Lunch with Leadbetter

Status
Not open for further replies.
To all:

Yesterday, I was asked to play out at ChampionsGate in Orlando, FL with some of my Corporate chaps. Most are VPs on the sales/marketing side of the house. Ironically, our company has struck a deal with David Leadbetter Golf Academy to co-Market our Resorts with his name, etc, etc.

One of the guys from my company is basically a walking 'black book' of contacts from Arnold Palmer, to College Football Coaches, etc. He tells me to meet him in the grill room at ChampionsGate around 12:30. I arrive a bit late, and see most of the guys from work. I couldn't make out the fourth...it was Leadbetter. Sat and chatted about a whole slew of stuff from Ty Tryon to Wie to Mickelson's debacle, along with some other stuff.

Before teeing off, we drove to his Golf Academy range area (back side of the range) and met his first assitant Sean (or Shawn) Hogan. As we were hitting some range balls, David and Sean gave a quick looksie and offered about 5 minutes worth of advice to each of us.

Both David and Sean were extremely nice gents...now hold on, I'm still a believer in TGM and follow the teachings. Most of the advice they gave was quick tips on setup, posture, etc. Sean gave me a quick tip to get my posture better...I haven't hit a ball in over a month and wound in my slouched/bent over ugly looking posture. After hitting the first ball in the new, very awkward feeling posture, I proceeded to hit a beautiful high fluffy hosel. Not a complete hosel rocket, but everyone new what happened. I turned to Sean and said, "I hope you aren't teaching Michelle and Ernie the same things!". He laughed as did David.

Anyway, don't really follow his teachings but he was a good guy. By the way, I did ask about his knowledge of Homer and he said, "Very smart guy!"
 

Brian Manzella

Administrator
Ole Lead.

I have met him a few times and he was always VERY nice, a really good guy.

I think he is a really good teacher too.

Compared to the average pro.
 
Last edited:
Do I detect a bit of 'tongue in cheek'.

The 'good teacher' is capable of imparting his concepts to his students and have the students absorb and be able to apply.

Concepts do not have to be correct to be a 'good teacher'.

Bruce
 
I can't answer for Brian but a good teacher is one who can get his swing thoughts/concepts across to his student and the student can learn/understand and apply. Every teacher (or most) has their own philosophy or way of teaching the swing.

In any respect, he was a pleasant gent that did check any ego he may have at the door (at least on that day). On a side note, he had the biggest pair of paws (hands) I have ever seen!
 
blehnhard said:
Do I detect a bit of 'tongue in cheek'.

The 'good teacher' is capable of imparting his concepts to his students and have the students absorb and be able to apply.

Concepts do not have to be correct to be a 'good teacher'.

Bruce

...

That's true.

Someone COULD teach something like Throwaway better than anyone else....

(but it's still teaching Throwaway)
 
raising rates

Brian, Let's not forget Butch Harmon. I belive he was the first to start charging 500 an hour and that was a while ago.
 
Brian - you are certainly correct that 'Lead" et al have enabled others who teach to command appropriate fees.

I can remember charging $10.00 per lesson when I first started in the business (1965).

By the way, I always hated the phrase often used - " I am going to GIVE a lesson".

My comment was that one can be a good teacher but not necessarily teach the correct information. After all, isn't here still the "Flat Earth Society"?

Bruce
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top