Some of the very best golf teachers on the planet are at Pinehurst Resort this week for GOLF’s Top 100 Teachers Summit. You can access all of their insight by signing up for the livestream. But lucky you, we’ll also break down some of what you missed right here. (For more on the Top 100 Teachers Summit, click here.)
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PINEHURST, N.C. — Day 2 of GOLF’s Top 100 Teachers Summit consisted of four speaking sessions from a group that included a recent two-time major champ’s coach and a World Long Drive champion. Three of our staffers sat in on presentations and roamed the range looking for the best tidbits to help golfers. Here are their Day 2 takeaways.
Jessica Marksbury, multimedia editor: On Monday night, I had the opportunity to moderate a roundtable of six Top 100 Teachers, discussing the art of coaching players at all levels. As a mom of two young kids, I was particularly interested in what the group had to say about teaching juniors.
When I was growing up, my dad was my primary instructor. I loved our rounds together, but the few random lessons and clinics I attended weren’t always enjoyable. Learning the game can be a grind, and kids have so many sports options these days, I was curious to know what works when it comes to keeping them interested.
It was wonderful to hear all the teachers talking about the importance of instilling a sense of FUN. I was particularly struck by Michael Hebron’s comments. He said a good measurement of success is not necessarily a child’s achievement in the game, but whether or not they’re still playing as an adult. He also said one thing that I will definitely apply for both my kids and myself: If you top the ball or hit a bad shot, don’t get frustrated: You executed that top or bad shot PERFECTLY! What a great way to change the negative narrative of mishits and keep a positive frame of mind throughout a round.
Josh Berhow, managing editor: Top 100 Teacher Joe Hallett gave me a great lag-putting tip, which is well-received because my game needs it. He said when it comes to lag putting, make your practice strokes while looking at the hole — not with your eyes down toward your ball. He says this is important for long putts, since feel is so crucial for those, and the best way to get your feel down is to mimic a stroke as you look at the line you are about to take on. Just look on the pro tours and you’ll see pros do this as well. It works for them. Maybe it will work for me? I’ll try it out either way.
Zephyr Melton, assistant editor: Piggy backing off Josh, I’ll also share a lag-putting learning. Not so much a tip, but rather a data tidbit. DECADE Golf founder Scott Fawcett talked at length during his lecture about the importance of speed when it comes to lag putting, and shared loads of data to back up his case. I used to be a line-is-more-important-than-speed guy, but after hearing Fawcett talk, speed will be my utmost priority.
