A coach should assist you, guide you and support you as you embark on this journey. As your coach, I will help you set goals, organize your training sessions and provide feedback so your skills transfer to the golf course. This is not about fixing what is broken, rather a program that results in permanent change because of the skill building process we use. Over a period of time you will also need continuous feedback and guidance. I will help you transfer ball-control skills from the range to the course, assist you in making correct on-course decisions and equip you with self-management skills so that you can play your best golf when it counts. Now is the time for you to make the commitment to "coaching" rather than taking more "lessons." Your scores will drop, your confidence level will rise and the frustration will disappear. You will play better golf this year!

Our primary goal in any program is to lower your score. In order to achieve our goals we must understand the process of developing skills and transferring them to the golf course. Ultimately there are three essential skills we will be developing in your program.

  • Ball Control Skills - ability to control the direction, distance and trajectory of a golf ball when hit with a selected club.
  • Decision-Making Skills - committing to a course of action that is intended to yield results that are satisfying to you.
  • Self-Management Skills - the ability to manage your thoughts, emotions and behaviors and eliminate any mental interference that is affecting your performance.

The process of developing motor skills requires a player to develop the skill through four stages. Unfortunately, you can't just pick up a magazine and read the latest tip or take another lesson. Motor skills must be trained properly. To successfully learn and apply skills to the golf course you must participate in every step. When your performance on the golf course fails, don't worry. It's not the time to introduce new concepts or watch another video. Stick with your current concepts (assuming your coach has approved) and continue building stronger skills through practice, transfer training techniques and on course sessions with your coach.

Step #1: Understand Cause and Effect

Here is where we take a look at your game and identify strengths and weaknesses. We identify areas of your game that will aid in shooting lower scores. More importantly, I will provide you with clear concepts of what needs to be learned and how to control your ball flight. At this stage it's crucial you have a clear understanding of how to control your ball flight instead of getting confused with too many swing thoughts. We also will look at the cause and effect in your swing and help you understand why you may be making certain moves that are affecting your ball flight. At this point video will be used as a feedback tool during swing changes. I do not use video to compare you to the latest tour professional. We will also use FlightScope technology to provide feedback to the ball flight characteristics and the movement of the golf club. Once you have a clear understanding of your swing and your game, it's time to practice, practice, practice!

Step #2: Supervised Training Sessions

Players who participate in supervised practice sessions play better golf. Bottom line they get better. Golf is a game consisting of motor skills that must be trained properly in order to increase performance. A player cannot expect to improve without deliberate practice sessions. In order to see improvement in your skills you must also be receiving feedback and knowledge about your results. The time spent in a supervised practice sessions is organized and targeted towards your game and the desired results. As your coach I am there to setup the learning environment and provide effective feedback and coaching. Practice sessions are always fun, engaging and provide confidence to the player. For more information see the "Group Coaching Sessions" page.

Step #3: Transferring Skills to the Golf Course

Congratulations! If you make it to step 3 you are in better shape then most golfers. Skipping this step in the process is why the majority golfers have a hard time transferring their game from the driving range to the golf course. Transfer training is the process of applying pressure to a skill and training the skill to be transferred to a variety of playing conditions. Practice like you play and you can maximize your on-course performance.

Step #4: Playing with Sarah

On course playing sessions are one of my favorite things to do with students. During a playing session I have the opportunity to view first hand how the player is managing their emotions and behaviors on the golf course and whether their decision making skills are affecting their performance. This is the final stage of the skill development process and is critical for any player looking to lower their scores and increase their performance level. Playing sessions are also a great opportunity to see what skills may be breaking down under pressure and if mental interference is affecting performance.

Ready to make the commitment and see permanent change in your game? Stop taking more lessons, reading more magazines and watching more videos. The science and research of motor learning and performance shows that the traditional way of golf instruction just doesn't work long term. Why not try something different and start loving your golf game again.