Are You Too Cool For School?

You can never be to cool for school when it comes to playing golf. Watch any professional tournament on television and you will hear the commentator talking about pros bringing in certain coaches to help them with their swing or short game prior to the tournament.

I first enrolled in golf pre-school by taking a series of private lessons with PGA Teaching professional Rodney Green. These lessons were sporadic as things in life caused me to constantly postpone the lesson. Several months later, when I decided to self- elevate to Kindergarten, I called PGA Teaching Professional AG Stepney who put together a 2 day golf clinic for me and a couple of my friends. This was an opportunity to get reacquainted with the fundamentals of the game. With this knowledge I was able to go out to the range and practice. I still wasn’t ready or confident to take it the course but going to the range was enough to keep the spark going.

About 6 months after the 2 day clinic I enrolled in a 5 week clinic that EWGA put together at Orange County National Golf Course. I found that the multi-week format really works for me. I got the fundamentals in small doses and had time to practice before the next class. This provided me an opportunity to ask the teacher, in this case PGA Teaching Pro Pat Livingston, questions about areas that needed improvement.

Shortly after that class I took a series of FREE clinics to increase my knowledge even more. Oh yes, I said free! May is PGA Free lessons month. The PGA is committed to golf education and offers free clinics. Go to playgolfamerica.com to find out the free lessons in your area going on right now. Last year, Val and I attended an all day clinic and walked away with a goodie bag that included a Calloway 6 iron. Score! June is American Express Women’s Golf month. So again, courses offer free clinics to women. Last year I scored 3 free clinics!

I recently finished a 4 week women’s clinic at Disney’s Osprey Ridge Golf Course. Seventeen women were enrolled. It was at this clinic that found a neat little gadget called a removable grip trainer. This is a molded grip that fits over your club that helps you align your fingers. Most golf pro shops carry grips that have to molded to your club rendering it a practice club forever. Since I haven’t won the lottery I don’t have a club that I can just give to the cause, so I searched the internet for a removable grip trainer. Beth and I both bought the Grip Coach. It ranges in cost, depending on the site, from $8 -$12 plus shipping. I walk around the house and just randomly pick up the club. I’m amazed how off my grip still is, so this trainer has been a tremendous help.

My short game needs a little help so I purchased a returnable putt machine for $12 at Marshalls and then bought indoor outdoor turf at Lowes for $13. Based on the size of the carpet I bought the same set up ready- made would cost about $60 at a golf pro shop. While I’m watching TV, I practice my putting and grip. I treat it like homework.

If you find you can’t take advantage of the free clinics then I suggest you call your local golf course. A couple of courses have weekly drop in clinics ranging from 1 – 1.5 hours and a price range of $20 -$25. Because they’re drop ins the class size varies. My friend, Marnita, has taken advantage of these clinics and has often found herself in a class of 2! That’s a private lesson at $20! Also check the EWGA local chapter site and the playgolfamerica.com site. You’ll also find family lessons and clinics if you want to get the whole family involved.

Remember, if you want the game to be enjoyable, don’t be too cool for school and do your homework!