Why I chose MT Golf as a coach..

How do you decide on a golf coach? Do you research through recommended golf coaches on the internet? Research which coaches are in your price range? Have you ever researched what facilities the coach has before booking up a lesson?

I approached MT golf in 2015 when I rededicated myself back to improving my golf. Knowing Matt from 'The Golf College', we already had a relationship and an understanding of my game. After completing his PGA, Matt was ambitious enough to take on the Head Professional position at Sweetwoods Park G.C. The very same golf club we had spent 2 years living at, whilst attending 'The Sussex College Of Golf' as it was called then.

Not needing the consultation Matt offers to new clients due to our history, we dove straight in. Using the purpose built indoor swing studio, we were able to diagnose the points of my swing that create my disaster shots. The swing studio is a big deal for me, it means I can have a lesson anytime of the year and be able to swing in a t-shirt. I would refuse a lesson in waterproofs and no swing data.

Over the past 3 years

Myself and Matt have lowered my handicap from 3.0 to 1.8. A 1.2 cut over three years may not seem like much, But this is in Category 1. We have won 2 club championships, 3 scratch cups & runner up in the 2016 Trilby tour. We turned my competition stroke average from 77.40 in 2014 to 74.6 in 2016. I would love to say that this is because I have knuckled down and practised at every opportunity, the truth is I haven't achieved nearly as much as I could have. I explained to Matt in our first lesson that this was about improving to around a 1 handicap and then maintaining. Matt has the ability as a coach to understand where different players interests are and adjust his coaching methods. I am sure plenty of golfers arrive at MT Golf wanting to max out their ability and become the best golfer they can, I sadly left that ambition with professional golf and now just want to be competitive and have fun.

What people say to me

Aren't you to good to have lessons? - A question that baffles me to this very day. I proved in 2015/16 that with lessons I can play somewhere near my best. It took lessons for me to improve my game as I was a potential 1 handicap player, playing off of 3, slowly rising to 4. Turning my competition stroke average from 77.40 in 2014 to 74.6 in 2016.

'Of course you will recommend Matt, that's who you have lessons with'. Now true, I do recommend Matt to other golfers if they are looking to improve. I am under no illusion that there are many high quality coaches in the industry. I trust Matt with my golf and have the performances to prove we are on the right tracks. Only once have I advised a player to leave their coach to go to Matt. When asked, I as a rule just clearly explain the advantages I find with my lessons.

Where I can improve as a client

We have ventured into my short game with varied success. Although I would love to blame Matt for my chipping and pitching, I have to take full responsibility for that. over the past 4/5 years I have been held back with my chipping. During a lesson with Matt, we found a technique which helped improve this area. Considering I have about 4 hours chipping practise under my belt over the last 5 years, its myself that has held back Matt's coaching. This is proof that no matter the golfers ability, without practise you will not improve.

Why honesty is key

Honesty is a key part of a coach/player relationship. I have met many players where I know the honesty isn't in their lessons from both sides, seeing very minimal improvement over 12 months. The reason I am honest with Matt, is to get the most out of my lessons, there are no wrong things to say. Even as a 2 handicap golfer, I still misinterpret techniques. A good coach can explain why you are misinterpreting and make it simpler for you to understand.

Why am I writing this?

Have I written this as a favour to Matt? No, Matt has no idea I am writing this. The reason I am writing this post is to help people understand what they should be looking for in a coach. A lot of golfers now look online for a free quick fix to try and improve, but have no idea what their faults are. These online videos have their use in coaching, if advised by your coach as a reference to the lesson they have had.

lessons are personal and every qualified coach has a different understanding of the golf swing. Players react differently to certain coaching styles and its about finding the right balance. Golfers will spend a lot of money over the course of 12 months to improve their game, very rarely on lessons.

Thank you for taking time out your day to read about my view on lessons with MT Golf. I hope this inspired you to look into improving your golf with lessons from a qualified professional. I'm yet to see a new driver that changes a players face to path..

Link for my lesson videos with MT Golf on Youtube - Golf Lessons With MT Golf

MT Golf contact information - www.mtgolf.co.uk

GOC