Changing Golf Coach

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By Tyson M

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  • 5 Replies
  1. Tyson M

    Tyson M
    paducah, KY

    I have had the same teacher for the last 2 years and we are good friends. The last 6 months or so my swing has gone downhill. He bought a Flightscope and tries to teach off of that. Instead of working on improving my swing or my game we spend the entire session trying to hit optimal numbers. This teaching is not working for me one bit. Im contemplating switching to a new coach. Has anyone ever had this dilemma and how did you handle it? Not trying to hurt anyones feelings but my game is suffering and need to get back to advancing my game.

  2. Steve H

    Steve H
    Clearfield, UT

    It's a job.  You need to make a business decision.  Be honest and forthcoming.  You are going in a different direction and feel like it's time for a change.  He might be a bit hurt at first, but he will get over it.  Remember, it's a business decision.  Don't string him along.

  3. Cath D.

    Cath D.
    Carlsbad, CA

    I just came back from the PGA show and we listened to Butch Harmon address that very thought.  He cautioned all the PGA pros attending not to forget that the ball will tell the whole story and that watching the ball flight, club path and swing is the most important part of teaching.  To use the numbers to validate what your eyes see, not to dictate.  He reminded everyone that we don't teach golf to students, but teach students to golf.

    Talk to your coach and tell him exactly what you have said here.  I think he will appreciate the feedback.  Getting a Flightscope is like having a new toy for Christmas and he may need reminding that he is a coach first. 

  4. Cath great input!

  5. tdogg21

    tdogg21
    Chambersburg, PA

    At the end of the day, it's your game.  He might be disappointed, but he'll understand.  I've had to make a break from two swing coaches in my life.  Both were friends and it wasn't easy.  The one took me as far as he could and he realized that.  But the other just had a different swing philosophy than I did.  That was a little more difficult, but we are still friends and there are no hard feelings.

    However, before making the change, I'd sit down and talk to him.  Tell him your concerns.  Maybe he doesn't realize he's taking down the wrong path.  Or maybe he has a larger vision that he hasn't explained to you.  But either way, I'd have the conversation first and if that doesn't work, then you'll have to make the tough choice.

  6. Speedy

    Speedy
    Newmarket, NH

    You definitely have a lot of good responses and love Cathi's input...

    I've never had a swing coach so i really shouldn't comment but IMO, at the end of the day it's about you and your game.  Are you willing to sacrifice your swing just to make your current swing coach happy or to not hurt his feelings? 

    I'm not sure how old you are or what your status is but do what's best for you.  If it means changing things around, so be it.  But I do agree that you should be up front with him and tell him how you feel.  From there, decide what direction you want to go in.

    Unless it affects your family, life is too short to worry about how people will feel if you switch coaches.  Do what's best for you..  You only live once right?

      Good luck!

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