GUIDE TO AMERICA'S TOP
GOLF INSTRUCTORS
Consumers’ Research Council of America
First Edition
Copyright
© 2001-2003
Consumers’ Research Council of America
2020 Pennsylvania Avenue NW #300-A
Washington, D.C. 20006
-All Rights Reserved-
Disclaimer
| All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2002-2003, by Consumers' Research Council of America The omission of golf instructors in this book does not mean that such instructors are not competent, reputable or qualified professionals. The information provided to the authors and publishers can not be assured of accuracy since information was provided by third parties. As a result, the information provided by surveys and/or third parties is viewed as subjective and possibly incomplete. This book is intended to serve as an informational guide. The author and publishers can not ensure accuracy of information provided to them by third parties and, therefore, assume no responsibility. Consumers' Research Council of America does not necessarily endorse instructors mentioned in this guide and makes no representation or warranties about any products or services they may provide. Liability to any person, company, organization or other for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions from this book are hereby disclaimed. No fees, donations, sponsorships or advertising are accepted from any individuals, professionals, corporations or associations. This policy is strictly adhered to, insuring an unbiased selection. Commercial Use Prohibited For more information, please contact : |
| Consumers' Research
Council of America has compiled a list of golf instructors throughout
the United States by utilizing a point value system. This method uses a
point value for criteria that we deemed valuable in determining top golf
instructors.
The criteria that was used and assessed a point value is as follows:
Simply put, golf instructors that have accumulated a certain amount of points qualified for the list. This does not mean that golf instructors that did not accumulate enough points are not good instructors, they merely did not qualify for this list because of the points required for qualification. Similar studies have been done with other professions using a survey system. This type of study would ask fellow professionals on who they would recommend. We found this method to be more of a popularity contest. For instance, professionals who work in at large club have much more of a chance of being mentioned as opposed to a professional who has a smaller type of business, IE driving range. For these reasons, we developed the point value system. Since this is a subjective call, there is no study that is 100% accurate. As with any profession, there will be some degree of variance in opinion. We feel that a point value system takes out the personal and emotional factor and deals with factual criteria. We have made certain assumptions. For example, we feel that the more years in teaching is better than less years in teaching; playing ability and scoring a lower score is better that scoring a higher score, being affiliated with professional organizations is better than not being affiliated, etc. The top golf instructor list that we have compiled is current as of a certain date and other golf instructors may have qualified since that date. Nonetheless, we feel that the list we compiled is a good starting point for you to find a qualified golf instructor. No fees, donations, sponsorships or advertising are accepted from any individuals, professionals, clubs, schools, courses, corporations or associations. This policy is strictly adhered to, insuring an unbiased selection. |
Finding the Best Golf Instructor
| Choosing the right Golf Instructor is an important
decision. Thus, our goal is to assist you in making that decision.
First of all, when selecting a golf instructor, you may want to begin your search several different ways:
We recommend that you informally interview the potential golf instructor and ask them the following questions:
Be aware that just because someone is a good golfer, it does not necessarily make them a good golf teacher. On the same token there are some excellent teachers that have not achieved professional status. After you have consulted a few golf instructors you should have a good idea which one you felt most comfortable with and who best answered your questions. Golf lessons vary in price dramatically. You can not assume that the more expensive teacher is better simply because they charge more. Find someone that you communicate well with and feel comfortable with. Once you have found a potential teacher, use the CRCA Top Instructor Search Engine to see if they have been selected . |
| Most golfers desire improvment in their game.
There are various ways of accomplishing this. Some golfers watch
instructional videos, some read books, others practice more, and some
get instruction through instructors.
Golf schools have become more and more popular for people who are serious about improving their game. Golf schools are generally a multi-day training experience. The intense instructional format of these schools covers all aspects of the game. Golf schools can be a benefit to all golfers at any level of play. Some instructors specialize in working with beginners. They will be taught basic fundamentals of golf, including basic rules, etiquette, proper grip and proper swing. The intermediate player's game is analyzed and
fine tuned. The instructor will help them in weak areas that he notices.
He will have them work on their swing, chipping and their short game.
Golf schools can be a great learning experience, and can be a lot of fun
at the same time. |
| Golf is a sport that should be fun and relaxing.
Golf is most enjoyable when you understand the game and become a better
player. Golf lessons can expedite your learning of this sport and
improve your game. As we mentioned earlier, it is very important to find
a good instructor.
A good instructor will teach you as much as possible without giving you too much information at once. An abundance of information all at one time is counterproductive and can confuse a student. A good instructor will be able to sense when his student is approaching that limit. It is important when leaving a lesson that you have a clear understanding of what you need to be practicing. It can slow down your progress when you leave a lesson and then practice incorrectly all week. You are then in a position to have to break bad habits. To get the most out of your lessons you need to communicate well with your instructor. If you do not completely understand what the instructor is telling you, ask for a clarification and have him show you again. When your lessons are over ask your instructor exactly what you should be practicing and how often. You can make quick progress and enjoy lessons at the same time. As the old adage goes, practice makes perfect. It is very true in golf so we recommend that you go to a driving range and hit a bucket of balls as often as you can.
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Schools and Instruction |
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Rules of Golf (Condensed Version)
ABBREVIATED RULES OF GOLFRules pertaining to the teeing area1. When starting play on a hole, the ball must be teed within the teeing area--that area two club lengths in depth, the front and sides of which are defined by the outside limits of two tee markers. 2. Should a ball fall off the tee or be knocked off accidentally during the address, it shall be re-teed without penalty.
Rules from tee to green1. Ball lost or out-of-bound. A ball is to be treated as lost or out-of-bounds after reasonable evidence to this effect is shown. An honest attempt must be made to find the ball. Penalty: loss of distance and a one stroke penalty. The player must play his next stroke as near as possible to the spot from which the original ball was played. 2. Provisional ball. If there is doubt as to whether a ball is lost or out-of-bounds, the player may play another from the spot where the original ball was played. This is done to save time and avoid going back after the ball is declared lost. The player must announce his intention of playing a provisional ball. He may play the provisional ball until he reaches the place where the original ball is likely to be. If the original ball is lost or out-of-bounds, he shall incur the penalty and continue play with the provisional ball. If the first ball is playable, he may play that and disregard all strokes taken with the provisional. 3. Ball unplayable The player is the sole judge as to whether his ball is unplayable. If the ball is so declared, the player has three options: a) Drop a ball behind the unplayable spot keeping the spot inline with the flag stick (no limit on how far back) b) Drop a ball within one club length, no nearer the hole, adding 1 stroke for either option (a) or (b). c) Drop a ball as near as possible to the spot from where the original ball was played, adding one stroke plus distance 4. Dropping a ball To drop a ball, the player faces the hole and drops the ball with arm extended sideways while standing erect. The ball should be dropped as near as possible to the original spot. In a hazard, the ball must come to rest in the hazard. Should a ball be dropped and roll into a hazard, it may be dropped again. 5. Improvement of lie Nothing may be done to improve the lie of the ball in the rough. A ball may not be lifted and only as much of the long grass may be moved as is necessary to identify the ball. 6. Loose impediments Loose impediments such as dead leaves and twigs may be removed as long as the ball is not moved in the process. Should the ball lie in a hazard, these impediments may not be touched. 7. Movable and immovable obstructions Movable obstructions may be moved with no penalty (hoses, rakes, etc.). Objects such as buildings, water hydrants and other similar immovable obstructions are not considered hazards. Should these interfere with the swing or stance, the ball may be lifted and dropped within two club lengths from the obstruction without penalty. 8. Hitting the wrong ball A player is responsible for the identification of his own ball. He must hole out with the same ball driven from the tee. Should he play the wrong ball, except in a hazard, in stroke play the penalty is two strokes and then he must play his own ball. In match play, he loses the hole. 9. Water hazards If a ball lies in or is lost in a water hazard, the player may, under penalty of 1 stroke, either: a) Drop the ball as far back from the hazard as he wishes, or b) As near as possible to the spot from which the original ball was played. Rules on the green1. Cleaning the ball A ball on the putting green may be lifted, cleaned and replaced on the same spot from which it was lifted, without penalty. 2. Moving ball on the green Should a ball rest on the intended line of putt, request may be made for its removal, with the spot marked. 3. Hitting ball against flag stick A player may at any time have the flagstick attended, removed or held up to indicate the position of the hole. Should a ball hit a flag stick, while attended or removed, or should it hit the person holding the flag stick, a penalty of two strokes in stroke play and loss of hole in match play shall be given. If a ball is played from the putting surface and hits an unattended flag stick, a two stroke penalty in stroke playor loss of hole in match play is incurred. 4. Ball resting against flag stick If a ball which is hit from off the putting green comes to rest against the flag stick in the hole, the player may request the flag stick to be removed. If the ball falls into the hole, the ball shall be considered to have been holed out on the last stroke.
General Rules1. Playing on ground under repair On occasion, areas of the course may be under repair. These areas are usually marked "Ground Under Repair" and should not be considered hazards. The privilege of dropping a ball without penalty is allowed. 2. Designating use of specific club There is no rule that designates a specific club be used for any particular shot. For example, a sand wedge need not be used in a bunker nor a driver off the tee. 3. Lifting ball from non-hazards Accumulation of standing water or holes made by burrowing animals are not considered hazards and a player may drop a ball as near as possible to that spot (but not nearer the hole) without penalty. |
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Golf Associations & Information
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Copyright © 2002-2003
Consumers' Research Council of America
All Rights Reserved
