Pro Tips Teaching family and friends

Do you have a friend or family member you’d like to get into golf but not sure where to start? There are many beginner golf classes for juniors and adults available, but sometimes the best way is for you to introduce them (I’m assuming the person reading this is already an avid golfer). You have the advantage over a teaching professional, because they already trust you and are comfortable around you. However, this relationship is not all you need to get them hooked.      

Here are three tips when introducing someone new to the game.

Tip #1 – Do not attempt to take them to the golf course on day one. Instead, introduce them to one of the many golf-like experiences that have been created. The most obvious golf-like experience is your local driving range. The best ranges are designed to have practice areas identical to the golf course they’re tied to. Simulate playing golf at these areas while introducing how to keep score and golf terms. There are many golf vocab words that must be explained to someone new, such as, par, birdie, bogey, tee box, fairway, rough, green, bunker, hazard, ball mark, divot, chunk, skull, thin, hook, slice, draw, fade, and (most importantly) fore!

If you don’t believe a standard driving range is stimulating enough for them, then seek out one of the newer golf-like experience. There’s an arcade-style driving range, indoor virtual golf simulator, an underground bar with miniature golf, or even a foot golf course. Can you guess what places I’m referring to? Many of these are available in your area.

Tip #2 – The National Golf Foundation did some extensive research to find out the most popular reason someone fell in love with the game. It’s called Shot Euphoria. We all know what this is, because it’s the one thing that keeps us coming back to the game. This term refers to the first time someone hits the sweet spot of the golf club and the ball goes farther and higher than they’ve ever hit before. If someone can experience Shot Euphoria the first time they hit golf balls, then you have the best chance of getting them hooked to the game, statistically speaking. However, we know this is easier said then done, especially if you don’t have formal golf instruction training.

Here’s a quick insight into beginner swing instruction. Most beginner golfers struggle to get the ball into the air due to a poor set up or swing mechanics. Ensure proper setup before you work on in-swing mechanics. Understand that most beginners struggle getting the ball in the air, because they try to scoop the ball into the air or release the club way too early on the down swing. This leads to thin or chunky shots. The quickest way to prevent this is to incorporate a slight forward press at address and encourage them to maintain this position at impact. A quick understanding of the club face and its grooves will help them realize that when you hit the ball on the down swing the club will do the work for them and get the ball airborne. 

Obviously, there are many other swing mechanics I’ve skipped here, but that was done intentionally. This insight into proper in-swing mechanics is for you to understand, not necessarily for them. Try not to over complicate it on day one. Just get a short to mid iron in their hands and let them try. Only add this information if they ask. The goal is simply to experience Shot Euphoria once. When it happens, they’ll know.

See July’s issue of Inside Golf for Part 2 of teaching family and friends.

Ryan Young is the Director of Instruction at Chambers Bay. Visit the Academy website, www.chambersbaygolf.com/instruction for more.