As a golf coach I may be opening up the proverbial can of worms here, but the issue is close to my heart and I have the belief that everyone that is taken lessons should be aware of some of the aspects that every golf coach should be considering.
First of all, I think that every golf coach must do everything they can to ensure that they are working closely with the client, and creating an understanding that is more focussed on the individual golfer.
This then leads to the golfer being able to clearly see the direction that the lessons will be taking, I call this the golfer progression map or the journey on which they are about to embark.
The map should show the starting point, where the client is in the present moment, not only physically but mentally as well. Each stop on the map is a new discovery that will allow the client to reach their destination.
It is worth noting that the starting point is also a base for the coach to understand how the client think, interprets and prefers to learn.
The second is the ability of the coach to listen to the clients´ worries and possible doubts regarding their game, and the proposed changes that may have to be made.
It is my job as a coach to make the client feel at ease, not only within the lesson environment but also the action plan and map that we have drawn out for the progression of their game.
Being able to identify when a client is feeling anxious or unsure is key, it is here where the client and coach relationship becomes real.
At the end of each lesson, in truth at the end of each piece of advice given to the client it is important to receive and generate feedback about the change.
Never should the feedback be construed as criticism or an inability of the client to perform a certain task.
It must be welcomed as a tool for developing a better teaching relationship and also achieving the goals.
A client must never feel that they cannot ask a question of their coach, regardless of how silly the question may sound. There must be no fear of being judged by the coach.
Finally, the coach must be willing to adapt their coaching style.
Whether this is by communicating more concisely or altering the language used to better describe the change or new technique so that the client understands clearly what is being asked of them, or whether it is changing the way the deliver the information to better suit the traits of the client, adaptability is paramount to a coach that wishes to become successful and even more so if they are genuinely interested in each of their clients improving as well.
Ultimately, employing the services of a great golf coach should bear fruits very early on in the process, there will be times that are more taxing and where the client may find it a struggle, but as long as the coach is willing to listen, adapt and find the solution success will come.
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