Todd McKittrick, a three-time Tennessee PGA Section Chattanooga Chapter Teacher & Coach of the Year, is the PGA of America Director of Instruction at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Todd McKittrick on the importance of trying a “player backwards” teaching style:
Twenty years ago, when I began my teaching career, I had a player respond that while they could tell I knew the golf swing, I did not do an excellent job communicating the fix to them. That is when I realized that I needed an individual playbook for each person. In a five minute-or-so conversation before every initial lesson I try to learn as much as I can about them. How athletic are they, are they in any pain, what are their expectations, are they looking for a quick fix or a massive overhaul, what is their job, what is their learning language, and so on. What I have consistently found is that if I can identify with them and/or speak their language, I get the buy-in I need, and the golfer to coach chemistry comes fast.
Todd McKittrick on the business impact of trying a “player backwards” teaching style:
Back in 2018, when I came to my previous facility, Blackstone Country Club, I was their first Director of Instruction, and they did not have a full membership. But my thought process was to “make” golfers – generating clients from just walking the practice facility line, helping them on the path to better golf. Through those simple introductions I was able to make connections, potentially save a few from walking away and get a few more started with the game. One notable example was with a gentleman who was having swing and back issues, was not playing as much golf as he wanted to, was considering quitting the club and worse – golf all together. After learning about his specific physical limitations, I asked if he would be comfortable if I attended a physical therapist appointment with him so I could not only learn what the PT was working on, but I could share the movement patterns that we worked on in his swing. That process of getting all the parties on the same page allowed us to formulate a plan for long term sustainable golf. As first told to The First Call Newsletter, that is the “player backwards” teaching philosophy: establish the situation, and then work backwards to create an individual plan for you and your student. Since that doctor’s appointment he has lost some weight, is feeling better, playing more golf, his then-non-golfing wife has taken up the game and they have become vital members for the club as it continues to grow. As teachers, do not come in with any pre-conceived plan or ideas. Be open to anything. Sit down, have a chat, and then put your expertise to work.
If you would like to email the author of this Weekly Insight directly, please email toddmc@pga.com.
