A Coach who Understands What his Clients are Experiencing!
During my time studying for my B.Sc Sport Science degree at the University of Stellenbosch, I discovered my passion for golf. Looking back, I realize that if I had experienced the coaching system that I am now privileged enough to be able to offer my clients, my journey in golf may have unfolded very differently. However, I believe that everything happens for a reason, and the challenges I faced as a coach have made me more empathetic and adaptable to my clients' needs.
I now understand why I could never change arm positions that looked wrong to me on video, and why my right arm always felt restricted through the impact zone, as if I just could not hit through freely and with the speed I should have been able to achieve. It's very clear to me now that my problems stemmed from a mismatched trail hand grip that did not complement my unique arm action at all, as you can see in more detail on my YouTube channel. As mentioned before, the grip has probably been the most misunderstood part of golf.
Unfortunately, this mismatched grip has already done the damage, including a rather severe knee injury. However, this experience has only fueled my motivation to help others avoid similar frustrations and injuries. Due to the same grip, I have also experienced the frustrations of the chipping yips, as well as knowing that I was aiming to the right and pulling the ball to the hole when putting, again due to the grip.
I searched for solutions, tried countless methods, and experienced the disappointment of failure. Through it all, I have gained invaluable insights and understanding, made crystal clear now by my further studies provided by my mentors, Mike Adams and Terry Rowles. As a coach, I can empathize with my clients and help them navigate their own challenges, as I have likely encountered similar obstacles in my own journey.
This first-hand experience together with my knowledge, allows me to fully understand the root causes of their struggles, whether it's grip issues, compensation patterns, or other biomechanical discrepancies. I can guide them well towards their most natural and effective approach, preventing injuries and enhancing their performance. My personal journey serves as a testament to the power of understanding and optimizing one's unique biomechanical blueprint in golf.
I Love the Relationships That Form With Every Client
Other than helping my clients so much better now, I also love the special relationships I am privileged to form with all of them, since I believe that it is not always just about the client’s achievements, but also about what coach and client can learn from each other along the way. Since I am also fluent in German, I have the privilege of meeting many international clients as well.
One great and bittersweet example of special relationships that I have been blessed enough to develop, is the one with my visually impaired client and member of the club, Prof Garrett Slattery, who in turn introduced me to so many great people that belong to the Blind Golf Associations of South Africa and the world, having been on 8 fantastic international campaigns with Garrett as his coach and guide. Through Garrett, I have also now begun a great journey with a talented 12 year old boy, Walter Pienaar, who was born blind and had one eye saved within the first 10 days of his life.
A Japanese philanthropist, Dr Haruhisa Handa, does a lot to support blind golf since he knows what the great game can do for people with the challenge of visual impairment. You can see more about this very special part of golf on my social media pages or on the IBGA website.
As you can make out I am an all-round coach with a modern approach that can be applied so effectively to all levels of player.