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 Randy Chang has been a golf instructor for 30 years and currently teaches at the Aloha Academy of Golf at Talega Golf Club in San Clemente. The Hawaii native enjoys the feeling of accomplishment that he and his students experience when a goal is achieved. What’s the most satisfying thing about being a golf teacher? Getting families involved in the game. There’s nothing more satisfying then seeing a family come out to a course to play or practice and knowing that you had some influence on that. What’s the most common problem you see in your students, and how do you fix it? Keeping the head down too long. I use a lot of video to fix this problem and educate students about the cause and effect of the body’s actions in the swing. What’s the best golf tip you’ve ever received? The easiest is to hold your finish, the hardest is to play one shot at a time. What’s your favorite golf instruction book, and why? I have no favorite, I enjoy all books and all authors — there’s something I learn from all instructional publications. It also helps tremendously in the teaching industry, since the more books that are published, the more confused golfers get and the more they need us to fix them or interpret the information. What’s the most challenging thing about being a golf teacher? Effectively communicating with your students in a way and at the level they understand. Also, keeping up with all of the information, gadgets, clubs and theories. What was the first thing that attracted you to the game? Size doesn’t matter when it comes to how far you can hit a golf ball and how well you can score. What’s your favorite part of the game? Meeting new people at the 19th hole. Do you have any mentors or role models? I have many of them. I have learned from [PGA professional] Derek Hardy, who has worked tirelessly with the PGA section and chapter to make golf professionals the best they can be. Also, [NFL linebacker] Junior Seau is a friend of mine — he’s taught me the importance of guiding youth in the community and leading a humble life. What professional golfer would you most like to be reincarnated as? Ernie Els. I would like to experience what it’s like to be over 6 feet tall and swing as effortlessly as he does. It also would help me on the basketball court. Whose swing do you most admire, and why? Annika Sorenstam’s, because it’s simple, efficient, powerful and ageless. What’s your greatest achievement in golf? Starting a golf program specifically for juniors 3-5 years of age called BASIK golf. Also, being recognized as Teacher of the Year for the Aloha Section [in Hawaii] was pretty cool. What’s your personal motto on the course? Try to learn something new about the game during every round. Your best round ever, and where? A 65 at Las Vegas Golf Club. What’s your most treasured golf possession? An autographed hat to my son, Jordon, from Tiger Woods. Who are your golf heroes? Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods, because of their influence on the growth of the game. What is your favorite new golf product? Rangefinders. No more finding sprinkler heads, stepping off yardage, adding and subtracting. Anything to help speed up play is nice. What words or phrase do you most overuse on the course? “Where’s that beverage cart?” |
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RSS SubscribeReaders Feedback:
Randy, I got a free golf swing analysis from you a few month ago. I have tried to do the "L to L" as you instructed. My driving distance has gone from 200/220 to 250/270 when I swing as hard as I can, and its straight. However, I still find myself falling backwards a little after hitting the ball. So, I would like to find out the cost of your lessons and I would like to see you after May 10th (I will be traveling to Ireland, Wales and my home in Italy then). Thanks, John
| Comment at 4/5/2010 |