In the not-so-distant past, to sell more magazines, golf pundits started lists of top instructors. The problem is that this has done more harm than good. Today, this has set a dangerous precedent where the golf coach has become the star of the lesson. All at the players’ expense.

On any given day at golf clubs and courses nationwide, individuals queue up and invest upwards of $500 per hour for instruction. The scenario typically unfolds like this: you arrive, hit a few shots, receive some compliments from the instructor, and then endure a 10-15 minute discourse about your swing. The more money you spend, the more the conversation veers into technical jargon, referencing “data” from devices like Trackman or FlightScope. Often, students are unfamiliar with this terminology but hesitate to admit it. The instructor proceeds to explain how difficult it is to implement a specific change, offering a random adjustment, and if fortunate, a practice drill, before moving on swiftly to the next lesson.

Golf guru and thinker Jim McLean notes that instructors fall into three categories: method teacher, system teacher, or non-system teacher. A method teacher employs a uniform teaching style for everyone. A non-system teacher teaches based on trendy moves, often highlighted in recent articles. Finally, a system teacher understands the cause and effect of patterns and movements on trajectory, curve, and distance. Sadly, 99 percent of instructors fall into the method or non-system categories, and 100 percent of these are charlatans.

This isn’t to say that method teachers always fail. Occasionally, a method might yield quick improvements for a few lucky individuals. You might know someone whose game notably improved after receiving feedback from a method or non-systems teacher. However, this improvement is often more a placebo effect than a lasting transformation. As a result; that lesson that went well two weeks ago has all of a sudden turned into a total golf swing overhaul. So begins the journey to “good golf tomorrow” (with tomorrow never coming).

Golfers need to be the star of their own golf lessons. This process begins with ownership and setting expectations for your lessons. While a higher handicap might aim to simply straighten shots, better players should tackle multiple skills in a session. Either way, you must show up early, warm up, and express your expectations clearly. Demand precise feedback on your technique, as well as at least a couple of drills to practice.

After the lesson, spend 5-10 minutes on the drill(s) that were prescribed. Without the instruction there, do you still notice changes? If not, red flags abound!

Once you’ve nailed the basics of arm structure and club face awareness, the rest isn’t really that hard. The problem is that golf magazines and instructors have created a culture of fear and control. Too many instructors want to be the stars and overhaul your swing. Don’t fall for it. Command your lesson. Keep it straightforward. Ask for simple answers that show clear results.