Finding the right golf instructor is sort of like finding the right nanny for your kid (says the new dad to a nearly 4-month-old daughter). I know, it sounds weird, but hear me out.
In both searches, you go through reference checks, look at accolades he or she may have received, qualifications that might separate them from their peers and the development of past clients.
OK, so the stakes aren’t as high with a golf instructor, but the concept is the same: You’re trusting this person with something important. And, as someone who just recently went through that process to find childcare for my daughter, I figured it might be good to get some insight into the steps it takes in order to find a good golf instructor.
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As we enter a new year and new upcoming golf season, now’s the time to start investing in your game. For many amateurs out there, that means considering a coach to work with in order to reach all your golf goals this year.
So I tapped GOLF Top 100 Teacher to Watch Adam Smith to provide some help.
Below, Smith lists the most important factors to consider when you’re on the hunt for a good golf instructor. Take a look at his suggestions, and use them to your advantage if you decide to take the next step and hire some help for your game.
How to find a good golf instructor
Where to start? Smith suggests finding a PGA-certified golf professional in your area and having a quick phone chat. He adds that a key factor some amateurs often overlook is the proximity of the teacher, meaning great teachers don’t need to be an hour away.
“Yes, the geographic area should certainly be taken into consideration,” he says. “I don’t recommend traveling great distances in order to find the right golf instructor. There are great golf professionals right next door, I promise you! You just need to do your homework and ask any of the teacher’s clients what the experience is like.
“Search online for instructor profiles in your region; PGA.com is a great resource for this. You can also learn a lot about a teacher and their methods by watching any videos of them in action, whether this be on YouTube or their social media profiles.”
Next, Smith says to check in on the coach’s golf ability.
Are they a former pro? Are they the current club pro? Do they only prefer to work with amateurs looking to compete in tournaments, or are they open to coaching up the weekend warrior or beginner?
Smith says there should be a combination of golf skill mixed with communication and teaching skill.
“The greatest of all instructors is the one who can teach and play well,” he says. “For example, David Leadbetter, Butch Harmon and Jim McLean were all young professional players before they got into the business of teaching. As a result, their peers, who were great players, followed them to their teaching academies and continued to be great players with their assistance.”
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While Smith adds that finding a local golf instructor who played on Tour might be difficult, he does suggest feeling out a teacher’s passion for the game and the ability to communicate instruction to others. That can help separate them from someone who might be a great player but a bad communicator.
“In my opinion, a passion for playing defines the instructor’s passion for teaching,” Smith says. “Your instructor should want to play with you and should want to be a role model for you on the golf course.”
Finally, Smith says there are a few things that makes a good golf instructor great — which includes their overall experience with teaching.
“Let’s define what makes a great golf instructor: Reputation, awards won, the facility they represent, their fee for a lesson, and their passion for playing,” he says. “It’s also important to know if they’re new to the golf business or if they were raised in the golf business.
“Do they really care about your interest in getting better at golf? Do they offer to meet with you and speak with you, at no charge, in order to assist you with the interviewing process? Are they willing to help you in absolutely every way? Are they friendly, and despite being busy, always willing to get back to you in a timely manner?”
By following Smith’s advice, he says you can find a good golf instructor that meets (and likely exceeds) your expectations. But — like finding childcare for my daughter — it takes digging into the teacher’s reputation, ability, background and success stories before fully investing your trust in them.
“Don’t cut corners or settle for mediocrity, and be willing to make a big investment,” Smith adds. “Commit to the plan and frequently communicate with your instructor.”
