Listening and caring: why an effective ‘partnership’ between coach and learner can help improve golf performance

Coach | Relationships| 18.10.21

Learning: 

-         Form a ‘partnership’ with learners based on trust

-         Develop coach/athlete relationships over time by showing interest and care

-         The benefits of using an ‘externally focused’ approach to developing skill

The relationship between coach and learner is key to creating a positive environment for learning and performance, says PGA professional and co-founder of Colour Path golf, John Glenn.

“In a lot of the sessions with learners I will just listen to the individual and get to know the person first and see how they approach and play the game,” says Glenn, who was lead golf instructor at The Grove hotel, before moving on to work full-time on Colour Path Golf in 2018.

“It won’t just be talking about golf, but it will be talking about other things outside of golf with the aim of making the person feel comfortable in the environment.

“Students can often put too much pressure on themselves and worry about performing shots in front of a coach and most are trying too hard a lot of the time.

“Therefore, it is so important to find ways to settle and relax the student and help them to just enjoy the challenge and journey.”