Pat Pohlen, PGA Golf Lessons

Each student comes for golf instruction for different reasons. Beginners want to start their golf career with sound fundamentals and an understanding of the different shots needed toplay golf. Other students come because they have a flaw in some part of their game that is not allowing them to improve. I need to learn their goals, what motivates them and take a course of action that fits their practice and play requirements. 

Having performed 12 years of golf instruction and 12 years of coaching boys and girls HS teams, the number 1 attribute needed is 'patience'. I also have a Class 'A' PGA of America instructors certificate, a Masters' degree in Coaching from Concordia Univ and earned a title of 'Master Instructor' for the Single Plane Swing from the Graves Golf Academy. I am not a Professional Golfer, I am a Professional Golf Instructor. 

When I changed careers in 2008 from owing a business, I began my golf career. I had coached various youth sports as a volunteer and I found the desire to instruct golf motivated me to become the best teacher possible. I help people learn this great game because I want to, not because I have to. I value every person that wants to learn this game. 

   Many of my adult students just want to strike the ball better or want to lower their scores. Some are novices to the game and because of a change in their lives, have decided to take up golf. I teach a lot of golfers the Single Plane Swing that is easier on their bodies and will allow them to play for many more years. I have been privileged to work with many outstanding HS golfers. Two girls on one of my teams tied for 4th in the State Finals and another boy just won his league championship. Most of my junior golfers have goals of playing on the varsity for their High School.

I conduct clinics every Tuesday and Wednesday and watching the attendees organize a golf date and then after they play giving me a run down on how their 'round' played out. I'm just really pleased that they all want to get out on the course and play. 

Make sure your teacher has a program that has on-course instruction included. The number 1 issue in golf instruction is how the client transfers the learned skills to the course for play. It usually doesn't happen the way you expect and the instructor needs to find where the challenges are while you are playing. Golf on the practice range and practice putting green is totally different the what happens on the course. 

Students should be able to ask the instructor how he will help them reach their goals. That being said, the student should have goals. These will be adjusted and modified as they realize the difficulties involved in learning the game of golf. But Golf is Happiness once you learn the game.