How to Choose the Right Golf Instructor (Don’t Make These Common Mistakes)
Some golfers enjoy taking lessons, while others avoid them until their swing completely falls apart.
Whether you love working with a coach or dread the idea, one thing matters most: the right instructor makes all the difference.
A good coach brings knowledge, clear communication, and a personality that fits your learning style. If you’re going to spend money on golf lessons, make sure you have the right professional teaching you.
Here’s how to find a golf instructor who can actually help.
How to Choose the Right Golf Instructor (Key Takeaways)
If you don’t have time to read my entire guide on how to choose the right golf instructor, here are a few of the key takeaways before you book a lesson:
- Ask your friends and family who they like to take lessons with; chances are, they have some instructors who come highly recommended.
- Look for any kind of history or presence from the instructor; are the PGA? Have they written a book? What golf courses have they worked at?
- Take a look at how golf technology will be incorporated into your golf lessons. Do they have a launch monitor or a simulator to help you get more data?
- Don’t ignore the possibility of an online golf lesson if you can’t find the right golf instructor in your local area.
- Finally, remember that with the right tools, drills, and knowledge, many great golfers are self-taught.
Contents
1. What do you want to improve in your full swing?
What Makes a Great Golf Instructor (Qualities to Look for)
Some of the things that make a great golf instructor are specific to golf; others are just about being a great educator.
Here are the qualities to look for in a great golf teacher, coach, or instructor.
Engaging and Polite
One of the first things that will grab you about a golf instructor is their personality.
Most great instructors will try to make some connection with their students almost immediately.
You should feel comfortable within a few minutes of meeting the golf instructor. It shouldn’t have to be work to like them!
Knowledgeable
Great golf instructors know a lot about the game of golf. In fact, they should know more than you do.
If you feel like the instructor has a very good handle on what they are teaching, chances are they are going to be able to help your game.
If the instructor is unsure about their words, doesn’t speak confidently, or can’t hit a golf shot themselves, steer clear.
Willing to Adjust to Your Needs
Golf instructors don’t get to teach the same student all day. They have to adjust every time a new golfer walks up to their hitting station.
Whether you are worried about your bad right knee or have been playing the game with an unconventional grip for 30 years, the golf instructor needs to be able to adjust to you.
Great golf instructors can teach a variety of golf swings and golf shots to any student who walks into their teaching space.
Listens Well
Yes, a good coach needs to explain concepts clearly, but they also need to understand you. What part of your game is bothering you? How do you feel about a swing change? What does a new move feel like to you?
A great instructor asks these questions and listens closely to your answers. If a coach is more focused on getting the last word than understanding your swing, it’s going to be tough to make progress.
Shows a General Interest in Your Game
I love it when a golf instructor sees me around the course the next day and says, “How’s it going?” If they show an interest in my game, it can be very inspiring to want to practice, learn, and potentially even compete in events.
Golf instructors who don’t engage with you outside of your scheduled time slot on the lesson tee will not be the best choice.
1. What do you want to improve in your full swing?
Can Adapt to Different Learning Styles
Are you a visual or auditory learner?
Great golf professionals will ask you what type of learner you are and how they can help you reach a concept a bit sooner. It takes a little bit of time to figure out how people learn golf the best.
However, when you make that breakthrough, the learning happens fast.
Good Communication
Remember that communication starts during the booking process, not just when you make it to your golf lesson.
Make sure that the instructor is giving you valuable information about where to be, what to do, what to bring, and then, of course, what you can expect from the lesson.
Use of Technology
Golf technology is something that golf instructors cannot ignore.
Do a bit of research to see if the instructor uses video, a launch monitor, or learning tools like HackMotion to give you more detailed information about your game.
Although technology is not a must, it can make a difference in your understanding of complex concepts.
Ease of Scheduling
Some golf instructors are booked with students or only teach on Monday afternoons, etc.
Find somebody who makes it easy to schedule a lesson and work out your flaws.
Some golf professionals have access to impressive technology that helps make scheduling even easier.
Proper Follow-Up and End of Lesson Procedures
Have you ever heard, “ok, times up?”
It’s a terrible way to end a golf lesson.
Great golf instructors will start to wind down the lesson and give you a recap or tips; some will even record a quick video for you so that you know what you need to work on.
They start this process before the end of the lesson so that you are finished at the proper time, but have the closure you need.
How to Find the Best Golf Instructors
Now that you know what to look for in a great golf instructor or coach, here are a few ways to find a golf instructor that fits your needs.
- Word of Mouth: Ask friends or playing partners who they trust. At big facilities, ask the Director of Golf for a recommendation.
- PGA Website: Use pga.com to find certified instructors nearby. It lists credentials but not teaching style or reviews.
- Social Media: Check Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok to see how instructors teach and who they work with, especially helpful for virtual lessons.
How to Know if the Golf Coach is Right for Me?
Most golfers can tell rather quickly whether or not the golf coach they choose is the right choice for them.
Here are a few things to look for to know you’re with the right coach:
- You look forward to your golf lessons.
- Every time you go to a golf lesson, you feel like you are progressing.
- When you look at your game from the first lesson to where you stand today, you know there have been advancements.
- You feel like you have a supporter who wants to see you play well and progress.
- Communication and scheduling are easy, and you never feel frustrated trying to see your coach and trying to become a better golfer.
1. What do you want to improve in your full swing?
Mistakes and Warning Signs to be Aware of When Choosing a Golf Instructor
Following our advice about what makes a great golf instructor, you probably won’t encounter too many issues.
However, there are some major red flags that all golfers should be aware of before they choose the perfect coach or instructor for their game.
The Most Expensive One
Some instructors charge $500+ per lesson, and they’ve earned that rate. But expensive doesn’t always mean better. Don’t pick a coach just because of the price tag (high or low). Choose based on how they teach and whether their style fits you.
The Technical Coach
If you’re a data-driven player, a technical coach with launch monitors and swing metrics can be a great fit. But if they can’t explain it in a way that makes sense to you, it’s not helpful. Look for someone who makes the numbers meaningful, not overwhelming.
The Hard Sell
Good instructors don’t need to pressure you. If a coach is pushing lesson packages or trying to convince you they’re the answer to your swing, be cautious. The best teachers let their results and reputation do the talking.
Can’t Find the Right Golf Instructor – Try This!
Even after all of this information about the best golf instructors out there and how to find one, there are times when you may not find the right match.
The good news is, there is another way.
HackMotion is a game improvement tool that’s like having a coach on your wrist.
If you want to learn how to break 90 or how to break 80, or you simply want to fix your putting stroke so it’s more consistent, HackMotion can help you.
Getting better at golf without lessons is entirely possible.
With how golf technology has changed the game, it’s now easier than ever to teach yourself the correct positions and approach to becoming a better golfer.
Even golfers who have a great coach will use HackMotion to follow up and improve learning.
If you need more guidance, take a look at HackMotion courses on slicing or how to stop flipping at impact.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you now feel a bit better about how to choose the right golf instructor for you.
If you find someone with solid knowledge of the game of golf who cares about you as a player, you are on the right track.
If you struggle to find that person, try HackMotion and skip golf lessons!
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