Jon Van Praagh @ Cestone Golf Academy

Find out what their goals are and set up a program that addresses their needs. I evaluate their current level of performance, identify the areas that need attention and create a program specifically designed for them. The number and duration of the lessons is also taken into consideration.

If it is a group, I set up a curriculum and agenda for them based on their overall ability and level of performance as well as the number of classes and the duration of each class. The availability of facilities is also a criteria.

My formal education is in chemistry with a minor in business administration. This includes classes in physics and math. Yes, this does apply to golf - very much.

I have learned the most from the performance of my students and their accomplishments during the past 20 years as well as from the excellent teachers and players I have worked with along the way.

My training also includes certification by the USGTF (United States Golf Teachers Fedederation), certfication by the NHFA Learning Center in "First Aid, Health and Safety for Coaches", "Heat Illness Prevention" and "Concussion in Sports".

USGTF has on-going programs that I participate in and I am constantly working on advancing the art of teaching and coaching golf through my own devices as well as reading as much as possible about what is going on in my profession.

My standard pricing is in accord with the local industry standard of $150.00 per hour adjusted for the number and length of lessons contracted for by the student and/or group.

I got started teaching by becoming a student of the game as a player. I have always admired sports coaches and teachers as those who have had the best possible opportunity to influence the overall development of an individual at any age, but particularly in the young.

Early in my professional career I worked as a research chemist, in sales and in administration of a business. However, I always had a desire to teach and help others become better at whatever they wanted to do, specifially those who wanted to derive satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment on the golf course. I have always looked at the game as a microcosm of life in general and as a conduit to personal gratification. I have a deep passion for teaching and deep understanding of how to help people reach realistic goals and even not so realistic goals.

I have worked with students at every level of performance; beginners, junior tournament players, high school players and players who have made golf their profession. I have worked with highly skilled players as well as with challenged individuals whose achievments are the most rewarding.

I had a high school player who walked onto a college team as a freshman, who was awarded a scholarship in her sophamore year and was made team captain in her junior year. I have also taught blind students and those with physical and developmental handicaps to hit a golf ball and ultimately to play the game and enjoy it. There are few more rewarding experiences than these.

Talk to the teacher and meet them. Find out if there is the right "chemistry" between you and if they are compatible with your leaning style. Make sure they have the time to devote to you and your goals. Take one lesson with them to be sure that you want to continue.

You must also decide to commit yourself to the required practice and exersizes to develop the habits you will need to succeed. None of us can make you a good or great player. The best we can do is to show you what to practice and how to practice. Becoming a good or great player is strictly up to the player and how much time and energy they are willing to invest in themselves.

How will my lessons go?

What will I have to do to succeed?

What are your certifications?

What are your accomplishments?

Are you going to be available to me when I need you?

What do I want to accomplish?

What are my near and long term goals?

Will I have the time and ability to practice?