Here are some of the frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered, please email me below!
Why should I play golf?
Golf is fun and challenging both technically and mentally. Golf takes skill to play well but also challenges your ability to make the right decision under pressure. A lot of times, you will find that you are competing against the course and yourself more that your opponents. Golf provides a new challenge every time you play because the condition of the golf course will change. Sometimes when you play your ball will be on level ground and other days you will rarely have a flat lie. Many people who play golf enjoy playing golf on their vacation too. Some of the most spectacular places in the world has a golf course with fantastic views and scenery. Golf is also a great family activity and a fun way to get outside and away from computer screens.
What are the benefits of golf lessons?
Most of my students take lessons because they want to get solid basics that will set them up for success. Many golfers struggle hitting their driver off the tee and come to me desperate for help. Some players come to me because now they have a decent long game but now they realize they can’t chip and that’s ruining their score. Others take lessons because they want to hit the ball straighter, further and more solid. Here are a few other benefits that my students have mentioned:
improved putting
new confidence in short game and ability to hit different shots around the greens
more confidence from the bunker
able to beat the boss
able to hit a bucket of balls and not have lower back pain for 3 days after
break 100-90-80-70
improved course management
winning my flight in an EWGA event
get through Stage 1 of PGA Qualifying School
What kind of technology do you use in a lesson?
I use video and a launch monitor called TrackMan. TrackMan is the most widely used launch monitor by tour players. I also use an app called CoachNow to analyze video to share with students.
What is a TrackMan Launch Monitor?
Trackman is a Doppler Radar that measures club data and ball data. It looks like a box about the size of a laptop and it is set up behind the golf ball. For example, it measures distance, swing speed, face angle, attack angle and club path. It can be very helpful in making sure that the swing adjustments you are implementing are actually improving your ball flight.
My budget is limited. What’s my best value for lessons?
Semi-private lessons. If you have a friend or two, you can book a group lesson for up to 4 people. For 4 players, the fee is $60 per person. Please note that I am unable to pair you up with other students for semi-private lessons.
I don’t live in the East Bay. Can you give me a lesson at my course?
I get this question a lot. Unfortunately, I can’t come to your home course unless I have explicit permission from the Head Golf Professional. Most golf instructors have a financial agreement with the course they offer lessons, and showing up on somebody else’s turf just doesn’t feel right.
Isn’t golf really expensive?
It can be. It depends on how much you decide to spend on equipment. However, if you are curious about golf and want to try it, I recommend going to a golf shop that sells used club and purchase one quality golf club- perhaps a 7-iron. Also, the other thing that can be expensive is the green fee. If you want to play golf at 8 am on a Saturday or Sunday, you will pay a premium fee. If instead you choose to play later in the afternoon (some courses call this the twilight rate) the green fee is much reduced and sometimes even less than half of the premium rate.
What does it mean to be LPGA Certified?
Within the LPGA Professionals, there are three designated membership classifications: Apprentice, Class B and Class A. When you start out to become LPGA Certified, you are an Apprentice. That means you have passed your Playing Ability Test and course work to earn the Apprentice designation. Class B you have completed additional course work, an in-person education seminar and testing. The Class A designation means you have completed another round of course work, seminars and testing. The LPGA Integrated Performance System is a Student-Centered model that focuses on the student’s goal, abilities and enjoyment of the game.
What happens in a playing lesson?
Playing lessons are usually 2 hours spent with me on the course. I prefer to do playing lessons in the afternoons because it is usually less crowded on the course. First, we decide on the three most important things you want feedback on in the session. It can be club selection, aim, alignment, pre-shot routine, green reading etc. On each hole, I help you stay on task by asking you questions. This is where we have a chance to not only up-level your decision making but also your execution! Ps. I love playing lessons! Please note: Playing lessons are NOT the best option if you want feedback on your swing technique.
I’m a new golfer. Do I really need 14 clubs?
No. If you are new to golf and trying it out, I would suggest starting with a 7-iron and a putter. If you like it, get a hybrid, driver and a pitching wedge. The budget move would be to go to Kepler’s in Walnut Creek. They can help you get a few decent clubs to get started. The other option would be to get one of those sets that have a putter, irons, hybrids, fairway metals and a driver. My recommendation would be to take half of them out when you start to limit your decision making. As you improve and the difference in distance between clubs increases, you can add the clubs back in your bag. Check out my blog on this topic HERE.