Golfers of all skill levels can improve their game by attending a golf school. However, choosing the right School depends on a golfer’s goals and commitment.
Many schools focus solely on swing technique — the player’s movement pattern to hit the ball. While the process is essential, it’s just a tiny part of the game.
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Identify Your Goals
Best golf schools vary in length and offer different experiences. Some are one-day tune-ups, while others are weeklong extravaganzas with breakfast-to-bedtime instruction and drills, testing, practice rounds, and more.
To determine which golf school is right, start by identifying your goals. Do you want to make your game more comfortable and consistent so you can play to a higher skill level? Do you have a specific tournament or event you’d like to compete in?
Next, determine how much time you can dedicate to working on your golf skills. This will help you choose how much time you must spend at a golf school. Once you know how much time you can devote, determine the student-to-instructor ratio. This will help you choose the best golf school for your skill level and commitment.
Identify Your Commitment Level
Whether it’s work, School, or your golf game, there are times when you need to prioritize specific areas of your life. This is especially true when considering a Golf School to help improve your game.
Before committing, identify your core values and how they relate to this project. This will ensure that you are fully committed to achieving your goals.
Also, determine how much support and accountability you want from your Golf School experience. Even the best PGA Tour Players hit a bump in the road occasionally and need to contact their Coach for guidance. This type of open communication is an essential component of successful outcomes. The right golf school will support your success.
Research the Reputation of the School
Golf schools have become an alternative to private instruction, allowing you to learn in warm winter climates and work on your game simultaneously. They’re also a great way to tack on a golf-related component to vacation at a resort or plan an entire getaway around the sport. Many of these packages are designed for weekend lessons, perfect for tying into existing vacation itineraries or for those with limited time.
While the vast majority of golf schools stress fundamentals, teaching philosophies vary from one to another. Some emphasize tempo and the “feel” of a good swing. Others focus on the six inches between your ears and schedule blister-inducing ball-hitting sessions (bring extra Band-Aids).
Ask about their Student-To-Instructor Ratio and whether or not all of their Instructors work full-time for the School. If the Instructors are subcontractors, they may need to provide the consistent quality of instruction you need to make significant improvements.
Ask Questions
It is essential to ask questions and be proactive in your search for the best golf school. Just as you would be selective when choosing a doctor to diagnose and treat you, you must research schools thoroughly. Asking the right questions will help you find a school that will provide you with the most beneficial experience possible.
A good school will understand that each student is different and offer a variety of instructional methods. The School should also address each student’s specific needs regarding physical ability, learning style, and goals for their golf game. Moreover, the School should have technology and programs to help students improve their games. This may include Trackman, Boditrack, Sam PuttLab, and other golf simulators allowing customized instruction. Additionally, they should have club fitting available – many students are still playing with clubs that don’t fit them correctly. This can significantly affect a player’s performance. The good news is that most golf schools will have this service available for their students.