Golf instruction
From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids
Anyone can play the game of golf. Golf requires practice and some basic instruction on technique, equipment, rules and etiquette. In the United States golfers can take lessons from professionals certified by the
Golf students have different learning styles. There are Show-Me Golfers and I-Am-What-I-Am Golfers. Show-me golfers are eager to try new ideas, new equipment, new teachers, and new locations. They are the golfers most willing to contemplate a complete rebuilding of the golf swing. Greg Norman is an example of a Show-Me golfer. I-Am-What-I-Am golfers tend to more conservative in their approach to new ideas and techniques, tend to favor their old clubs and tested instruction techniques, and prefer tinkering with their swing rather than rebuilding from scratch.
Golf instructors work at private clubs, public courses, resorts, driving ranges, high schools and colleges, specialized golf schools, or in a private practice.
The most important things a golfer learns are correct posture, grip, alignment and the golf swing itself. These are essential to every shot played in golf. Qualified instructors teach either the Vardon (overlapping) grip, the interlocking grip, or the baseball grip, depending on the student's hand size and athletic abilities. Great ball-striking golfers all have great club position at impact and tremendous swing velocity, generated by correct application of the fundamentals.
Golf instructors (like the famous Robert Baker) teach multiple types of standard shots, including driving, fairway shots, approaches, chipping, putting, and sand-shots. Advanced instruction can teach techniques such as controlling the "shape" of the shot, controlling loft, ball-stopping and spinning, playing off uneven ground or sidehill lies, and trouble shots such as hitting out of the woods. Consistent practice sessions are essential to the improvement of the beginner golfer.
Instructors use a combination of physical conditioning, mental visualization, classroom sessions, club fitting, driving range instruction, on-course play under real conditions, and review of videotaped swings in slow motion to teach golf.
[edit] See also
- Golf Quest