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STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
it was simply a matter of negotiating terms
with a general manager.
• Introduce yourself to local golf instructors
and volunteer to help them with their junior
programs, holiday camps and clinics. This
was a great way to show the locals that
I could deliver, and it always resulted in
being offered future paid work.
of the millennial generation each day. The • Treat your golf coaching as a business and
range is the first, with talk of many more to be willing to invest in branding, marketing,
come. According to OzPlay, which is Australia’s and building your online presence. Your
leading data collection agency, there are over potential students will be looking at reviews
200,000 people interested in learning the game before they invest in your lesson programs.
annually. Like many other countries, it’s clear • Invest in tools and technology. I made two
that the challenge ahead of us is providing large purchases that set me apart. The
programs that attract these non-golfers to the first was a large SNAG kit that gave me
game. equipment to run school programs. The
Ten years have now passed since I first other was a TrackMan. This launch monitor
arrived. set me apart from other coaches who
My golf coaching business has steadily grown didn’t use technology.
over the years, and today I assist with the • Never stop learning and gaining
delivery of the AGTF seminars. I also serve as credentials. Go through the WGTF courses
president of the state’s collegiate golf program, and become a Master Golf Teaching
give private lessons at two indoor studios, Professional. Look for every opportunity to
provide beginner clinics and junior camps at a improve your skills and make this a primary
local course, serve as the coach for a disabilities business strategy.
program, and serve as the golf coach at a high • Create an experience. The millennial
school and the local college. generation (ages 22-38) are the customers
Below are a few tips if you find yourself newly who are spending hard-earned money
married in a foreign land with nothing but your on TopGolf-type facilities. Studies show
golf shoes: that this generation values experiences
• Understand your value. Golf coaching/ more than a service or product. Study this
instructing is a specialized skill that is highly generation, and if you can be the one that
valued if you’re able to attract non-golfers. can create a unique lesson experience
You essentially become a free marketing that they respond to, you will be the envy
agent for a golf course manager who of the entire golf coaching world.
needs more business. Wherever you are located in the world,
• Network by telling everyone you meet I would love to hear about your coaching
what you do. My new wife worked at business and share ideas about growing the
a large church, and it didn’t take long game. Please feel free to contact me at
before everyone that played golf wanted GrantGarrison@live.com.
a lesson. Approaching a local golf course
with an existing clientele gave me value;
“Sharing Our Passion Around The World!”
®
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SUMMER 2020 Golf Teaching Pro ®
