Get to Know Your Pro…
This series of articles will allow you to
gain an insight into the Landings Club's Golf Professional Staff’s teaching styles,
training preferences and tips.
Nicole Weller, PGA Head Teaching Professional at Deer Creek
What is your
favorite part of the game to practice:
I like practicing mid irons with a pre-shot routine, wedges and
hybrids.
What is the
part of your game that needs the most attention:
As my body and swing change over the years, I need to maintain
flexibility in my left hip to stay in posture. A tight/sore left hip create a change in posture that results in
toed-shots that draw and I like to fade the ball. The ability to create center contact with a
slightly open clubface is my main goal. Second would be putting. I get
some great results on the practice green but they don’t hold up as much as I’d
like on the course… back to more practice!
What is the
one way a student can practice better?
Stick to one goal that is measurable. Vary the percentages of blocked practice (repetitive
practice) when developing a skill and then random practice for applying that
skill on the range. Most golfers think
they get an idea after blocked practice only to find that it doesn't hold up on the
course because they haven’t transferred practice or practiced under pressure or
play conditions. Read Easier Said than Done by Dr. Rick
Jensen.
List your
top 3 teaching specialties or favorite skills to teach:
My 3 favorite areas are working with the Mental Golf Profile
(mental game), short game and on-course strategies. While I really love it all, I’m very partial
to our Get Golf Ready programs introducing new people to the game and also
teaching youngsters ages 2-6.
What are
your preferred training tools or technology?
I love working with any training tool that helps a
student get it, whether visual, auditory or kinesthetic. I use many different systems because I never
know what will work, plus it’s fun for me to keep learning as well! Eyeline Golf Putting & Short Game (Ball
of Steel, Mirror/Track, Landing Rings, Track Circles), Teach N Towel, Tour
Tempo Bluetooth, video, Slapstick, US Kids Golf Speed Sticks and Tempo/Speed
Radar, TAG Teach, ParKit Games, SNAG, Birdie Ball, Star Putter, 3-D feedback,
AimPoint, Spray Paint…..
What
percentage are you teaching a new concept to a student and what percentage are
you coaching that student?
Over the past few years, I find that I teach maybe 40% of the
time and coach 60% of the time, hence more emphasis on my Coach & Train
series, Practice with a Purpose and discussions on HOW to practice what one is
developing.
What are
your goals as a teacher and coach?
I strive to educate golfers
and enhance lives and golf experiences. I help a student attain a goal that is agreed on or discussed to make
sure it’s realistic. I’m a Socratic
teacher, helping the student become self-sufficient in observing, learning,
evaluating and adjusting. My hope is that people will learn a lot about themselves through golf and find ways to
better both their life experience and their game.