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From Phil,
golfer: |
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I would like to compete on one of the
mini senior tours in Central Florida but need to hone my skills a little
more. I am presently a 2 handicap and know I need to get that down to a
plus handicap but I can't afford to pay a lot of money for lessons. Are
there teachers who give multiple lessons for a set fee and if so where and
who are they in Central Florida? |
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PGA/LPGA
TEACHING
PROFESSIONAL
RESPONSES: |
Florida
"Dear Phil: Your are in luck - I
do, and I'm probably exactly what your looking for to get your game to
about a +2 with some sweat and fun. I'm located in Orlando (exit 48)
probably an hour and 15 minutes form where you live. Call me sometime 407
443-5600 or look on my bio-page to get a little feel for who I am. I work
with several players on the Hooters Tour with a set fee % of winnings
longer term."
- Sean
Gorgone, Teaching Professional |
Florida
"Phil: I am the head golf professional at Heritage Isles G&CC
in Tampa. I offer a series of 6 lessons for $150 or unlimited lessons for
3 months for $400. On the unlimited package, you can schedule as many
lessons as you like during the three months. The only day I am unavailable
is Sunday."
- Duke
Bowen, Teaching Professional |
Florida
"Hello Phil: If you were a 5-10, the answer would be simple: take a
few lessons to hone your skills. But as a 2 handicapper, the answer could
be in honing your course management, refocusing your mental approach,
and/or getting tournament tough by competing. Before signing up for a
series of lessons, I might suggest finding a PGA professional who would be
willing to start off with a playing lesson to evaluate the situation.
Asking better players in your area will give you a good idea who is
competent. I would suggest however, that you make sure your selection is
him/herself a good player with some tournament experience. A fine
player/professional in your area is Joe Hodge at Lone Palm Golf Club (863)
499-5481. If you don't find someone you're happy with in the Lakeland
area, I am (depending on traffic) 1-1 1/2 hours from you in Sanford,
just off I-4 between Orlando and Daytona. Incidentally, if you're waiting
to turn 50 to get your feet wet, you needn't. The Florida Senior Tour
accepts players who are 48 and you can play as an amateur if you like.
Check them out at www.Thefloridaseniortour.com.
Good luck Phil. Hope to see you out there!"
- John Brott,
Teaching Professional |
Illinois
"Phil:
Any good teacher that can take you to the next level will charge you a
good fee for his service. The best teachers charge the most because they
are the busiest. You should try to find a teacher that helps you improve
and stick with him regardless of what he costs. Remember, you are
investing in your future, so don't cheapen it. You want the best if you
are going to be the best."
- Dr. Jim
Suttie, Teaching Professional |
JAMAICA
"Don't try to save at the wrong end. Spend more money on a few
lessons with a great teacher than the same amount for more lessons
with a poor teacher. Never let the cost of a lesson influence your choice
of teacher if you want to play for a living. Your swing is a product with
which you hope to conduct business with. Invest in it correctly and the
rewards will come accordingly."
- Kevyn
Cunningham, Teaching Professional |
Nevada
"Phil: As to finding a truly sound and tuned in 'Teaching Pro' who
will understand your specific needs and deliver the proper guidance, you
simply need to look and ask a lot of questions. They are very rare and may
be expensive as well. As to your performance: you will have to get your
handicap down to be successful. The players out there beat up on 2's every
day! It is more fun to be a +2! As to the cost of getting to a +2, you
will have to pay for it one way or the other. A word of advice or caution:
to get out onto a senior mini tour is going to cost you a considerable
amount as well, so be prepared. Did you know that a participant on the
Tour might spend in the range of $2,500.00 per week? That is a about
$60,000.00 a shortish year whether you win or not! I can hear you thinking
about that almost paid off mortgage! So consider the importance of having
a quality teacher. You do not want to mess with anything less than you
need and deserve. The number one Alignment in the 'Great Game Of Golf' is
a 'Square Clubface At The Moment Of Separation'. Best we remember that!
'Swing Not at the Ball, but Through the Ball'!" - Karl
Fischer, Teaching Professional |
Oregon
"Phil: yes there are series lessons given by pros in Florida you
would have to ask around and word of mouth is good. You also could sharpen
your short game skills also that will help your score the most." - Penny
Larsen-Gebauer, Teaching Professional |
South Carolina
"Phil: How close are you to achieving senior age status? A 2
handicap is something to be very proud of, but it does not always mean
that a mini tour career is best suited for you. There are probably a
lot of good instructors in that area who can help you with this situation.
You might want to ask them if they would be willing to not charge anything
initially, and take a percentage of winnings once you start competing
well. If you have trouble finding someone, please let me know if I
can help."
- John
Hughes, Teaching Professional |
