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Getting the Girls To Play

Posted on March 12, 2014 by David Vaught, USGTF Level IV Member

Here’s an unbelievable fact concerning women and golf: Hundreds of Division I and Division II women’s golf scholarships go unused every year. With the continual rise in the cost of a college education, it is disappointing that we cannot get more young girls to play golf.

Another amazing fact to go along with the waste of unused scholarships: Any girl who can break 90 consistently in high school meets can easily get a Division I scholarship. Let that sink in for a minute…simply playing bogey golf.

Currently, about 26,000 girls play high school golf. That would seem like a lot until you consider there were over 7 million girls enrolled in high school in the U.S. That works out to be less than .4%!

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How do I choose the best instructor for me?

Things to look for in your Teacher...

Personality: Positive, energetic, caring, dedicated, and a passion for teaching!

Experience: Have they been teaching for 6 months or 20 years? If this were a brain surgeon giving you a life or death operation who would you rather have performing it? What credentials do they have? Are they PGA, LPGA or do they call themselves a golf instructor, full-time teaching instructor or head pro? A full-time instructor may have greater expertise, specialization and programs to offer and be easier to get an appointment with compared to a Head Pro who has many other responsibilities and only teaches 5 to 10 hours per week.

Completeness: Complete training--physical, mental, mechanics, playing lessons, etc. Some teachers are stuck in the stone age and don't offer video lessons. Instead, they emphasize practicing more and taking more lessons. Some only teach on a golf mat at the range.

Goal Oriented: Work with instructors that ask about YOUR goals, not theirs, for your game. Your success is their success and they will work hard to get you to reach your goals.

Commitment: It's fine to seek a second opinion (like with a doctor) but using 3 or more teachings philosophies will only confuse you, and inevitably they will conflict with one another. Find one you like and commit to it!

Inquire: Ask other good players who they see for help. Find out who get “results” and see them. Ask an instructor for referrals from other students. Don't be afraid to quiz the teacher on his/her own philosophies regarding golf instruction. After all, it's your money. You should be able to effectively communicate with the teacher not just be a sounding board for his/her "greatness".


4 Types of Golfers

I believe there are 4 types of golfers. Each level of golfer increases in intensity, dedication, and commitment. Below are the four categories of golfers with descriptions. Each level of golfer has unique needs, goals and desires. Taking these factors into account, I have recommendations as to which lesson plan(s) is best for each category of golfer.

Level #1 The “Newbie”: The name says it all: you have never played the game but have a desire to learn the game. Inexpensive group lessons, golf social “clubs,” and Get Golf Ready programs are your best way to learn the game at the lowest price point. Get Golf Ready is a great way to see if golf is for you without shelling out a lot of money, and no equipment is required to participate. In addition, Coaches Pack #1 or #2 would give you a total learning experience and one-on-one time with me.

Level #2 The Recreational or Social Golfer: You probably play more than you practice (if you practice at all)! You love the game and would like to improve your skill level. You could use the knowledge of how to execute certain shots in the game. You have limited time and or resources to spend honing your skills. Golf is more of a social, weekend activity spent with good friends, business associates or clients a few times per year. All you really need is some specialized knowledge and a coach to guide you. Attending group lessons pertaining to your specific deficiencies or the Coaches Pack #1 or #2 are your best bets.

Level #3 The Core Golfer: You are the heart and soul of the golf industry...thank you for playing! You have a deep desire to improve and take your game to the next level. You are willing to put in the practice time and effort that it takes to make improvements a reality. You play frequently, even in organized, competitive events, but you neglect your practice schedule or don't know how or what to practice. Depending on your goals, Coaches Pack #1 or #2 or #3 would be best for you!

Level #4 The Committed/ Competitive Golfer: Let's face it, you love golf...it's in your blood! You compete in a variety of events and expect to do well. You may practice more than you play, and you enjoy practice time. Playing the game at your best is why you practice. You are ready to take your game to the next level. You understand the nuances of the game but hunger for more and are willing to put forth the effort to attain new goals. Coaches Pack #3 or #4 are suited for you.