal certainty. As a teacher you should understand the complexity so you can decide what, when and how you are going to impart knowledge in the simplest form possible.

I believe that there is not one perfect swing or method for all golfers. I will develop your golf swing based on YOUR physical structure.

I am a coach for your entire golf game. I believe that all golfers must have sound fundamentals.  Not all fundamentals are the same for all golfers, so it is up to you and I to determine what is best for YOU!

Golf is a game. Golf is not just about how far you hit the ball or how many putts you make. You and I will develop a game plan that helps you achieve the goals in the time you want. I will be there for you all the way.