Professional Golf Instructor Training

[comdpa]

The Essence of this thread thus far (although that may not be the original intent of it):

- How can you teach unless you have learnt?
- How can you have learnt if you don't understand and cannot apply?
- How can you apply unless you have 'it'?
- How can you have 'it' unless you have consciously or subconsciously memorized the material under discussion?

Instead of thinking teaching golf, lets think teaching mathematics. You will start seeing things in a whole new light.

Teaching golf is no different from any other teaching profession. You need expertise and to get expertise, you gotta put the time in.

[6bmike]

The original question was in regard to GSEB training in The Golfing Machine. What is so difficult to understand that, as an instructor, having the book neatly organized in your head can only be a benefit- all things considered. How can less be better unless you aren’t teaching the GM and have twisted away to another set of principals.
What you do after your TGM education and certification- is individual. But why shoot for being less?

[comdpa]

... But why shoot for being less?

Ok...that to me is the crux of the whole matter!!!

Bravissimo Mike...

[DennyAlberts]

How much is 3,654 times 456 ?
I don't have to memorize the answer to be a great mathmatician.
I do know how to solve that problem.
This was an example that Homer gave.
Remember that musical group that learned that top hit by rote.
They did't speak any English.

[comdpa]

How much is 3,654 times 456 ?
I don't have to memorize the answer to be a great mathmatician.
I do know how to solve that problem.
This was an example that Homer gave.
Remember that musical group that learned that top hit by rote.
They did't speak any English.

Denny,

How much do you think it would help you if you could see immediately the errors that students are making in their Downstroke - the 8th section of the swing.

Of which their mechanical checklist would be...

Extensor Action
Aiming Point - Lag
Left Wrist Position
Delivery Line
Right Elbow Position
Rhythm

And how would you know unless you have memorized it?

Memorizing the principles of TGM is akin to memorizing basic mathematical operations.

Teaching these TGM principles would be akin to applying your mathematical operations in finding out what the value of 3,654 times 456 is - which incidentally is 1,666,224...

Believe me buddy, there is a HUGE difference when you have the PRECISION to pinpoint a problem and when you "sort of know it".

When you know that you know and when your student knows that you know - things happen.

I should know...

I experienced it myself.

[mrodock]

Denny,
Believe me buddy, there is a HUGE difference when you have the PRECISION to pinpoint a problem and when you "sort of know it".

When you know that you know and when your student knows that you know - things happen.

I should know...

I experienced it myself.

With all due respect comdpa, keep in mind that Denny has been at the game a long time and is an accomplished and respected instructor himself. When I have talked golf swing with him he most certainly knows very specifically what he is talking about and is extremely dedicated to learning the book backwards and forwards.

Matt

[comdpa]

With all due respect comdpa, keep in mind that Denny has been at the game a long time and is an accomplished and respected instructor himself. When I have talked golf swing with him he most certainly knows very specifically what he is talking about and is extremely dedicated to learning the book backwards and forwards.

Matt

With all due respect Matt...

Denny and I go back slightly more than a year...

He is a fantastic coach...and he certainly knows his stuff - I know, because I have seen the man in person no less and his hands have guided mine.

Its most unfortunate that my post was taken in a way that was not obviously its intent.

I wasn't trying to disprove Denny's ability.

I was just trying to make the point that memorizing things that relate to our profession can elevate you to the 'next level'.

Since my return to Singapore from Arizona, Denny and I frequently communicate over the telephone.

I always tell Denny that he was the one who sparked this TGM fire in me through his generous sharing - he will humbly tell you: "Oh thats nothing..." . What I know today is a debt to the giants that have stood before me.

Denny told me this which left an indelible impression: "Never stop researching, there are always new ways we can learn to communicate TGM concepts to students". I have held firmly to his advice.

In fact, there has been more than one occasion in which Denny and I have spoken about memorizing things - whether I was a straight A's student etc etc...Denny has got this stuff memorized in case you were wondering - don't be misled!

A good memory stems from awareness and organization first and foremost.

I was always a bad student with a bad memory until I picked up Tony Buzan's "How to use your Head". My life changed both socially and academically.

How dramatic was the change?

From a near junior and high school dropout to being on the honor roll in college for 3 consecutive years - and a scholarship offer to do my MBA.

[6bmike]

Ok...that to me is the crux of the whole matter!!!

Bravissimo Mike...

Thanks Buddy. Besides just knowing the chapters helps finding things with the book open- LOL