PGA Show and Teaching Summit 2011

Well I just got back from a great week in Orlando!

PGA NATIONAL TEACHING AND COACHING SUMMIT

I spent two days at the Nick Faldo Golf Institute for the National PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit. There, I met a few notables including Michael Breed (who MC'd the event), Bobby Clampett (who've I've written about before), and really enjoyed a few presentations particularly Lou Holtz who gave a motivational and hysterical speech on coaching, Bob Toski -still going strong at 83 years young, Derek Shelton- a Tampa Rays Hitting Coach who talked about the similarities/differences in baseball and golf swing training, and the "debate" on ball flight laws between Trackman representatives and Dr. Gary Wiren (the father of ball flight laws)- very interesting.

The hot new word was "D plane"= an old, but new physics phenomenon that has been applied to ball flight "laws"- I'm still not sure if I totally understand it... I might need to go back to school!

I learned about some new 3d video analysis software debuting from Bentley Kinetics. For a second time, I saw a presentation about AIMPOINT green reading and I'm looking forward to becoming one of only approx 150 certified instructors in the country later this summer!

With all of that said and all of the research and data being collected and analyzed in all areas of the game because of technology....there were just as many experts/presenters that talked about how we need to get away from swing styles and overwhelming our students with technology and striving for the "perfect swing." There were many references to all the different and un-orthodox swings that have become some of the best players in history, and that its not about swing- its about skill. We need to as teachers help our students be more well rounded, apply skills to the course, spend more time practicing and teaching on the course- situational skill application, different lies, decision making, mental and emotional control- this is the way people will improve and enjoy the game more. We have to keep finding way sot make golf fun so we can retain students and players.

I see both sides of the coin. I can't ignore the research and technology and think that a lot of that, presented correctly and wisely by a teacher can really help a student. But like all things, balance between that and the "holistic"approach that was talked about too is the key. I guess that is what separates the good teachers/coaches from the GREAT... their ability to know when to make swing changes and when not to mess with raw talent- how to nurture different players in the right ways and to be well-rounded or having a team of people to help you help your students in all ways possible. I will try my best to be THAT kind of Coach.

THE PGA MERCHANDISE SHOW:

This was my 6th time attending the show over the last 8 years. It is an amazing huge show- I guess I'm numb to some of the excitement because I've been a number of times now. Its still fun to walk around, see the vendors, network with new and old friends and see what and who you can see. I am happy to report that some of the main manufacturers returned after a sabbatical...in particular, my sponsor Taylor Made had a very impressive, extensive booth that took up a whole WING at the convention center. Their new products were the highlight of the show from top to bottom. The new white R11 and burner line is good looking and you can adjust it numerous different ways- more than ever before. Ex.-you can take the 9degree head and change it down to 8 or up to 10. No more worrying if you bought the right driver..just turn the hosel!

People always ask me - "so what did you buy at the show?"... I did invest in some new swing analysis software Swing View Pro, that I'm excited about. I ordered a few new training aids included some of EyeLine's new products: portable full swing mirror, a putting steel ball, sweet spot pads and putting mirror. I also ordered Mike Bender's new Bender Stick- an adjustable foam rod that can be used as a guide or a blocker for swing training.

I saw a few live fashion shows including Puma and Callaway... both sporty and young. Goodbye old frumpy fashions... I think they are gone fore

Overall a great week- my brain is tired from all the excitement and my feet are tired from walking miles and miles as I am 34 weeks pregnant now.

I'm back home, and back to my reading project, so stay tuned for the next book review coming later this week!