Group Coaching

By February 3, 2020Tips & Tutorials

In recent years the need to scrimp and save has become more and more apparent amongst the so-called middle classes.

Golfers are facing similar issues, resulting in a reduction in the number of lessons they are taking, as they cannot justify spending a similar amount on a lesson as they would a green fee. But there is a solution and it is one that has been highly effective for many of my clients, but also something that is highly undervalued by those that have never tried one.

What am I talking about group coaching? A lot of my clients, past, present and future avoid group coaching for a number of reasons:

1 – Embarrassment – they do not want other “members” or people to think that they are struggling and need help
2 – They do not want to appear to “tight” to pay for a private lesson
3 – They feel they will not learn anything
4 – They do not like the idea of having a mix of abilities within the group.

But the pros of joining a group earning scheme far outweigh the cons.

Cons:

  • The coach has to dedicate their time to more than one person
  • Ability levels may be varied (although I see this as a benefit)
  • You may not work on the area of your game that you feel is causing the most problems
  • You may not get along with another member of the group

Pros:

  • Hugely discounted rates
  • You can meet new people
  • You could learn something from every person in the group
  • You could find the perfect practice buddy to aide your improvement (and theirs)
  • You can practice and develop all aspects of your game.
  • You will become more competitive which also helps development.

Now, whilst one to one coaching is obviously more beneficial, in the sense that your progress in the area you feel is weakest is probably going to be more rapid, group coaching can be just as effective.

The major difference with group coaching is that you quickly come to understand that there are more areas of your game to improve. This leads to a more complete game, a game that will in the long run be more consistent and make you a better golfer.

I have mentioned before the number of clients that are convinced that just one area of their game is letting them down is staggering. But when you get down to the nitty gritty, you begin to realise that as with all sports, you must improve your entire game if you are going to reach the level to which you aspire.