Editorial

2 Jan 2018 admin

Does Tiger Need A Coach?

By Cole Golden, USGTF Master Golf Teaching Professional

Tiger Woods recently announced that, after three years, he is no longer working with his golf instructor Chris Como.  Of course, with this type of decision, the public is ready to critique both the pros and cons.  Tiger has been playing golf at a high level for a long time.  He has had some of the top teachers in the world like Butch Harmon, Hank Haney, Sean Foley and Como.  His longest lasting coach/student relationship was with Harmon, for almost seven years.

Between all of the instruction Tiger has had over the course of his lifetime, one would assume his knowledge and understanding of the golf swing in general – not to mention his golf swing – is very high.  Tiger should be able to break down his swing, spot out areas to work on or tighten up.  And if such is the case, then does he really need a coach telling him what he already knows?

I think this is a good move for Tiger.  He can focus on scoring, working on shotmaking, scrambling and his short game.  Tiger has always been the best scrambler the world has ever seen.  Getting back to focusing on scoring, and not overthinking mechanics, could be just the thing he needs.

The great Ben Hogan always talked about “digging your swing out of the dirt.”  You have to hit balls on the driving range to figure out what alterations you need to make.  You need to play the shot shape you bring to the course and know your game.  Only time will tell if Tiger is making the best move for his game. In my opinion, he is making a smart decision about his game.

30 Nov 2017 admin

Learning Something New

By Cole Golden, WGTF Master Golf Teaching Professional

A month ago at the World Golf Teachers Cup at Boulder Creek Golf Club in sunny Las Vegas, a demo day was held before the tournament started.  Different teaching-aid manufacturers were in attendance to share the latest and greatest in technology to make improvements to one’s game.  Like most teaching professionals, we have our go-to training aids.  I spent almost two hours visiting with the reps of these training aids.

During my visits with each vendor, I continuously learned new things.  It made me laugh, because I always feel like we need to grow our skill set as teaching professionals, and an opportunity presented itself to help me do just that.  An even bigger benefit was that I noticed I wasn’t the only one.  Over half of the players in the tournament were listening and learning from these folks.  The dialog between our members was amazing.  Golf swing theory, ideas, and solutions to problems were abundant in every conversation.  When I returned home, I was extremely excited to show off the new training aids I had purchased, and share the knowledge I had learned with everyone from my wife to my children to my students.  My enthusiasm was contagious and it spread; business is even picking up because word is getting out on the success I’m having with these new tools.

This is an important fact to keep at the forefront of our minds:  as teaching professionals, we must keep learning . . . no different than college instructors, doctors or nurses.  There are so many ways to obtain knowledge: attending a demo day or the USGTF Masters class, visiting with other instructors, or reading books.  Our skills and our success depend on continuing education.  Would you prefer to go to a dentist who is up to speed on the latest and greatest technology, or one who has an antiquated practice?

As we come close to another wonderful year in the books, I challenge everyone to make it a goal to learn more this year. Continue to expand your skills and garner knowledge.  Take it one step further and share your ideas and the teaching aids you implement that make you more successful – both personally and professionally.  Happy learning!

26 Oct 2017 admin

Training Aids Are Only Good When They Are Used

By Mike Stevens,USGTF contributing Writer

I just got back from the World Golf Teachers Cup gathering in Las Vegas. On the driving range, we were treated to demonstrations of several training aids. Some to increase swing speed, some to improve impact position and some to improve the overall swing motion. Over the years, I have used or recommended certain training aids to students based on their specific needs. I believe there is value in using them if one is committed to getting better. The key word is committed. That takes effort, and effort is not easy because it takes time. No truer words than “Rome was not built in a day” can be applied to learning golf techniques. It takes time and commitment.

One of the problems I see when aids are advertised on TV is that they would have one believe that there is almost instant success. Often, I see a fellow working with a training aid, and then maybe a few weeks later, there he is on the range without it. When I ask why he is not using the aid, often the reply is, “It didn’t work.”

Unfortunately, we live in a world where people want instant gratification, the worst thing when it comes to learning golf. That is why I emphasize in all my lessons that getting good at golf is a long-term process that takes patience, commitment and effort. When I recommend a training aid, I let the student know that using it will help ingrain good habits over time, and those habits will stay in place with continued use.

10 Oct 2017 USGTF Admin

The Importance of the First Move Away from the Ball

By Thomas T Wartelle, USGTF contributing Writer

A good backswing sets the body into a coiled position ready to return to the clubhead squarely and powerfully at impact. The backswing is a series of motions that set the club in position for a proper downswing. Golfers do not hit the ball with their backswing, but a good backswing is a simple, repeatable movement that starts the sequence of the swing to the moment of truth – impact.

Most good players have a starting “trigger move” that signals the start of the backswing. Common backswing starting trigger moves are:

• A gentle waggle movement back and forward with the club, hands and wrists, which can ease any tensions in the set-up, and encourage a smooth, rhythmic beginning of the backswing.

• A forward press by gently pushing the hands forward or kicking the non-target knee in slightly towards target direction. The recoiling movement that this creates making a smooth takeaway.

Some movement should be encouraged so as the swing does not begin from a static position. The goal of the move away is to get the golf club swing properly. This in turn will begin a chain reaction where the club will swing itself and the body into the proper positions.

After a slight “trigger move”, the backswing is initiated with a slight shifting of the pressure away from the target towards the trailing leg. This shifting or “pivot” away from the target includes the head and shoulders. Thus, the head is not kept perfectly still but actually pivots to a point somewhere over a line drawn following the inside of the back leg.

The body begins to shift and the clubhead swings back along the target line. Some people refer to this as the “one piece takeaway”. Many players initiate this with the hands. However, the feeling is as if the hands, arms and shoulders are moving away as a unit. No matter what the feeling is, the goal is to get the club initially moving on the target line with the pressure loading toward the inside of the trailing leg. All of this happens within a few inches of the club moving away from the ball.

After the fundamentals of a good setup, the first move away from the ball can be a major factor in helping the golfer achieve their goal of a proper impact position. The golf swing is a sequence of events leading to the moment of truth at impact. Poor impact postions are often a product of a chain reaction caused by setup and backswing flaws. The importance of proper setup fundamentals and first move away cannot be overstated. Both build the foundation of the dynamic motion of the golf swing.

4 Oct 2017 admin

Gifts From Golf

By Cole Golden, WGTF Master Golf Teaching Professional

Friendship can develop in many different areas of your life: family, church, school, work, hobbies and even competitors. I’d like to focus on the latter. In 2010, I played in the United States Golf Teachers Cup at Primm Valley, just outside of Las Vegas. One of my playing partners in the first round was Matt Smith, who hails from Ohio. To say I had a rough start to my game is an understatement. A cart came flying over a hill to our tee box to see me teeing off, and then proceeded to lock up their brakes, squealing across the cart path. Then my 3-wood went about 40 yards to the left into a pond. That triple bogey, plus another three bogeys in a row, mind you, made the blood boil to an extremely high level.

Not knowing Matt at all, he came over and patted me on the back, giving me a genuine smile. He didn’t have to do that; we were competitors playing against each other. It was an authentic gesture by a great person, which created a turning point for my game. Six birdies later, I signed for an even-par round. However, more important than a nice comeback, I made a true friend.

A few weeks ago, my Oklahoma Sooners (Boomer!) were traveling to play Matt’s Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio. With some luck getting tickets for the game, Matt and I planned a great weekend together. He is the head teaching professional at the Pinnacle Golf Club, one of the most prestigious private golf clubs in Ohio. We played a few rounds at his club, met some of his students, and then went to the football game together.

Being able to build wonderful friendships through the great game of golf is one of its many perks. Through playing golf with people, you can develop bonds that last a lifetime. I cherish these rare friendships, which the game has provided me, and for that I will always be grateful.

29 Sep 2017 admin

Let’s Get Rid Of The Tour Championship

By Mike Stevens, USGTF Contributing Writer

The FedEx Cup is golf’s answer to playoffs, which is supposed to keep up interest after the fourth major is completed. In the past, most people did not care much about golf after the PGA Championship. They even called it the silly season. Enter the FedEx playoffs, a good idea since most people look forward to the playoffs in other sports at the end of their seasonal run. The only problem is that when you get to the finals, there is this Tour Championship which may or may not be won by the playoff champion. It’s all a bit strange.

Even the playoff format is a bit weird. You can miss the cut in the first playoff round and still advance. I think you can advance without playing well if no one surpasses your season-long point total during the playoff run. What kind of system is that? It would be like telling the Yankees even though you lost the first series you can go on because you had the most wins of any team during the regular season. Playoffs should be playoffs. You either move on by making the cut or you’re out.

Here is what I would like to see: First, the Tour Champion should be the winner of the Players. That comprises all the best tour golfers who qualify for it. We don’t need another trophy signifying the same. Then, for the playoffs, the top 125 from the season-long point totals begin the first round. If you fail to make the cut down, you’re out and keep it that way until down to the final 30 players, who would go to East Lake. But that negates the pros who played the best over the long haul, you might say. Okay, then let’s take the top ten and give them a bye for the first round. I mean, the best teams get byes in their respective sports. In a true playoff, anyone who makes it should be able to win. Under the current system, that is very difficult. So, this is what I would like to see. I hope it comes to pass.

20 Sep 2017 admin

Friendship VS. Competitors

By Cole Golden WGTF Master Golf Teaching Professional

Recently, after Jordan Spieth’s and Justin Thomas’ major wins, much has been said in regards to their friends being part of the celebration. It just so happens that these “friends” are other players on the Tour and can be found on the 18th green cheering on their buddies to victory. This has been a hot topic within the golf community. Is it good or bad for the game?

Some might say this behavior is abnormal. We never saw Tiger waiting around to congratulate Phil, or vice versa. I don’t think we ever will. The media wanted to play a “villain vs. hero” during that era. We don’t know if there was bad blood between them or not; it’s purely speculation.

With the introduction of social media, we are given a glimpse into the daily lives of today’s professional athletes. There is a friendship between many of the younger PGA Tour players: Spieth, Thomas, Fowler, Berger and Kaufman, to name a few. Their posts on social media often show them hanging out off the tour, even taking vacations together. They have a true bond of friendship; they want each other to succeed and are sincerely happy to celebrate their wins.

To me, this is great for the game. It shows that inside the ropes you can try to beat your friends and strive to win. However, once the game is over, true friendships are made, and it’s okay to celebrate one another’s successes. It helps strengthen the game and teach the younger generation how to carry oneself both on and off the course.

At the end of the day, all players want to win and compete at the highest level. Sometimes your best isn’t good enough. Being able to look across at your opponent and tell them great job while shaking their hand is a crucial part of the game that needs to live on. This gentleman’s game of today is also proving to be a game to be shared amongst friends.

3 Aug 2017 USGTF Admin

Pressure

By Cole Golden, USGTF Master Golf Teaching Professional

I recently had a student who was going to play in one of the largest amateur golf tournaments in the state. He had been working on his game and playing really well. He was excited and ready to show off his golf game. This was the biggest tournament and best field he had ever played against.

The evening after the first round, I received a phone call from him. He told me how nervous he was and he could barely breathe prior to teeing off. His hands were shaking and sweaty. He had a hard time thinking positive thoughts versus thinking only the worst. His first tee ball? You can guess it: he came over it so bad he barely hit the ball 100 yards to the left.

There were people watching; he felt like withdrawing right there. It was the worst drive he had hit in years. He was embarrassed, plain and simple. But heck, we’ve all been there. He finally got his nerves in check and finished with a respectable 75.

During our phone conversation, I explained that everyone experiences the same frustrations and challenges. No matter if you are trying to break 100 for the first time, break par the first time, win your first tournament or, for the pros, win your first major. Pressure is part of the game. You must embrace it and prepare to the best of your ability.

A lot of great athletes have said they want to feel pressure or nerves; it means they are in the hunt or in a situation they want to be in. The more and more you put yourself in pressure situations, the better your body will know how to act upon it or recover.

You can help your students with pressure by putting them in situations where they feel uncomfortable. That could be playing with a group of better players, playing for money, or making up practice games that apply pressure. The more your students feel the heat, the better they will handle stressful situations.  

13 Jul 2017 USGTF Admin

Ireland: Trip Of A Lifetime

By Cole Golden USGTF Level IV Member

I recently had the good fortune to take the golf trip of a lifetime to Ireland (thanks to my lovely bride who surprised me for my birthday).  There were eight of us who made the trip across the pond and spent seven days playing some of the most beautiful courses in the world.  While the trip was planned through a travel agent who specializes in these types of adventures, I want to share some of the tips and tricks I learned along the way.  I highly recommend traveling to Ireland, which I know is on many of your bucket lists.

Pre-Trip Preparations

•       While using a travel agency increases the cost, they handled all logistics:  transportation, lodging, restaurant recommendations, course reservations, and it even booked our caddies.  This added expense is well worth the reduced level of stress that would accompany international travel on your own.  One couple we met were surprised that we were able to get onto Ballybunion.  We found out that this was due to the relationship of the agency with the course.
•       We flew coach to save on some cost; however, we paid extra for additional leg room.  This helped us stretch out and relax.
•       When packing, don’t expect the weather to remain true to the forecast.  Bring clothing for every extreme.  For example, you can tee off in short sleeves and shorts; four holes later you are donning sweaters and full rain gear.  I didn’t really believe it until I was swapping outfits multiple times during one round!

While You’re There

•       I cannot stress enough the importance of having a chauffeur.  Since our group was larger, we rented a small coach and driver, who remained with us for the entire week.  John provided unparalleled service, was our personal tour guide and designated driver.  Having a chauffeur allowed us to relax, take a nap, talk about the round and truly enjoy the beautiful landscape.  There’s no way we would have been prepared for the narrow streets or known the history of the sites we visited.  I would say this service greatly reduced the amount of stress (and resulting fist fights due to backseat drivers). Not having to worry about directions or making sure we had adequate time to get to the course improved the camaraderie.  Some of the best laughs and memories made were on the coach with John.
•       Don’t be in a rush.  The Irish culture allows for a more slow-paced lifestyle.  Getting drinks or eating dinners takes much longer than what we’re used to in America.  Slow down, enjoy your company and get to know the locals.
•       I recommend getting a caddie.  They completely change the experience for the better.  Your caddies know the course like the back of their hand; they provide insight into the best shot as well as course history.  You’re also allowed to soak in the surroundings and enjoy the round because you’re not having to mess with your clubs.  Some places allow for carts (buggies as they’re called) and some don’t.  It’s great having someone else carry your bag when you’re walking upwards of 10+ miles across undulating terrain – much different than what this kid from Kansas is used to!
•       Once we were finished with the round, we would head up to the clubhouse for a pint. Walking around the facilities, learning about the course history and looking at photos of the golfing legends who played the course we just left puts it all into perspective.
•       Take lots of pictures and videos.  One of the guys created a cloud-based photo sharing account for us to upload what we took.  This enables us to relive the experience from different viewpoints and ensured all moments were captured.

This golfing trip of a lifetime took forever to arrive and yet was over before I knew it.  Spending quality time with some of my closest friends and playing some of the best courses with unbelievable history is an experience I will never take for granted.  Figure out a way to make the financials work – it’s more affordable than you might think.  Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.  You can bet I’m already planning another excursion . . .

7 Jul 2017 USGTF Admin

“Free Info VS. Personalized Instruction”

By Bob De Caro, USGTF Certified Golf Teaching Professional, Wyckoff, New Jersey I’m upset! Recently, while listening to some instructional segments on PGA Tour Radio, I heard the pro thoroughly explain the swing sequence. Yet, why are there so many listeners repeatedly asking the same fundamental questions about swinging over the top, slicing the ball and not being able to deliver the club from the inside? I can’t help but visualize the pro tightening his jaw before answering once again. It’s apparent to me that the listeners do not actually realize that the problem lies in understanding how the swing sequence is executed. I’m upset, not because the pro isn’t doing a good job of explaining the correct swing sequence, but because the player doesn’t seek out what is really required…private instruction. There is so much “free” information available today that it is easy to think it can replace the one-on-one learning experience. It may in some cases, but I don’t believe this is so when explaining the sequence of the golf swing. When dealing with the swing sequence, it is almost impossible to successfully translate audio commentary into the correction required, as it is ultimately driven by a feeling. This can only be achieved through demonstrated drills during private instruction. Perhaps a good starting point is going back to the simple statement that the sequence of the swing is like throwing a ball.  If I were to say, “Picture throwing a ball”, almost everyone could do that. But if I were to say, “Picture making a golf swing and relate that to throwing a ball,” well, that is not easy visualized. The understanding is in the demonstration. Any object thrown or any swing made must abide by the root fundamental that the lower body must go first. A young player seems to never have an issue with performing this sequence. Why? Because it is a natural motion for them. They are always engaged in it. Whether it be throwing a football, kicking a soccer ball or hitting a baseball, it is an innate motion. As we grow older, we play fewer sports and our lower bodies slow down, becoming lazy to respond to our commands. Ultimately, what was once natural becomes unnatural and requires re-learning. In my experience, as a pro, I have learned that this correction can only be achieved through a one-on-one demonstration of how to initiate the sequence. During the transition of the backswing to the downswing, the “feeling” of the lower body going forward before the backswing is completed can be elusive. Therefore, just the simple drill of having the student throw golf balls can be a light-the-bulb moment, leading to a better understanding of how to initiate the sequence. If the student takes the club away correctly and triggers the correct sequence, there is no way that the swing will ever be over-the-top, but will always drop to the inside power position. I’m all for growing the game through the exchange of information, whether it’s radio, internet or television. But with the average handicap still at 16 and higher, it’s obvious that the availability of “free information” cannot replace the one-on-one teacher/student experience. In many cases, the student is left still scratching his head, asking the same old questions, or worse yet, giving up the game. And what a shame that would be. There … I feel better now.