CoachSG Level 1 Full Integrated Program Part 1

Here's my reflection

Honestly I dreaded going to this course before it started. Here's why (I'm being very honest here)

1. Local Golf coaches are usually older folks.

   By older folks, I mean generally older in age or they have many years of coaching experience. If you combine those two together, I just didn't felt like I want to be there. With older folks come "old school" coaching and that's what i've been trying to stay away from the moment I started coaching. On top of that, older coaches tend to have this ego in them like they know better or that because they are older and have years of experience under their belt then what they have to say is of very very great value, no matter what. I'm not saying that this point is true but it has been my experience.

2. I've been to several courses already and a lot of time, its really something that was not thorough or the environment was set to be very controlled. A lot of those times, I come out like I've wasted my time. And because of this mentality, I was like "what can I possibly learn if they are going to just teach something that is basic"

3. It's a 3 days course all the way in Keppel Club. Traffic is bad getting there and it's going to last 3 days. I'll be unable to play any golf that 3 days, coaching could still be done in the evening. But no golf course for 3 days with the SPGA competition coming up the following week. That's a bummer.

   
   

   That was how I honestly felt before going into the course. I wasn't enthusiastic about it. However, my late mom said to always do your best in everything that you do. So that was all I went to do during my 3 days, my best!

   Stay tuned to part 2 to read about I've learnt during the course!

Is Golf Expensive?

Is golf expensive in Singapore? Golf is only for the rich. I cannot afford to play golf. Golf is elitist. How much is it to play golf in Singapore?

All sounds very familiar? Those are common sentiments shared by people in Singapore. So today, i'm going to share how much it'll cost and how you'll be able to afford to pick up golf.

1. Golf Lessons

This is optional but highly recommended. A beginner would usually take up a 10hours worth of lesson to get the fundamentals right. Sure if you want to learn from youtube that's up to you and hence why it is optional. However, I do want to put it out there that it's recommended because it helps to set your foundations right in this very technical sport.

10hour packages on average may set you back around $1250, that's $125 per lesson. Look out for lessons at outdoor ranges because they are more affordable than indoor lesson such as Golftec and GolfX. Ps, im offering 10hour packagee at $1160.

2. Range Balls

You'll probably spend the bulk of your time at the driving range - for lessons and practice. I recommend my students to have an extra session of practice outside of their lessons. This is so that they can better ingrained the motion of the golf swing.

Here's the cost.

100 Balls for $9. You could get cheaper rates in certain driving ranges during off peak hours but on average this would what it'll cost you. So twice a week, 100 balls each session, that would set you up $18 per week. In a month, you'll be spending about $72 for range practices.

3. Golf Club

As a beginner, a used golf set would suffice. Don't bother about new beginner sets because if you get hooked to golf, you'll probably want to change your equipment eventually. With that, you've got 2 options - Far East Plaza or Carousell.

Wherever you choose to purchase, a full set together with the golf bag could cost you approximately $500-$800. This would be the total cost of 12-14 Clubs and the golf bag. Let's just put it at $800 for a more conservative total at the end.

4. Golf Shoes

Do you need fancy golf shoes? Nope. Get cheap golf shoes, even Decathlon / Inesis golf shoe would work. But to be safe, a budget of $100 would be good. Spend more, you get nicer shoes. A smaller budget, your choices may be limited.

5. Golf Gloves

$20 max. That's all you need. I would consider $20 for gloves for a beginner to be quite high. You could find gloves for as cheap as $10 on Shopee or Decathlon.

6. Golf Course Fees

As a beginner golfer, you'll probably be looking at playing at Mandai Executive Golf Course. Simply because you don't have a PC or a Golf handicap to play on Singapore golf courses. For Mandai Golf Course on weekdays, it'll set you back $38+GST and $55+GST on weekends.

You'll probably be looking at playing twice a month on the weekends. So that's $110+GST a month.

Summary

That's roughly all you need and what it's going to cost you to pick up golf. So here's a quick summary

ONE TIME PAYMENT

Golf Lessons = $1250

Equipment = $800

Golf Glove = $20

Golf Shoes = $100

TOTAL = $2170 (max)

MONTHLY PAYMENT

Range balls = $72

Golf Course = $110

TOTAL = $182

So to sum it up, a initial start up cost is definitely high at $2170. While monthly it's going to cost you $182 per month. Ofcourse your initial cost could be lowered by finding good deals on equipment and lessons. So $2170 is the max for you to spend.

That's all folks. Is that expensive for you? let me know what you think! Ps if you need lessons, drop me a message on whatsapp!

The Golf Swing is Unique to Every Individual

Yes, coaches use golf swings of Professional Golfers as reference but does not mean you have to follow exactly how they swing. The reason why we use particular Pro golfer's swing is because they have a very efficient and repeatable swing. Obviously we rarely use quirky golf swings like John Rahm or Matt Wolf because they have perfected their body to move that way. If you're starting out and trying to copy their swing, oh boy you'll be in for a rough ride.

At the end of the day, our bodies are different. Some of us may be taller, some may be stronger, some may experience tightness all around the body which will inhibit you to swing like how the pro golfers do. As a golf coach, we know that for most of our students, they are not out there playing golf to be the next PGA Tour. They want to play better and enjoy the game however they seem fit.

With that, as a golf coach, i'm always trying to create a swing that is natural and easily repeatable such that you will be able to hit consistently on the center of the club face.

Golf swing differs for every individual but there are certain fundamentals in the swing that are relatively similar for everyone. For instance, how far or close you should be standing to a golf ball or how to grip a club and its effects. That's where I guide my students towards. Looking at how they swing and enforcing the fundamentals. There may be some tweak here and there depending how they are able to move their bodies but that's what I always seek to achieve- A good fundamental which leads to a natural and repeatable swing resulting in consistent shots.

Contact me for a free trial!