In today’s digital world, online golf tutorials and PGA Play tips are more accessible than ever. With just a few clicks, golfers of all levels can find drills, swing breakdowns, and expert advice from some of the game’s best coaches. These resources, such as PGA Play tips, can be valuable, but they are not the full story.
No matter how detailed an online video is, it can’t replace the insight of a PGA professional golf coach – according to both Andrew Ainsworth and Rhodri Fieldhouse, two PGA-qualified golf coaches.
The pair share their views on what online golf coaching can offer and the importance of an in-person coaching lesson.
What can in-person lessons teach golfers that online lessons can’t?
Rhodri: An in-person lesson benefit is being able to watch the coach demonstrating a certain movement or skill. You can hear the strike and view it close up. I often get hands-on with my pupils, putting them in the correct positions, whether it's their grip, posture or stance.
Andrew: The biggest problem with YouTube tutorials is that they cannot see the golfer. I get so many pupils who have watched dozens of videos and have tied themselves in knots, often making the problem they were trying to solve worse.
How is building up a strong rapport with a golf coach a big benefit compared to online tutorials?
Rhodri: Building a rapport with my students is really important. It's the first thing I do after shaking their hand and meeting them. I'll ask some open-ended questions and try to make them feel at ease. I suppose this could work online also but it's more difficult.
How much easier is it for golfers to learn in-person?
Rhodri: All people are different. Part of the skill of coaching is working out the student's capabilities both from a physical standpoint but also from a neurological one. It’s understanding how they learn. Being in a physical lesson is a great way to get a feel how someone learns, whether it's visual or verbal, or if they prefer lots of drills. Online, this would be more difficult.
Andrew: It’s much easier as I can help position the golfer into specific positions and access how my pupil is picking up on changes by observing their reactions and body language.
On the other hand, how useful can online videos – such as PGA Play Tips – be for golfers?
Rhodri: Of course, online videos are immensely helpful. PGA Play Tips is a great example. They are only beneficial to support current coaching though. You'll never be able to see huge progression through tip videos as you're not getting direct feedback on whether you are on the right track. The benefit of lessons is you have access to a professional opinion straight away. You don't know whether a certain tip applies to you as you haven't been "diagnosed" by a pro. Once you've had this diagnosis, you can support the lessons with tip videos.
Andrew: I think online coaching tips are useful and can be great if delivered in a simple way. I watch a lot of online content and find some creators over complicate things. YouTube is a great medium for golf pros to become recognised and generate income.
How important are golf lessons with a golf coach for improving their game?
Rhodri: Golf lessons are extremely important to improve a golfer's game. I have had so many ‘Eureka’ moments with my students where I'll say something that I think is very obvious, that I almost take for granted, and their reaction will be as though I've just told them how to turn water into wine. It's the simple fixes that you wouldn't ever have thought of that make it priceless.
Andrew: Very important. I still think a lot of golfers are apprehensive about taking some lessons as they have had a bad experience on a previous lesson. My personal approach is to keep to the basics and keep it simple. I focus on the positives before making the changes.
Looking to improve your golf game? Find a golf lesson in your local area.