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 Help is on the way for one of our readers, and you’re invited to follow along as he and his instructor spend the next 12 months on the practice tee. We’ll monitor his successes and frustrations resulting from regular instruction and see what kind of progress he makes by the end of the year. The student Dang Nguyen, a 29-year-old Riverside resident, is basically a novice golfer. His experience consists of a handful of rounds with friends and work associates. “I tried to just go out with some accomplished golfers and it was completely nerve-wracking,” he said. “I want to learn the basics and see how far I can go.” Nguyen has played competitive basketball for years, but only recently began to see the benefits that playing golf could have on his career as a wholesaler for Enterprise Rent-a-Car. The instructor Jason Taylor, the head golf professional at Jurupa Hills Country Club in Riverside, was recently named the SCPGA’s Professional of the Year. First analysis Taylor recommends that a prospective student take one lesson with a pro before diving in for a series of lessons. “I feel like there is more integrity that way,” he said. “It’s not a dating service, but you have to see if there is a connection between yourself and the student. It doesn’t do anyone any good if we can’t communicate.” Taylor analyzed Nguyen’s swing and accessed that he likely couldn’t break 120 on a regulation golf course. Taylor teaches a five-point swing that puts an emphasis on the club being in the correct position at different points in the motion. Initially he will focus on Nguyen’s strengths — balance and athleticism — which will allow him to make an athletic swing. “I understand that it’s going to be baby steps here at the beginning,” Nguyen said. The goals Nguyen is going to practice three times a week and play once a week. He also will take a one-hour lesson every two weeks. By the end of the year, he should be able to break 90. The keys to finding an instructor Location: The coach should be easily accessible. Similar to a gym, if it isn’t convenient, you probably won’t go as often as you should. Availability: Does your coach’s schedule fit your schedule? Be sure that your coach has time to regularly fit you into the lesson book and teaches on the days you have available. Facilities: The best have a practice tee that allows you to hit all of your clubs, and those with grass hitting areas are best. Other areas to look for are good range balls, video capability, a well-marked wedge zone, chipping areas, a putting green and practice bunkers. Having a course on site is also important because going immediately from the range to the course is invaluable. Cost: If your goal is to take your game to another level, you have to see an instructor regularly. This could be anywhere from two months to a year. What is the value of dropping your average score from 110 to 85? To accomplish this you probably need to see an instructor twice a month for eight months to a year. Compatibility: Before committing a lot of time and money to an instructor by signing up for a series of lessons, take an individual lesson or two. Be sure you’re able to understand what the instructor is trying to communicate. If you don’t feel a connection with the instructor, find another one. You’ll both be happier and better off. n |
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