Instruction

7 questions to ask yourself before you change golf instructors

Published

12 years ago

Dec 2, 2014

Sometimes, a teacher-player relationship just isn’t working out. It’s a natural progression in the career of most avid golfers, whether they want to make a major swing change or simply want a new perspective on their game. Even the best player in the world, Tiger Woods, hasn’t hesitated to switch coaches when he thought the time was right.

As a golf instructor, all I can do is understand the goals of my players and try to eradicate their problems as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Sometimes it’s easy and other times it’s very difficult. The fact remains that me and most of my colleagues are trying as hard as we can, and if you listen to us and apply what we are telling you, I believe that you WILL get better. But in the real world, sometimes it just doesn’t click — just more proof of how hard golf is — and that can be frustrating for any golfer (and teacher).

Think you need a new coach? Here are seven things you should consider before making the change.

No. 1: Does your teacher use a swing model for all his students?

Let’s say you have selected a teacher who uses a very specific swing model and you have been working with him consistently. You cannot seem to master the move that the entire system hinges upon, no matter how hard you try. Well, you’re probably in for a lot of trouble.

Does the teacher suggest alterations of his system that works better with your physical makeup or idiosyncrasies? If not, and you are stuck, then this style will never work for you. If you want to improve, then it’s time to make a change to someone who will work with your natural swing.

Don’t force yourself into a swing model that doesn’t work for you.

No. 2: Does your teacher have advanced teaching tools?

I am not suggesting that teachers without technologies such as FlightScope, Trackman, high-speed video or force plates cannot be top-quality teachers, but that’s not the point. I routinely see my students improve faster with these technologies, because they provide immediate, unbiased feedback to me — and maybe more importantly my students.

As a golfer, it’s crucial to see and feel what’s going on and have tools to audit your progress. I use technology as a way to show my students that what we’re working on is indeed the best thing for their game, and by comparing numbers and/or position from the past, we have a way to quantify our progress.

There isn’t a teacher on this planet who can see everything that goes on in the swing — and no one who can see in accurately in degrees — so if your teacher does not use technology my first question would be, “Why not?” I have seen some great teachers who don’t use much technology, but I have also seen many teachers who shy away from using technology because of a lack of education.

Don’t get caught with a teacher who rejects new technology.

No. 3: Does your instructor work with golfers who are better than you?

One of the biggest indicators of an instructor’s talent level is to observe their best students and see how they compare to you.

Does this teacher only deal with beginners? Does he only work with high handicappers? Those are warning signs for better players. After all, if you aspire to be a tour player, wouldn’t you want a teacher who teaches a ton of tour players? Of course you would.

Ideally, a teacher would have a stable full of players who have shown improvement and play at a level that you would like to attain. Most teachers are comfortable with a certain level of player and tend to stay there, which can hamper their ability to teach more advanced players. Find a teacher who is comfortable teaching the level of player you want to become and you have found your teacher.

Find an instructor who teaches golfers who are better than you are.

No. 4: Does your teacher recognize your learning style?

It is widely known that there are a few learning styles — the most common being visual, verbal, and kinesthetic — and the use of these systems must correlate with your teacher’s delivery or you will have communication issues.

Does your teacher recognize and teach you in the way which you learn best? Do you think Fred Couples (a kinesthetic learner) would work well with a verbal teacher who explained everything to the n’th degree? Of course not — his head would explode! If you are a visual learner and your instructor only focuses on putting you in positions that you should feel, you will not improve. Find a teacher who understands YOU and how YOU learn and you will be successful.

It took me a long time to learn how to teach someone in all three styles — I was more of a verbal learner so I tried to verbalize everything. Needless to say, it was not always the most effective technique. It was only when I became more proficient within these styles that my students got better quicker and with less effort on their part. So if your teacher is going against the grain of your learning style, it’s time to move on.

Find an instructor who understands your learning style.

No. 5: Does your teacher take your goals into account?

Does your teacher interview you at the beginning of each lesson, asking you what you’d like from your golf game? What shot is plaguing you? What you are doing well? Doing poorly? What you are feeling? If not, then you might not be with an instructor who is in tune with the direction you want to go in as a player.

I get all kinds of requests — some make sense, others do not. I have players who shoot between 85 to 95 hitting fades, but they say they are happier shooting 90 to 105 if they can consistently hit a draw. Does that make any sense? Nope, but that’s what they want. Teaching is not about MY personal agenda, so I try to use two ears and one mouth during the interview process. From there, I can identify what my students want from me and what type of golfers they’d like to become.

Find a teacher who is willing to help you achieve your goals.

No. 6: Is your instructor a know-it-all?

The great thing about teaching golf in today’s climate is that there is a wealth of people helping us all learn how to teach better. When I came up, golf instruction was a closed shop — no one wanted to give their secrets away. Now we all routinely discuss what we do and how we do it, and we meet at national seminars to listen to the experts in the field. Just this season I have been to five seminars where we’ve had people speak on various subjects — some that I knew all about and others that I did not. No matter how much I know, I believe there’s always more to learn.

You must be wary of the instructor who feels or gives the appearance that they know it all, because they don’t — no one does. If your teacher is not watching others teach and continuing to expand his knowledge base, then he is being left behind as a teacher. We are learning more about the golf swing and the body each and every day and if you don’t seek new information you will not improve your instructional style.

Find the teacher who is eager to learn, accepts mistakes, and is striving to get better by listening to others.

No. 7: Has your instructor been featured in magazines, blogs or won any awards?

Recognition comes in many form, and I am not saying that if your instructor is not ranked in the Top 100 or Top 50 of the major golf magazines that he is not a good coach. If I was a student, however, I would like to see my coach in my state or region’s top teacher listings. If not, I’d like to see him doing something to gain recognition. Is he publishing instruction articles or videos on his site or another site? That’s one of the best ways to get to know a potential instructor.

I have yet to meet a teacher who didn’t want more clients to choose from, as well as more awards, top-teacher lists, certifications and exposure. These are the best ways for instructors to set themselves apart from the masses, a very few top teachers don’t want such distinctions.

Find someone who is striving to be the very best teacher they can be — one that takes all the steps necessary to grow their name and business. You don’t want the teacher who shows up, teaches and then goes home.

Find a teacher who is committed to his career.

Instruction

How to play your best golf when the temperature drops

Published

4 months ago

Feb 3, 2026

Brendon Elliott

The LPGA Tour is kicking off its 2026 season this week at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, and the pros are dealing with something most Florida golfers rarely face: freezing temperatures.

“It’s colder here than in the UK at the minute, which is a first,” said England’s Charley Hull during Wednesday’s media day at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.

Even Lydia Ko, who lives at Lake Nona, seemed surprised by the cold snap. “We’re pretty much getting to below zero in celsius here, which maybe in other parts of the country they would be thankful, but when you’re in Florida it is a little bit of a surprise,” she said.

If the world’s best players are adjusting their games for cold weather, recreational golfers should, too. Here’s how to play smart when the mercury drops.

Understand What Cold Does to Your Game

Before you change anything, you need to know what you’re fighting against. Cold air is denser than warm air, which means your ball won’t fly as far. Period.

Hull noticed this immediately during practice rounds at Lake Nona. She mentioned hitting a gap wedge into the 18th hole during a previous win but needing a 4-iron during Tuesday’s practice round. That’s a difference of four or five clubs for the same shot.

Action item: Expect to lose 5-10 yards on every club in your bag when temperatures dip below 50 degrees. Plan accordingly and don’t be stubborn about club selection.

Layer Up Without Restricting Your Swing

Hull admitted she wore three pairs of pants during practice. While that might be extreme for most of us, staying warm is critical to playing well in cold conditions.

Your muscles need warmth to function properly. When you’re cold, your body tightens up and your swing gets shorter and faster. Neither of those things help you hit good golf shots.

Action item: Wear multiple thin layers instead of one bulky jacket. Look for golf-specific cold weather gear that stretches with your swing. Keep hand warmers in your pockets between shots. And don’t forget a good hat because you lose significant body heat through your head.

Take More Club Than You Think You Need

This is where ego gets in the way of good scores. When it’s cold, the ball doesn’t compress as well off the clubface. Combined with denser air, you’re looking at serious distance loss.

The pros at Lake Nona are dealing with a course that measures 6,642 yards but plays much longer this week. If they’re adjusting, you should too.

Action item: Take at least one extra club on every approach shot. In temperatures below 40 degrees, consider taking two extra clubs. It’s better to fly the ball to the back of the green than to come up short in a bunker.

Adjust Your Expectations on the Greens

Cold weather affects putting in ways most golfers don’t consider. The ball is harder and doesn’t roll as smoothly. Your hands are cold, making it harder to feel the putter. And if there’s any moisture on the greens, they’ll be slower than normal.

Ko mentioned that she still sometimes reads the greens wrong at Lake Nona despite being a member for years. Cold weather makes that challenge even tougher.

Action item: Hit putts more firmly than usual. The ball needs extra speed to hold its line on cold greens. Take a few extra practice strokes to get a feel for the speed before you putt.

Embrace the Mental Challenge

Hull said something interesting about cold weather golf: “I like the mental toughness of it.”

That’s the right attitude. Everyone on the course is dealing with the same conditions. The player who stays patient and doesn’t get frustrated by the extra difficulty will come out ahead.

Action item: Lower your expectations by a few strokes. If you normally shoot 85, accept that 90 might be a good score in 40-degree weather. Focus on solid contact and smart decisions rather than perfect shots.

Warm Up Longer and Smarter

This might be the most important tip of all. Cold muscles are tight muscles, and tight muscles get injured easily.

World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul revealed she’s been protecting a wrist injury that bothered her late last season. Cold weather makes those kinds of injuries more likely if you don’t prepare properly.

Action item: Spend at least 20 minutes warming up before your round. Start with stretching, then hit easy wedge shots before working up to your driver. Keep moving between shots on the course to maintain body heat and flexibility.

The pros at Lake Nona this week will adapt and compete at the highest level despite the cold. You can do the same at your local course by following these tips and keeping a positive attitude.

PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “Playing Through” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.

Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!

Instruction

3 lessons from Brooks Koepka that’ll actually lower your score

Published

4 months ago

Feb 2, 2026

Brendon Elliott

Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour, and whether you love him or hate him, the guy knows how to win when it matters. After his LIV Golf stint, the five-time major champion returns this week at the Farmers Insurance Open.

What makes Koepka fascinating? He doesn’t fit the mold. His swing isn’t textbook. He doesn’t obsess over mechanics. Yet he’s won three PGA Championships and two U.S. Opens, regularly making it look easier than guys with prettier swings.

So, what can average golfers learn from someone who treats the game so differently? Quite a bit.

Stop Overthinking Every Shot

Koepka describes his approach as “reactionary” rather than mechanical. While most tour pros grind over swing thoughts, Brooks sees the target and hits it. No mental checklist.

This might be the most valuable lesson for weekend golfers who’ve watched too many YouTube swing videos.

How to actually do this:

On the range, hit five balls where you stare at the target for three seconds prior to addressing the ball. Don’t think about grip or stance. Just burn that target into your brain. You’ll be shocked at how pure you hit it when your brain focuses on where the ball is going instead of how you’re swinging.

Next time you play, give yourself a rule: Once you pull the club, you’ve got 15 seconds to hit. Koepka is one of the fastest players on tour because he doesn’t give his brain time to sabotage him.

If you feel tension in your hands at address, you’re trying to control too much. Koepka’s grip pressure is famously light. Loosen up until the club almost feels like it might slip, then add just enough pressure to hold on. That’s your swing thought: soft hands, see the target.

This approach works better under pressure. When you’re standing over that shot with water left and OB right, the last thing you need is a mental checklist. See it, feel it, hit it.

Play to Your Strengths (Even If They’re Not Pretty)

Koepka uses a strong grip that wouldn’t pass muster in some teaching circles. But he’s built his game around what works for him, elite driving distance and recovery skills. He doesn’t try to be someone he’s not.

Here’s how to build your game like Brooks:

Look at your last five rounds and figure out where you’re actually gaining strokes. Bombing it off the tee, but can’t hit greens? Lean into it. Play courses where distance matters more than precision. On tight holes, grip down on your 3-wood instead of trying to thread a driver through a keyhole you’ll miss seven times out of ten.

Koepka knows he can scramble, so he’s not afraid to miss greens. If you’re deadly from 50 to 75 yards, start leaving yourself those distances on the par 5’s instead of going for them in two every time.

Know when to take your medicine. Koepka in the trees at the PGA? He’s punching out to 100 yards, not trying to bend a 6-iron around three oaks. You’re in the rough with a flyer lie and water short? Hit your 8-iron to the middle and move on. That’s not playing scared, that’s playing smart.

Save Your Best for When It Counts

Here’s a wild stat: Koepka’s putting average in majors is often more than a full stroke better per round than in regular events. He elevates when pressure is highest.

How does an amateur tap into that gear? It’s not about trying harder, it’s about caring differently.

Here’s what actually works:

Decide which rounds matter to you. Club championship? Member-guest? That annual trip with college buddies? Circle those dates and treat them differently. Koepka doesn’t care much about regular tour events, but majors? That’s when he locks in.

Two weeks before your big round, change your practice. Stop beating balls mindlessly. Play nine holes in which every shot has consequences. Miss the fairway? Hit from the rough on the next hole too. Three-putt? Twenty push-ups. Koepka’s practice intensity ramps up before majors because he’s rehearsing pressure, not just swings.

Develop a between-shot routine that resets your brain. Koepka is famous for his blank expression after bad shots. Try this: After any shot, take three deep breaths while walking, then find something specific to notice, a tree, a cloud, someone’s shirt. That’s your reset button. By the time you reach your ball, the last shot is gone.

The Bottom Line

Brooks Koepka’s return reminds us there’s no single path to success in golf. His “substance over style” approach proves that results matter more than looking good.

You don’t need a perfect swing; you need a reliable one that holds up under pressure. You don’t need to hit every shot in the book; you need the shots you can count on. And you don’t need to play great every time; you need to play great when it matters.

Welcome back, Brooks. Thanks for the reminder that golf is ultimately about getting the ball in the hole, not winning style points.

Instruction

What we can learn from Blades Brown’s impressive American Express performance

Published

4 months ago

Jan 29, 2026

Brendon Elliott

Blades Brown made a big impression last week in the California desert, and not just because he’s only 18. He put up numbers that would catch any weekend golfer’s attention. Most of us won’t hit 317-yard drives or find 86% of our greens in regulation, but there’s a lot to learn from how Brown managed his game at The American Express.

Here are three practical lessons from his performance that you can use on your own course this weekend.

Step 1: Give Priority to Accuracy Over Distance Off The Tee

Brown’s driving stats are impressive. He averaged almost 318 yards off the tee, ranking 12th in the field. More importantly, he hit 76.79% of his fairways, tying for fourth place in the tournament.

Think about that ratio for a second. Brown could have swung harder, chased more distance and tried to overpower the course. Instead, he played smart golf and kept his ball in play.

Your Action Item: Next time you’re on the tee box, ask yourself a simple question before pulling the driver. Do you need maximum distance here, or do you need to be in the fairway? If there’s trouble lurking or the hole doesn’t demand every yard you can muster, take something off your swing. Grip down an inch. Make a three-quarter swing. Do whatever it takes to find the short grass. Brown’s approach illustrates that fairways lead to greens, and greens lead to birdies. He made 22 of them last week, along with an eagle.

The math is simple. When you’re hitting three out of every four fairways like Brown did, you’re giving yourself legitimate looks at the green with your approach shots. That’s when scoring happens.

Step 2: Commit To Hitting More Greens

This is where Brown really separated himself. He hit 62 of 72 greens in regulation, an 86.11% clip that tied for first in the entire field. Read that again. An 18-year-old kid tied for the lead in one of the most important ball-striking statistics in professional golf.

How did he do it? By keeping his ball in the fairway (see Step 1) and giving himself clean looks with mid-irons and wedges.

Your Action Item: Start tracking your greens in regulation. You don’t need a fancy app or a statistics degree. Just mark down whether you hit the green in the regulation number of strokes. Par 3s in one shot. Par 4s in two shots. Par 5s in three shots.

Once you know your baseline, set a goal to improve it by 10%. If you’re currently hitting five greens per round, aim for six. The beauty of this approach is that it forces you to think strategically about club selection and shot shape. Brown’s strokes gained approach number was positive (0.179), meaning he was better than the field average. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be on the dance floor more often.

When you hit more greens, you eliminate the need for heroic short game shots. Brown only had to scramble 10 times all week, and he got up and down 70% of the time. That’s solid, but the real story is that he rarely put himself in scrambling situations to begin with.

Step 3: Minimize Mistakes And Stay Patient

Here’s the stat that jumps off the page: Brown made only three bogeys all week. Three. In four rounds of professional golf against the best players in the world.

He also made just one double bogey. That kind of clean card doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you play within yourself, avoid the big miss and trust that pars are never bad scores.

Your Action Item: Before your next round, decide that you’re going to play boring golf. No hero shots over water. No driver on tight holes just because you can. No aggressive pins when there’s a safe side of the green.

Brown’s performance shows us that consistency beats flash every single time. He didn’t lead the field in any single strokes gained category, but he was solid across the board. That’s how you post numbers and cash checks.

Give these three steps a try. Your scorecard will thank you.

PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “The Starter” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.