About
I conduct private and semi-private lessons for adults and juniors. I have a passion for teaching juniors and have been trained as a U.S. Kids Golf Instructor. Since 2012, I have conducted an annual LPGA Girls Golf Day at Brambleton, which has been extremely well attended by girls ages 7-17. I also conduct Girls Group Lessons, which continue to grow.
In 2013, I was trained as a Golf Fitness Instructor with Titleist Performance Institute (TPI). I strongly abide by the philosophy of TPI, which is rooted in the belief that there is not one way to swing a club, rather there are an infinite number of swing styles, with one efficient way for every player to swing and it is based on the physical capabilities of each golfer. The efficient golf swing is unique to the individual golfer's body. I incorporate TPI physical screens into my private lessons and provide the student with exercises and drills to ensure each of my students can achieve the best possible swing for them.
I treat each student as an individual. What works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another. There are fundamental guidelines for the game, but each golfer comes to a lesson with his/her own pre-conceived ideas about the game. We all come in different shapes and sizes, some with physical limitations. It is my job to help you develop your own swing and provide you with an understandable explanation of the various aspects of the swing to empower YOU to improve YOUR game.
I enjoy sharing the game of golf with others. With the experienced golfer who is having a specific problem with their swing, I love the challenge of identifying the problem and fixing the problem through drills, video, and demonstration.
For the beginner, I enjoy introducing them to a life-long game and watching them grow in the game.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
For new students, I start with the shortest stroke, which is putting, reinforcing fundamentals of grip, stance, posture, ball position, and alignment, as we progress to chip shots, pitch shots, then the full swing. I want them to see success with the simplest stroke, before they progress to the full swing. I also make every effort to satisfy their specific goals. It's not about me. It's about them! What works for one student does not necessarily work for another. I am student centered in my teaching.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
In 2009, I was trained and certified as a golf instructor with the US Golf Teachers Federation.
2011-2014, Class A training curriculum with the Ladies Professional Golf Association.
US Kids Golf training curriculum
Titleist Performance Institute (TPI)training. This included instruction regarding certain swing characteristics and how they relate to physical characteristics of a golferas.
TPI training enabled me to more easily assess what instructional techniques and drills will work with an individual golfer based upon their physical challenges and body style.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes, I have rates for one private lesson and semi-private lesson, and a series of lessons. The rates for a series is where you get the "most bang for your buck"!
All rates for adults and juniors are listed on my website, www.cathyjonesgolf.com
Examples...Adult 30 minute lesson-$70
3-30 minute lessons-$180
5-30 minute lessons-$275
1-60 minute adult lesson-$120
3-60 minute lessons-$285
5-60 minute lessons-$465
How did you get started teaching?
I first started teaching Special Olympics Golf after retiring from federal law enforcement in 2005. After this experience, I realized I really enjoyed working with students to teach them how to golf.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with children and juniors, boys and girls, ages 6-18.
I have worked with adult men and women of all ages, including many seniors.
The skill levels of students I teach has been varied, from many beginners to intermediate golfers to the advanced golfer.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I am very fond of my LPGA Girls Golf Day, which I will conduct for the 5th year on April 29, 2017. I work with 20-30 girls from 7-17 during a two hour event where they learn basic golf skills, etiquette, and golf opportunities for girls, while playing fun games. Refreshments are also provided. I really enjoy working with the young girls to introduce them to the game of golf.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
You want to make sure you and the teacher are a good match.
Patience is a key part of being a good teacher.
The teacher should have knowledge of the golf swing, but also the ability to instruct you at your level, whether beginner or advanced.
Make sure you are motivated with your teacher and you don't come out of a lesson feeling bad about yourself. That's not what the game is about.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Think about what you really want out of your lessons.
Do you just want to be able to go out with friends to socialize?
Do you have a specific part of your game you want to work on?
Do you have any physical issues, which would impact the way in which your swing?
Do you learn best in a specific way? For example, telling the instructor you really need to be placed in the position the instructor is telling you about.
Be as specific as you can with your instructor about your needs. It's also their job to help you get more specific with your needs, also. Telling them you want to be more consistent is a phrase I often hear, but I then have to ask more questions to determine more specifcs about the term "consistent".