The network of fellow PGA of America Golf Professionals is an invaluable tool that I feel many of us aren’t fully taking advantage of. I’ve recently moved to a new club and have been able to connect with PGA Professionals in my area by reaching out through social media platforms such as Instagram. During a rainy day at work, I decided to contact coaches in the area whom I would like to meet and shadow. The responses I received were overwhelmingly positive. I try to schedule full-day visits (depending on the coach’s availability). For example, I might be there from 9am – 5pm observing the coach’s process and taking notes. I’ll often use my phone to take notes and film videos of drills that I find interesting. Shadowing helps me come across new ideas, thus helping improve my level of instruction. It’s not simply about seeing what the coach is doing, but also observing how they communicate with students. The way an idea is presented to a player is just as important as the idea itself. I may already have a firm grasp of the concept the coach is trying to convey, but their method of delivery could be new to me. This helps me become a better communicator. The facility I work at is planning to build a new indoor learning center. Shadowing a coach also allows me to see other learning centers and pick the coach’s brain on their experience in designing such spaces. By shadowing a fellow coach, you are also setting the foundation for a long-term relationship. In the future, this person could become a mentor, and/or you may be able to provide value for them when they need guidance. The value of meeting someone in person versus through a computer screen shouldn’t be underestimated. While the pandemic has hindered many of us from attending industry conferences over the past two years, reaching out to fellow PGA Professionals in your area can allow you to build strong relationships and continue being a lifelong learner.

Shadowing fellow coaches also helps with identifying new coaching program ideas. For example, I run many “Operation 36” programs at my club, but through shadowing a coach that is experienced in working with senior golfers, I may learn about new ways that I can run my “Operation 36” programs as a men’s senior program. This can result in developing new revenue streams for my coaching business that I previously hadn’t thought of. The shadowing process also allows me to see different types of learning centers and learn from the mistakes and experiences of the coaches. I can then share this valuable information with the key stakeholders at my club to help us avoid the same pitfalls. This will likely result in a better learning facility that avoids many unnecessary costs.

If you would like to email the author of this Best Practice directly, please email ccarter1@pga.com.