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STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
the next day to make the cut. After finishing the
first day with a score of 81, she called me asking
for some suggestions. I didn’t give any serious
advice to her. Instead, I just laughed and told
her to make full swings without thinking about the
results. I thought the most important thing for her
as a rookie was to give full concentration to what
she could do, not to search for a new solution.
Her score on the second day was much improved
to a 66. This experience made a difference in
her game and made her a major contender for Women’s British Open golf champion Hinako
future tournaments. Finally, she won a JLPGA major Shibuno and her coach Sho Aoki pose for
tournament in 2019. photographer during a press conference in
Tokyo, Japan on August 6, 2019.
After that accomplishment, as you might
know, she won another three JLPGA tournaments As a teaching professional, I believe not only
(Shiseido Anessa Ladies Open, Descente Ladies teaching, but also coaching is necessary for
Tokai Classic and Daio Paper Elleair Ladies Open) players. Teaching golf techniques is not enough to
and the 2019 Women’s British Open. The main develop great players. Just improving their swing
reason for achieving such results is that she had skills doesn’t lead them to a desirable result.
constantly worked on the same practice routine The evolution of science has brought us
over the year, without distraction. Though some high-tech tools, such as launch monitors, which
adjustments were made, she has practiced show accurate numbers and data today. Some
extensively the same basic drills I planned. I also teachers or coaches are obsessed with looking
gave her a drill to improve her putting skills in order at the monitors in order to check their students’
to make putts under pressure. She kept practicing swings. Do you really try to understand your
it every day. students and observe their swings carefully?
I think engagement in a student’s
game plays an important role in
both teaching and coaching. What
is most required is to give them
proper advice and a practice plan
according to their strengths and
weaknesses.
Mr. Sho Aoki has been a Certified
Golf Teaching Professional since 2012.
With the accomplishments he had in
2019, he was awarded 2019 Teacher
of the Year, and Hinako Shibuno was
awarded Player of the Year 2019 by
Golf Digest Japan.
®
Sharing Our Passion Around The World!”
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SUMMER 2020 Golf Teaching Pro
