Page 36 - GBC summer English 2025

the half-swing. An actual golf swing that comes in handy once they
get on the course and find themselves between clubs. The half-swing
also has never failed to produce a smile when the new golfer allows the
loft of the club to get the ball airborne. They also learn the benefits of
swinging from a relaxed position instead of trying to hit the ball hard
and how tension in the grip and body works against you, not with you.
•
 Week Two; we review the tension-free half-swing and let them start
taking the club higher on the back swing, increasing the swing length
slowly. Again, we see success through smiles.
•  Week Three; we introduce them to the putting green and the putting
stroke. We explain basic etiquette that is associated with the putting
green. We also start to introduce them to some very basic rules.
•  Week Four; is the short game. Chipping vs pitching and learning the
basic motion that guarantees success every time.
•  Week Five; we take them on to the golf course. This is the most important
week for new players. Playing two or three holes with them and letting
them know the importance of maintaining the proper pace of play and
how to achieve that even when they are beginners. Allowing them to
feel comfortable enough to venture out onto the course on their own.
Offering playing lessons for beginners goes a long way in helping them
build their understanding of the game.
THE NEW GOLFER PUZZLE
My standard reminder to new golfers is that it generally takes two full
seasons to get to know all the game’s nuances and the basic rules. Also,
our practice is to teach them to play to their par, and not the course
par. A new golfer will feel better knowing they shot 2 under their par
116 (their par being 118), then having to declare that they shot +44. As
they improve, their course par goes down. This is a great way to help
them track their progress and see how much they have improved.
How to introduce basic golf instruction at your facility is not
complicated. I sum it up with a simple good, better, and best scenario.
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Golf Business Canada
•  GOOD: Recruit a current staff
member or club member – a good
player who understands the golf
swing and game and is not shy to
help new players learn the basics.
•
 BETTER: Hiring a retired
teacher(s) – they have an
education background already
and most of them know how
to work well with Junior
Golfers as well as adults.
They are also not shy about
interacting with new golfers.
•  BEST: Hiring a PGA Professional
– they have been trained and
educated on how to best teach
all skill levels of golfers. Most
are well qualified to help
introduce golfers of all ages to
the game through fun individual
lessons as well as clinics and
weeklong junior camps. PGA
Professionals are knowledgeable
about the entire golf operation
and are qualified to help the
facility grow. PGA Professionals
will work with their peers on
“best practices” within the
golf industry. They can also
generate some of their income
through teaching and coaching,
which helps to offset the cost of
bringing them on to your team.
Finally, the last piece of the
new golfer puzzle is bringing your
entire team in on the excitement.
Training all team members at
your facility to look for ways to
encourage the new golfers. When
a new golfer comes off the course
do not hesitate to ask them how
they did. Encourage them at every
opportunity to keep practicing and
getting better each time out. Your
entire team now replaces the old
safety net of family and friends to
help your new golfers feel welcome
and excited to play at your facility.
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