Beginner training plan
Your first lessonFirst lesson: Laying the foundation
The primary goal is to build rapport and assess the student's goals and abilities.
Initial interview: Begin with a conversation covering the student's golf history, athletic background, physical limitations, and expectations. This establishes trust and helps you understand their learning style.
Fundamental skills: Introduce and master the most basic elements. Expect to spend most of the lesson on these concepts.
Grip: Ensure the student is holding the club correctly and comfortably. This is the starting point for all other movements.
Posture and stance: Teach the proper athletic posture and stance to provide a stable base for the swing.
Alignment: Introduce the concept of aiming the clubface and body parallel to the target line.
Introduction to putting: For many students, the best way to start is with the smallest, most manageable swing motion.
Cover basic putting technique, including grip, posture, and aim.
Use drills to develop a consistent stroke for short putts.
Key takeaways: Reinforce 1-2 core concepts and provide a simple practice plan. Emphasize that progress takes time and consistent effort.
Lesson 2-3Second lesson: Consistency and short game
In the second lesson, review the first lesson and expand on short game skills.
Review and reinforcement:
Begin by asking about the student's practice since the last lesson.
Briefly review the grip, posture, and putting concepts to reinforce the muscle memory.
Focus on chipping and pitching: These are the next progression from putting, using a slightly longer motion.
Chipping: Introduce the smaller, pendulum-like motion used around the green. Focus on clean contact and consistency over distance.
Pitching: Progress to a slightly longer swing for shots into the green. Teach a few key yardages for a consistent approach.
Introduce a shorter club full swing: Use a wedge or short iron to introduce the basic full swing motion, focusing on rhythm and balance rather than power.
Structured practice: Provide clear drills and a structured practice plan that includes a mix of warm-ups, technical work, and simulated on-course situations. This helps the student make meaningful progress between lessons.
