Credibility in golf instruction is a real concern among players at all levels. The time, energy, and emotional commitment to a coach come with a price tag as well.
GolfTEC, with over 1.5 million lessons taught to date, relies on a legion of well-equipped Professionals to deliver tangible improvement to clients. The past 12 months have shown that members of the GolfTEC family across the United States both can teach – and play – at a high level.
Recaps Mike Clinton, GolfTEC COO and cofounder, “we have Corporate staff and Coaches that truly perform. While a challenging economy may give players a reason to evaluate their golf patterns, these men and women are examples of what an investment in golf should really look like – steady improvement guided by competent PGA and LPGA Professionals.”
Some of these accomplishments and awards follow. More importantly, the player results showcased in the November edition of MOMENTUM demonstrate the power of passion in golf.
STAFF ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Joe Assell and Mike Clinton: Ernst & Young Entrepreneurs of the Year for the Rocky Mountain region
- Joe Assell: Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year (1998)
- John Lynch: PGA Teacher of the Year for the Aloha Section (2007)
- John Lynch: Winner of Aloha Section PGA Stroke Play Championship (2008)
- John Lynch: Aloha Section Player of the Year (2008)
- James Kinney: PGA Teacher of the Year for the Nebraska Section (2007)
- James Kinney: Nationwide Tour qualifier
- Rob Randall: PGA Teacher of the Year for the Iowa Section (2008)
- Steve Atherton: PGA Teacher of the Year for the Colorado Section (2008)
- Andy Hilts: Colorado PGA Horton Smith Award Winner (2008)
- Andy Hilts: Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year (2005)
- Peggy Gustafson: LPGA Teacher of the Year for the Central Section and Top 50 LPGA (2008), GolfTEC Teacher of the Year
- John Thompson: Nationwide Tournament qualifier – Bank of America Open (2008)
- Ty Walker: PGA Teacher of the Year (2002)
CLIENTS ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Bill Nachefski: Qualified for the Nature Valley Amateur Championship – TPC Sawgrass
- Tommy Mellon Jr.: Named to America’s Most Improved Golfers list in Golf Digest magazine
- Darin Ferguson: Named to America’s Most Improved Golfers list in Golf Digest magazine
- James Grant: Named to America’s Most Improved Golfers list in Golf Digest magazine
- Leigha Kristoff: Named to America’s Most Improved Golfers list in Golf Digest magazine
- Daniel Gill: Named to America’s Most Improved Golfers list in Golf Digest magazine
- Bill Caveness: Qualified for the US Senior Open (2008). Instructed by Jeff Schmiedbauer in Plano
- Andrew Bisbee: Winner of Nature Valley Golf Amateur event at TPC Boston. Instructed by Howie Barrow in Needham (2008)
- Sherri Wilson: Winner of the Golf Channel Amateur Tour event at Blackledge Country Club in Hebron, CT. (2008)
- Tom Glissimier: Qualified for the 2003 U.S. Open at the age of 16. Instructed by Kevin Cubbage in Cherry Creek.
- Brittany Lang: LPGA Tour Player
- Hunter Mahan: PGA Tour Player
- Ashley Purst: Colorado State Champion (2003)
- Jane Rah: LPGA Tour Player
WHAT ABOUT ME?
When considering a golf instruction investment, three guidelines are helpful. Use them to ask questions, check out websites, and get recommendations from others.
1) WHAT’S THEIR MISSION?
GolfTEC’s is simply to “deliver real, significant improvement in tee-to-green skills.” Others may emphasize quick swing adjustments, focus on one element of the game, or, worse yet, have no focus. Everyone has one, so be certain to discover what it is before proceeding.
2) DOES THEIR APPROACH EQUAL RESULTS?
Spending time in a bay or on-course with a pro has no correlation with player improvement. Get instructional client references of those who saw “before and after” improvement. Ask for 10 names at minimum to get past the instructor’s favorites.
3) IS IT ABOUT YOU OR THEM?
Unless player goal-setting is at the center of the improvement process, the instructor likely has made assumptions about what’s needed. Press for a plan or program that’s tailored to you: That’s where spending money on instruction can become a worthwhile, life-long investment.
Evaluate GolfTEC’s approach for 2009. Be certain to meet the people behind the proven process. That’s because, when it comes to the challenging world of golf improvement, there are instructors — and then there are Coaches.
