Traditionally golf coaching has been delivered to players at this stage on a ‘one to one’ basis. Usually these sessions take the form of ‘lessons’, they are primarily technical in nature, delivered on a driving range or practice ground and involve the coach making technical changes or modifications to the players swing. Research has shown that this process is relatively costly compared with the outcomes it generates and does not necessarily meet the players needs.
For the purposes of this programme coaching will be delivered to players based on the following principles:
-
On a mixture of group coaching sessions on a 1:8 ratio and 1:1 sessions. This will allow for quality coaching to be given to players on the most cost effective basis.
-
Structured practice sessions – These sessions will allow for more players to be involved as the coach would be there to set practice goals and monitor progress against this. Learning models such as the ‘Teaching Games for Understanding’ (TGfU) Model and ‘Guided Discovery’ will be utilised here to allow players to take ownership of their learning.
-
One to One planning and evaluation sessions – Coaches will provide players with one to one feedback, individual goals, individual practice and training plans as well as agreed competitive schedules. This critical component to the coaching process is anathema to golf at present and will ensure more players develop more effectively as well as ensuring that more players are retained in the game.
