Dan Donohue, PGA. Teaching Professional, Ravens Claw GC
About
Flexible hours, full 18 hole facility with driving range/putting green that is available for use during the lessons. PGA Professional since 2001, 15+ years of teaching experience. Also, Active Duty and Retired Military are given one free 60 minute lesson at NO CHARGE!
Teaching golf is one great way to give something back that was freely given to me by my Father and past Golf Professionals at the courses I worked at my whole life. Being able to help people reach and set new goals with their game is the foundation of my teaching. I love to teach the "game" more than just the swing. Being able to take students on the course and set them up with a plan for each shot lowers scores fast and shows the best results.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First thing we need to do is set attainable goals which are primarily determined by the student's abilities and their time to practice. Then we will discuss limitaions (physical/time constaints) and formulate a plan that works for the player. Once the swing mechanics are repeatable, then we can get onto the golf course to see how they hold up in a real world situation.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
In 2001, I started working at Whitemarsh Valley CC as an assitant professional and built a large teaching book there. I became a full PGA member in 2005, passing all of the written/performance testing they had and have continually been a member since then. In 2013, I left to open my own business in order to spend more time with my young children and have been able to stay teaching at Raven's Claw GC in Limerick PA on a part time basis.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Hourly lessons are $80 per hour. Packages can be tailor made to each individual student. On-course teaching doesn't cost any more than range work which is a big part of the sucess in my students.
How did you get started teaching?
In the late 90's, I was managing a local Golf Equipment store and they were slowly being pushed out of business. The opprtunity came up to start teaching with a locally renowned professional at the Philadelphia Golf Academy and I jumped at the chance. Passing my P.A.T. on the first shot that fall, I then contacted Whitemarsh Valley CC where I grew up caddying and working in the bag roorm and they accepted me as an Assistant in 2001.
What types of students have you worked with?
In the past, I have taught all ages, men/women, group clinics, high school golf teams, and all levels of player. I've also been fortunate enough to work with wounded veterans and blind golfers.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Teaching the HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) clinics has been a great way to give a little bit back to the people who have given so much to us. It's an honor to help them reacclimate to their new life through the vehicle of golf. Also, I play in the Blind Golfer's Pro-Am every year with the same partner for the last decade. Amazing to see how much enjoyment the game of golf can bring to a person who has to suffer a daily burden.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Please talk to your teacher before signing up for any long term commitment. The chemistry between teacher/student is just as important as the lessons being taught.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How much time am I really going to have to practice/play and are my goals consistent with that? Having a 20+ handicap player say he wants to be a "Scratch" golfer is a common thing we hear from many students. It is possible, I've done it with one student. But he put in an inordinate amount of time/money and passion to making it happen. So long as you have the physical ability, anything is possible in golf. The time commitment will come from you and will directly relate to your success!