Golf is quite a popular sport. It can sometimes be underappreciated or underrated, but true sports fans know its value. It is a great activity if you want to be a pro, but it is even better if you want to practice it as a hobby. Either way, you’ll need some skill and conditioning. It’s not as easy as it seems. Not even close. To be even remotely good at it you’ll need years of training and practice. Most of us only want to enjoy a few rounds from time to time.
But, not all of us are the same. Some people want to master this sport and translate their knowledge onto others. This is a noble cause. Have you given it any idea? Do you want to be a golf instructor? Many people do. But, before you commit, you need to know a few things.
First of all, if you’re serious you can find here, a golf teacher certification, which should be enough for you to enlist as an instructor. Before you go that far you should probably first read these six things you should know if you want to become a golf instructor.
As we said, it is a noble calling, and everyone who wants to be a coach and fall in love with the sport of golf, even more, is more than welcome to try it out. But, as we said, it is a wiser decision to get better informed before you pull any rush moves.
We’re going to help you with broadening your views when it comes to golf and being an instructor tied to this sport. Check out what we have to say in the next few paragraphs.
You Need Skills
Golf is not only about hitting the ball as strong as you can. It is a more refined activity. You need to know this. A golf instructor needs to know this. To play it the right way and to be able to transfer your knowledge to a student you need a certain amount of skill.
Not all golf instructors are ex-professionals, but they have enough skills to show for it. So, without a basic amount of talent for this hard-hitting game, you shouldn’t consider it as your calling.
Love For The Game
Golf is an activity for all ages. When you’re an instructor you will deal with both older and younger starters. You won’t be able to teach them the right way if you’re not seriously in love with the game. Showing the same moves all over again, and watching people fail, or lose interest, takes a toll on the instructor.
To be able to carry the burden you’ll need to show that you love the game. That you love its traits inside and outside. That you love it so much that you’re prepared to teach the basics to those that have no skill at all.
Patience is Required
This is the trait that you need if you want to be an instructor in any field. It doesn’t matter if it’s golf or military, patience is a must. Just think about it. We are talking about a delicate game. It is not only about hitting the ball strongly and hoping that it will reach the hole.
No, there is so much more. There are different types of swings, clubs, and techniques. You’ll need the patience to teach people all over again, and again, and once more, and millions of times after that.
The same things, the same routine, the same basics. If someone is talented they will be playing on their own soon enough. That means you’ll be meeting and greeting newcomers over and over again. Patience is a must.
Social Skills
As a golf instructor, you will not be working with grass, clubs, and balls. No! Golf is the game of the people. You will be working with them. This is fun when you’re playing with friends. The more of you, the more fun it will be.
But, when you’re an instructor it is not easy at all. You will be working with your customers. Paying customers. They will be spoiled, demanding, lazy, and untalented. This is a hard combo to defeat. While you’ll meet a lot of great people, some of them will not be nice at all. You will be under a lot of pressure.
This is why you’ll need excellent social skills. There will be many situations, both pleasant and unpleasant that you’ll need to handle. If you want to be a golf instructor, brush up on your social skills.
Don’t Take it Easy
Do not underestimate this calling. Do not take it easy. It is not an easy task. Being a golf instructor is like teaching. You’ll have students and knowledge to pass on. You need to be good at what you do. This is on point.
You can’t take it easy. You need to bring skills to the table and give a piece to your students. Word of mouth is what will follow you. People need to know that you’re serious. Someone who takes his work seriously.
You must never be laid back in front of your students. After all, they need to respect you, and you need to have them grateful for the skills you taught them. Let us repeat ourselves. This is not an easy task. Do not take it easy.
Never Stop Learning
This is not a sport in which you can rest easy on the success of old. Not even when you’re an instructor. You can always get better. You need to get better. So, it is not only about teaching, it is also about learning. You should hone your skills but expand them also.
You need to talk to your colleagues, other people in sports, professionals, and fans alike. You can always get better. You’re only as good as an instructor as your skills show for it. You need to know that it is possible for you too to take on lessons with someone more skilled.
There are seminars to expand your knowledge too. We’re not even going to mention that there are golf events you shouldn’t miss, both on TV and live.