about golf instructors...

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Erik_K

Erik_K

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I used to work for the Rick Smith academy in Naples (I assisted in some summer junior clinics). I asked one of the head instructors how Rick got where he is today. Let me first tell you that Rick Smith IS a class act and a wonderful teacher. I think most of us could benefit from his teachings.

That said, the answer to my question is Lee Janzen. Where was Butch Harmon before Tiger? The point I am trying to make is that it's often the success of someone on tour that polevaults any given golf instructor to stardom. Lee won two US Open tournaments with Rick at his side. Now he's got VJ, Phil, and many others as well. Does Rick know anymore about golf than Brian or Ben Doyle? Probably not-I'm sure Brian would tell you he knows a lot more ;)
 
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EdZ

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I get the feeling a lot of Rick's stuff is "borrowed" from someone else..... (ask TGC) - he's got the right ideas (generally speaking) but my personal opinion is that 'some' of the so called top folks lack depth of understanding and are more marketing than content. I like Rick's stuff more than most of the TGC guys, but guys like McLean, and certainly Hall, have a much deeper knowledge - Hall being one of the best communicators they've put on to date.
 
Erik_K

Erik_K

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Point well taken, Brian. As far as technical depth and understanding-I'd say you are way ahead of him.

However, I wasn't trying to start a debate as to which instructor is better, but that even mediocre (or even poor) golf teachers are 'rated' top of amongst their peers, not at what they teach or even how long they've been at it-but which of their pupils on tour are tearing it up.
 
mgjordan

mgjordan

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Yeah, at least Rick Smith and McLean get some stuff right and may be able to help someone. I haven't seen Martin Hall yet. I have watched many things that Leadbetter has done and as much as I want to be able to find some redeeming quality in him...I can't.
 
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dcg1952

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Martin Hall is very much "into" TGM and has done some work with Ben Doyle and rents his tapes with students, etc. He is one of the few people I watch on TGC---Chuck Cook GSED is the other. Happy golfing everybody Dr Dave
 
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EdZ

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No doubt, his book "golf myths exposed" is an absolute top notch text that I would recommend to anyone. Excellent drills and visuals that are as "TGM" as you'll find. He explains things without tgm terms. A shame they don't seem to be printing it anymore, perhaps because it scared some folks!

He has the energy and personality to really help TGM gain exposure IMO.
 
oztrainee

oztrainee

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Is all about people buy people, I had seen both Rick Smith and Denis Pugh were in past PGA meeting as a speaker, but Rick is definately better then Denis, I find that Denis is a bit like Mr. L B
 
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