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http://www.golfdigest.com/gfw/gfwinstruction/index.ssf?/gfw/gfwinstruction/gfw200603topteachers.html
Golf For Women Magazine
50 Top Teachers 2006
Cheryl Anderson, Wykagyl CC,
New Rochelle, NY. 203-219-2236.
A five-time Metropolitan PGA Women's Player of the Year, Anderson
conducts private lessons as well as a wide variety of schools and clinics for
all levels of golfers. What's new: women's-only
playing schools and equipment seminars.
Rosey Bartlett, Trophy Club CC, Trophy Club, TX. 817-430-8096.
The 2004 LPGA T&CP National Teacher of the Year, Bartlett has been
teaching for 23 years and offers private instruction to men, women and juniors.
She works with many senior women seeking more distance. What's
new: Tiger Tamers, a summer golf camp for 4- to 6-year-olds.
Nancy Bender, Creekside Golf Course and Training Center,
Valparaiso, IN. 219-531-7888; valparaisogolf.com.
Bender, a teaching veteran of more than 25 years and the 2003 LPGA
T&CP National Teacher of the Year, specializes in developing competitive juniors.
What's new: course-strategy clinics and
a Transition to Play program to help beginners get from the range to the course.
nbender@valparaisoparks.org
Lori Brock, D.A.'s Spring Creek Golf Center, Plano,
TX. 214-850-0193; loribrock.com.
A former LPGA Tour player, Brock concentrates on increasing women
golfers' distance and improving short-game performance. What's
new: extreme-makeover clinics designed to help students lower their
scores by 10 strokes in three months. D.A.'s Springs Creek Golf Lori Brock LPGA
Teaching Professional 5601 West Spring Creek Pkwy Plano, TX 75023-4602 972.378.6631
LBrock@DAsSpringCreekGolf.com
Patti Butcher, Patti Butcher Golf Enterprises, Grand
Rapids, MI. 616-913-9277; golfenterprises.com.
The 2002 and 2005 LPGA T&CP Midwest Section Teacher of the Year works
with players of all levels in private lessons and small groups. What's
new: Get in the Game, a women's instructional program given in conjunction
with the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.
Julie Cole, Director of Instruction, Dana Rader Golf
School,
Ballantyne Resort, Charlotte, NC. 704-542-7635; danarader.com.
Cole established the school's Women's Golf Academy, which offers
a two-week program for beginners. She draws on her combined 13 years on the
LPGA, Futures, European and Asian Tours to enhance her instruction. What's
new: putting schools and two-day short-game schools. Dana Rader Golf
School © All Rights Reserved 2005 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway ¥ Charlotte,
NC 28277 ¥ Phone: 704.542.7635 ¥ Toll Free 1-877-99-RADER
Janet Coles, The Golf Academy at Mariners Point, San
Francisco, CA. 650.573.7888 ; janetcolesgolf.com.
A two-time winner on the LPGA Tour in the 1970s and 1980s, one of
Cole's mottoes is "Lower scores in less time." She stresses simple methods and
quick fixes to better golf, and believes that mastering fairway woods and perfecting
the pitch shot are the keys to lower scores. What's
new: lessons on using hybrid clubs.
Kandi Comer, Glenmore CC, Keswick, VA. 434-817-0500;
kandicomergolf.com.
Comer stresses fundamentals and excels at developing junior golfers.
A Golf
Digest Best Teacher in State, she recently launched her own golf academy
at Glenmore CC. What's new: short-game sessions
for juniors.
Debbie Crews, Ph.D., Arizona State University,
Tempe, AZ. 602-361-2964; asu.edu.
A leading sport psychologist, Crews focuses on the mental aspects
of the game. What's new: a mobile lab to
evaluate students' brain and heart activity and their relationship to performance.
Betsy Cullen, Pine Forest CC, Houston, TX. 281-815-8514;
golfdirect.com/cullenco.htm
A student of the late Harvey Penick, Cullen is an LPGA T&CP Master
Professional, three-time LPGA Tour winner and two-time LPGA T&CP Central Section
Teacher of the Year. Her varied approach includes clubfitting and mental-game
instruction. What's new: short-game and
on-course clinics.
Jennifer Cully, Apollo Beach GC, Apollo Beach, FL.
727-599-4352; apollobeachgolf.com.
Cully, the 2004 LPGA T&CP Southeast Section Teacher of the Year,
works with beginners and aspiring pros to set and achieve realistic goals. She
co-hosts The School of Positive Golf with Lori Van Sickle, held at Paiute GC
in Las Vegas in the spring. What's new:
customized mini-schools that include three hours of instruction, lunch and play.
Marie-Claire De Bortoli, International Golf Academy,
Club Med, Port. St. Lucie, FL. 772-285-0311; sandpiper-international-golf-academy.com.
The 2005 LPGA T&CP National Teacher of the Year instructs in English,
French and Spanish. What's new: video analysis
and two- and three-day golf schools.
Debbie Doniger, Director of Instruction, GlenArbor
GC,
Bedford, NY. 914-241-0700 (summer). Lead Master Instructor, Jim McLean Golf
School at Doral, Miami, FL. 305-591-6409 (winter).
Doniger offers private and group instruction for all levels. She
makes extensive use of high-tech video systems in her lessons at Doral. What's
new: her book, How to Help Your Partner Through the Green.
Michele Drinkard, Bent Brook Instruction Center,
Bessemer, AL. 205-428-9600; bentbrook.com.
This Golf
Digest Best Teacher in State honoree offers playing lessons on scoring,
trouble shots and course management, and focuses on developing junior and collegiate
talent. What's new: summer golf academies
for juniors.
Krista Dunton, Director of Instruction,
Belfair, Hilton Head, SC. 843-757-7726.
The 2002 LPGA T&CP National Teacher of the Year focuses on full-swing
analysis and putting instruction. She offers private lessons, short-game schools
and women's golf schools. What's new: video technology in putting lessons.
Amy Fox, Tierra Verde GC,
Arlington, TX. 817-477-9894; corporateswing.com.
Fox is a three-time LPGA T&CP Central Section Teacher of the Year
(1997, 1999 and 2003). She offers private instruction to top amateurs and pros,
including LPGA Tour professional Angela Stanford. What's
new: player development programs for juniors and adults.
Jane K. Frost, Jane Frost Golf School, Holly Ridge
GC,
South Sandwich, MA. 508-428-5577, ext.12; janefrostgolfschools.com.
Frost excels at pitching, chipping and putting instruction. Her school
specializes in intensive half-day programs on the full swing, short game and
mental game. Frost, who is ranked in the
top 50 instructors in the U.S. by Golf Digest, teaches at all sessions.
What's new: on-course lessons on how to
practice while you play.
Mary Hafeman, Mary Hafeman Golf Schools at Ocean Hammock,
Palm Coast, FL. 386-447-4603.
1980 Curtis Cup player, Hafeman was named the 2005 LPGA T&CP Southeast
Section Professional of the Year. Her golf schools include long-game and short-game
clinics as well as one-, two- and three-day schools.
What's new: focus on greenside shots and course-strategy instruction.
Sheri Hayes, Carlsbad Golf Center,
Carlsbad, CA. 760-720-4653; thecarlsbadgolfcenter.com.
Hayes has been teaching elite players and beginners for 23 years.
She offers private and group instruction, including 18-hole playing lessons
and three-hole course-management clinics. What's new:
supervised practice sessions and transition-to-play workshops. Carlsbad Golf
Center 2711 Haymar Drive Carlsbad, CA 92010 Tel 760-720-GOLF (4653) sherih@adnc.com
Lorraine Garman Klippel, Bumble Bee Hollow Golf Center,
Mechanicsburg, PA. 717-766-1925; bumblebeehollow.com.
Klippel is an LPGA Master Professional with 34 years' teaching experience.
She focuses on private instruction and specializes in teaching seniors and clubfitting.
What's new: Goddesses, a program for new
golfers. The LPGA's Professional of the Year in 1983 and again in 1992, Lorraine
is a lead instructor of the LPGA's Educational Program Seminars, traveling several
times yearly to teach Advanced Clubfitting to her fellow professionals. During
the 1980's she served two terms as the LPGA's Northeast Section President; during
that same decade she qualified 8 consecutive years to play in the Lady Keystone
Open, an LPGA Tour event held in Hershey, PA. More recently, in 1996 Lorraine
won the Senior Division of the LPGA's National Championship for Teaching and
Club Professionals, carding a final day 68 on the difficult Chateau course at
the Chateau Elan Resort and Winery in Braselton, GA. She has contributed articles
to Golf Digest, Golf for Women, Tee Time, and Pennsylvania Magazine and has
been a presenter at numerous national symposiums. She holds a Bachelors of Science
degree from the University of Saskatchewan with majors in physical education
and mathematics, and a Masters of Science in biomechanics from Penn State University.
Lorraine is available for lessons by appointment at both facilities. EAST SHORE
LESSONS: 717.540.7177 (x32) WEST SHORE LESSONS: 717.766.1925 (x31) Penn National
Golf Club, Chambersburg, PA.
Next
25 teachers >>
GFW's Top 50 Teachers
ContinuedAll-Star Veterans
Top 50 Teachers ContinuedGFW 2004
Top 50 Teachers 2004
http://www.golfdigest.com/gfw/gfwinstruction/index.ssf?/gfw/gfwinstruction/gfw200204topteachers.html
Learning the game takes a measure of dedication. Teaching the game to others takes that and so much more. The great golf instructors possess both the skill and the patience that inspire passion. Golf For Women Magazine You never forget a great golf teacher, no matter how your game progresses or where it takes you. Through their expertise -- honed over years on the course working with students of every caliber -- these dedicated professionals teach you more than the mechanics of a perfect swing: They teach you to love the game and to respect its challenges. So for the third year, we are proud to present Golf For Women's 50 Top Teachers. This dynamic, cumulative list welcomes 50 new instructors chosen from among hundreds of worthy candidates around the country. These women have earned high marks from their peers, students and golf industry experts and have received national recognition for their knowledge, methods and enthusiasm. They also have at least 10 years' instructional experience and Class A status in LPGA and/or PGA teaching divisions. This year's group of 50, who join the 100 other women teaching professionals already honored on our 2000 and 2001 50 Top Teachers lists, work with students of all ages, abilities and ambitions. All excel at teaching the world's most humbling sport to those striving to learn its intricacies. For that -- and for their skill, innovation and constant patience -- we honor them. Check out this year's cream of the crop (see below), and help us start thinking about next year's honorees. If you know a great instructor who meets the 50 Top Teachers criteria and deserves the recognition, let us know. In the meantime, take a lesson from the best -- and make learning fun.
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Northeast
Angela Aulenti: Sterling Farms GC, Stamford, CT. Lessons: $50 per half-hour; 203-329-7888, ext. 19. LPGA and PGA teaching division member has 20 years of teaching experience. Was LPGA's 1998. Northeast section Professional of the Year.
Claudette LaBonte: New Seabury CC, Mashpee, MA. Lessons: $45 per half-hour, $90 per hour; 508-539-8322. Master/Life LPGA pro has 37 years of experience teaching all ages, levels.
Cathy MacPherson: Middleton GC, Middleton, MA. Lessons: $95 per hour; 978-774-4075. With 14 years of teaching experience and specializing in physically challenged players, she has worked with those returning to golf following orthopedic surgeries such as knee and hip replacements, spinal fusions, and shoulder, wrist and hand surgeries.
Terri Migliaccio: Ridgeway CC, White Plains, NY. Lessons: $100 per hour; 914-946-0681. Fourteen years of teaching experience as a member of LPGA and PGA divisions. Named by The Journal News of Westchester in 2001 as one of the New York Metro area's top teachers. Offers strength and flexibility program during the winter months.
Top Veteran Teachers
Women's golf is blessed with both extraordinary players and exceptional teachers -- some standing out for decades. But just as touring pros eventually retire, so do the great teachers, even though most can't resist continuing to tweak the swing of a favorite student or offering their experience at a respected golf school. That's the case with Ann Casey Johnstone and Dr. Barbara Smith, who still teach at Peggy Kirk Bell's Golfari Schools in North Carolina each year. In California, Betty Hicks and Shirley Spork share their expertise at schools and LPGA events. Tips from all are gems of wisdom.
Debby Murphy: Webster GC, Webster, NY. Lessons: $75 per hour; 716-265-2705. Specializes in junior golf and runs a camp for ages 7-16. LPGA and PGA member has 19 years of teaching experience and was the 1996 PGA Western New York Junior Leader Award recipient and 2001 LPGA Northeast Professional of the Year.
Mary Novickas: Hillendale GC, Ithaca, NY. Lessons: $35 per half-hour; 607-273-2363, 941-353-3668 (winter). Has 20 years of teaching experience and was LPGA's 1992 Northeast section Professional of the Year. Works with beginners, juniors, women and "long-ball hitters."
Vicki Phillips: Everybody Golf School/Oak Marr Golf Complex, Oakton, VA. Lessons: $40 per half-hour, $70 per hour; 703-623-6745. Fifteen-year teacher has taught at national women's clinics and was nominated as LPGA's 1999 Northeast Teacher of the Year. Special interest in clubfitting, short game and course management.
M.J. Smith: Army Navy CC, Arlington, VA. Lessons: $40 per half-hour (members), $50 per half-hour (nonmembers); 703-979-5826. Director of instruction and member of LPGA and PGA teaching divisions. This ten-year teacher and former LPGA Tour player conducts numerous clinics for women beginners.
Lori Van Sickle: DuPont CC, Rockland, DE. Lessons: $60 per half-hour; 302-427-4359. PGA member with 12 years of teaching experience. Nominated as PGA Teacher of the Year in 1999 and 2000. Special interest in entry-level players.
Leslie Van Syckle: Rolling Greens GC, Newton, NJ. Lessons: $45 per half-hour, $65 per hour; 973-383-3082. LPGA Northeast section's 1994 Professional of the Year has 16 years of teaching experience. Specializes in short game, course management, rules and sportsmanship for juniors.
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Southeast
Marge Burns: Burmill Club, Greensboro, NC. Lessons: $30 per 45 minutes; 336-299-8459. Master/Life LPGA member with 30 years of experience following a decorated 20-year amateur playing career. LPGA's 1976 national Teacher of the Year specializes in tournament play.
Mary Dagraedt: Inverrary CC, Lauderhill, FL (June-September), and Sunrise CC, Sunrise, FL (October-May). Lessons: $80 per hour; 815-883-8251 and 954-742-4333. LPGA Master Professional has 34 years of teaching experience and has been national teacher, coach and professional of the year, entering five halls of fame. Specializes in short game and rules of golf.
Marie Claire De bortoli: Sandpiper GC, Port St. Lucie, FL. Lessons: $40 per half-hour, $70 per hour; 561-398-5700 and 561-285-0311 (cell). Has 15 years of teaching experience and can instruct in French, Spanish and English.
Cyndi Evans: The Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, SC. Lessons: $40 per half-hour; 843-449-5914. GFW contributor has 15 years of experience as a PGA teaching professional. Conducts 25 golf schools per year with Marlene Floyd's For Women Only Golf School.
Cathy Mant: Eagle's Landing CC, Stockbridge, GA. Lessons: $45 per half-hour, $80 per hour; 770-389-2000, ext. 106. Member of LPGA Tour for 10 years, has 17 years of teaching experience. Coach of Georgia State University's women's golf team teaches all levels and has special interest in juniors.
From Tour to Teaching Tee Take a lesson with a legend? It's now possible, since some of the LPGA's greatest players are teaching at clubs and resorts or running their own golf schools. Join Hall of Famer JoAnne Carner at her academy at Florida's Palm Beach National. Or travel to Orlando's Grand Cypress Resort for a lesson with Kathy Whitworth. You can find Carol Mann at The Woodlands in Houston or Sandra Haynie at Bay Meadows GC in Jacksonville, FL. Great players don't always turn to teaching, but it's a natural transition for some. Amateurs can benefit from these stars' vast knowledge.
Mary Beth McGirr: Stoney Creek GC, Stoney Creek, NC. Lessons: $55 per 40 minutes, $80 per hour; 336-449-5688, ext. 208. LPGA Master Professional has 25 years of teaching experience and was the LPGA's 2001 Southeast section Teacher of the Year. Specializes in private and small-group instruction, on-course lessons, clubfitting and course management.
Denise Mullen: The Club at Admiral's Cove, Jupiter, FL. Lessons: $90 per hour; 561-222-0733. Teacher for 22 years emphasizes strength training, course management, strategy, short game development, clubfitting, rules and etiquette. Also experienced teaching players with physical limitations.
Becky Sauers: Players Club, Tallahassee, FL. Lessons: $80 per hour; 850-668-3052. Special interest in juniors and women's golf, launching Lady Links, an association for career women, eight years ago. This 28-year teaching pro was the LPGA's 1987 Professional of the Year and 1991 Southeast Teacher of the Year.
Mary Slinkard: Plantation Inn and Golf Resort, Crystal River, FL. Lessons: $50 per hour; 352-795-7211. Short-game specialist with 12 years of teaching experience as a member of the LPGA and PGA teaching divisions. Works with many senior players.
Donna Horton White: Okeeheelee GC, West Palm Beach, FL. Lessons: $45 per half-hour, $80 per hour; 561-964-4653, ext. 104. Former LPGA Tour member, this LPGA teaching pro won the LPGA's 1998 Budget Service Award for her work with Special Olympics and mentally/physically challenged golfers. Teaches beginners to tour players and has served on the Special Olympics International Golf Committee.
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Midwest
Claire Batista: The Legacy by Arthur Hills, Ottawa Lake, MI. Lessons: $35 per half-hour; 734-854-1101. Member of LPGA and PGA teaching divisions, she has 14 years of teaching experience. Also serves as women's golf coach at the University of Toledo (Ohio).
Nancy Bender: Creekside GC and Training Center, Valparaiso, IN. Lessons: $40 per half-hour (March 1October 1), $30 per half-hour (after October 1); 219-531-7888. With more than 25 years of experience, the 1999 and 2001 Midwest Teacher of the Year teaches juniors, men's and women's clinics, left-handers. Also offers winter indoor lessons.
Lori Patricia Gaffney: Longview GC, Urbandale, IA, and Martins Valley GC, Mission, TX. Lessons: $35 per half-hour, $65 per hour; 515-986-9799 and 515-225-0648. Sixteen-year teacher was the Midwest section's 1996 Teacher of the Year. Experienced with disabled players.
Carol Clark Johnson: General Electric Activity Park, Cincinnati, OH. Lessons: $60 per hour; 513-761-3188. Legendary LPGA Master/Life Professional has 36 years of teaching experience and holds such national honors as LPGA's 1975 Teacher of the Year, 1994 Rolex Ellen Griffin Award and National Golf Foundation's 1983 Joe Graffis Award.
Patty Lynn: Tournament Players Club of the Twin Cities, Blaine, MN. Lessons: $50 per half-hour, $75 with video; 763-795-0816 and 763-427-3626. Called "Minnesota's golf ambassador" by her students, she has 16 years of teaching experience. Uses drills with each lesson and videotapes. Also uses American Sign Language for hearing-impaired students.
Kay McMahon: Hilltop GC, Saugatuck, MI, and Emerald Court Resort, Cathedral City, CA. Lessons: $95 per hour; 888-273-0777 and 760-323-9732. With 25 years of teaching experience, this LPGA and PGA teaching division member and GFW contributor was the 1995 national LPGA Teacher of the Year. Uses videotapes and is experienced with the physically challenged.
Alecia MacMasters: Eagle Ridge Inn & Resort, Galena, IL. Lessons: $50 per half-hour, $95 per hour; 815-776-9166. Director of instruction has 15 years of teaching experience and is a staff instructor for the Golf Digest Schools. Has extensive background in junior and amateur golf.
Bev Miller: Countryside GC, Mundelein, IL (summer), and Buffalo Grove Golf Center, Buffalo Grove, IL (winter). Lessons: $45 per half-hour; 847-856-1251. With 35 years of teaching experience, she has served on the LPGA's National Education Committee to help teaching pros become better teachers.
B.J. Miller: Golf Headquarters/ Pheasant Run GC, O'Fallon, MO. Lessons: $50 per half-hour; 636-240-0458 and 314-306-1159. Member of LPGA and PGA teaching divisions, the 12-year teaching pro became the 60th female PGA head professional and the first woman in the PGA's Gateway section. Gives private lessons as well as couples' and group clinics.
Carol L. Rhoades: Golf Galaxy, Schaumburg, IL. Lessons: $60 per half-hour; three half-hours for $150, five for $230; 847-882-3828, ext. 5. Uses video computer and emphasizes customized instruction. LPGA and PGA member with 16 years of teaching experience.
Kelly Trent: Raymond Memorial GC, Columbus, OH. Lessons: $35 per half-hour; 614-645-8454. Municipal course's golf director has 19 years of teaching experience and was the LPGA's Midwest Professional of the Year in 1994 and 1998. Active with Women's Executive Golf Association and works with juniors and autistic children.
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Central
Marcia Bailey: Riverdale GC, Denver, CO. Lessons: $40 per half-hour; 303-452-7704. With more than 30 years of teaching and two years on the LPGA Tour, this Colorado Sports Hall of Fame member has 13 years of experience with handicapped golfers. She also has conducted golf schools for businesswomen.
Rosey Bartlett: Sky Creek Ranch GC, Keller, TX. Lessons: $70 per hour, $100 for playing lesson; 817-498-1414. Has 19 years of teaching experience and played on the LPGA Tour for four years. Works with all ages and skill levels ranging from juniors to members of the LPGA Tour.
Sherry Andonian-Smith: The CC at Castle Pines, Castle Rock, CO. Lessons: $75 per 45 minutes; 720-339-4865. Central section's 1999 Teacher of the Year nominee has 15 years of teaching experience. Emphasizes fundamentals and offers playing lessons to enhance on-course skills.
Jill K. Trujillo: Isleta Eagle GC, Albuquerque, NM. Lessons: $40 per hour; 505-869-0950. Member of LPGA and PGA teaching divisions with 11 years of teaching experience. Has background with juniors, women and collegiate players, as well as golfers with special needs.
Beverly D. Williams: Bella Vista Village, Bella Vista, AR. Lessons: $50 per hour; 501-876-5645 and 877-876-5645. Owns the B. Williams Golf School at Bella Vista golf facility and operates a B&B with golf packages and schools. With 10 years of teaching experience, this former Rollins College (FL) women's golf coach stresses short game and conducts couples' clinics.
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West
Dana Bates: Desert Horizon CC, Indian Wells, CA. Lessons: $50 per half-hour, $90 per hour; 760-340-4651. Ten-year teacher and GFW contributor works with all ages, male and female.
Bari Brandwynne: Los Angeles CC, Los Angeles, CA. Lessons: $45 per half-hour, $90 per hour; 310-276-6104. Conducts many clinics with a specialty in juniors, seniors and women. This 12-year teacher is a GFW contributor and a member of the LPGA and PGA teaching divisions.
Judy Carls: Heartwell GC, Long Beach, CA. Lessons: $35 per half-hour, $120 for four half-hours, $75 per hour on-course; 562-431-8855; 562-743-2923 (cell). Member of the Illinois Coaches Hall of Fame; implemented the Little Linksters junior program in Long Beach. Serves on the staff of the Jane Blalock Co. Executive Women's Clinics. Teaches all ability levels.
Jeanette Gilliand: Various courses in Escondido, CA. Lessons: $65 per hour; 760-930-5964. Nominated as LPGA's Western section Teacher of the Year in 1999 and 2001. Consultant to Callaway Golf and offers private lessons. Has experience with handicapped, deaf and learning-disabled players.
Kathy Gook: Paradise Valley CC, Paradise Valley, AZ. Lessons: $75 per hour; 602-952-7232 and 602-608-1328. Ten-year teacher is involved nationally with the LPGA's teaching division and works with all ages and ability levels.
Carol Hogan: Desert Island G&CC, Rancho Mirage, CA. Lessons: $40 per half-hour; 760-328-0841. Serves as head professional with 13 years of teaching experience. Member of PGA and LPGA teaching divisions. Works with many seniors.
GFW's All Star Instructors
She wrote grants and set up the Little Linksters in California. She's helped women learn to play business golf. Judy Carls has touched a wide range of players, conducting golf clinics in Illinois, Colorado and California and teaching everywhere from universities to public practice tees. Peers call her a rising star as a teacher. Students say Cathy MacPherson helped them return to golf following serious injuries and surgeries. This Middleton (MA) GC pro plays left-handed and also teaches the game to patients at New England Baptist Hospital in Chestnut Hill, MA.
This transplanted New Englander apprenticed under teaching legend Ellen Griffin as a graduate student at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Now a Master Professional, Mary Beth McGirr is one of the nation's top teachers, named the Southeast section's 2001 Teacher of the Year.
Nancy Bender has loads of students and top honors. The Midwest section's 1999 and 2001 Teacher of the Year earned the LPGA's 2001 Budget Service Award for her concept and design of junior-friendly Creekside GC/Training Center in Valparaiso, IN.
Rosanne Caulder-Isom: Bonita GC, Bonita, CA. Lessons: $50 per hour, $260 for six hours, 619-588-7887. Master/Life LPGA pro has taught for 25 years. Also a registered nurse, works with physically challenged children and adults.
Mary Bea Porter-King: Puakea GC, Lihue, HI. Lessons: $100 per hour; 808-645-0478. Former LPGA touring pro (1973-98) with 26 years of teaching experience. Recipient of the LPGA's 2000 Budget Service Award for her work with junior golf in Hawaii. Serves on the U.S. Golf Association's executive board and works as a rules official in USGA and NCAA amateur events.
Nancy Little: Indian Ridge CC, Palm Desert, CA. Lessons: $45 per half-hour, $90 per hour; 760-772-7272. Fifteen-year teacher emphasizes the "full connection of the golf swing" by focusing on the grip and lower body. Was 1982 Colorado Woman Athlete of the Year.
JoAnne Lusk: Jack Conrad's Golf Practice Range, Tucson, AZ. Lessons: $45 per half-hour; 520-241-3232. Has taught for 30 years and is a member of LPGA and PGA teaching divisions. Member of National Golf Coaches Hall of Fame following career at University of Arizona.
Cindy MacNider: Apple Tree GC, Yakima, WA (May-September) and various courses in Scottsdale, AZ (October-April). Lessons: $45 per hour; 480-205-3600. Packages programs for new golfers with on-course teaching sessions. Tenth-year teacher was nominated as the west's Teacher of the Year in 1999 and 2000.
Lynn Ralston: Westchester GC, Los Angeles, CA. Lessons: $35 per half-hour; 310-649-9168, voice mail 43. Teaches private and group lessons as well as clinics for men and women, juniors and seniors. This 20-year, public-course teacher also has experience teaching golfers with physical disabilities.
Maxann Shwartz, Ph.D.: Strawberry Farms GC, Irvine, CA. Lessons: $80 per hour; 714-335-1665. A licensed clinical psychologist and member of LPGA teaching division, this 14-year teacher specializes in psychological aspects of golf that she calls "mental fundamentals." Focuses on players' anxiety, learning abilities, competitiveness, mental strategies and stress management.
Cathy Bright Torchiana: Wailea Golf Resort (Gold and Emerald Courses), Wailea, Maui, HI. Lessons: $45 per half-hour, $90 per hour; 808-875-7450. Resort-course pro has 25 years of experience in teaching and coaching, including serving as coach of the University of Southern California women's golf team.
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What's Your Teaching Style?
Have you ever had the perfect golf lesson, yet didn't know why? Maybe your instructor explained a concept to you in words that got the point across. Or she positioned your body and club in a way that gave you the perfect swing plane. Perhaps it was seeing your swing on videotape that did the trick. These are examples of the three basic ways in which people learn. Fully understanding your own sensory system helps you make the most of lessons and become a better player. You have visual (sight), kinesthetic (touch, feel) and auditory (sound, rhythm) senses. Figuring out your dominant sense is the key to perfecting your learning process. To determine your dominant sense, break your game into sections. For example, in bunkers, do you perform better by hearing or feeling the "spank" of the sand or visualizing the sand flying onto the green? When you putt, do you use a rhythmic stroke by counting 1 and 2, or do you "see" a line from your ball to the hole? With an understanding of your individual learning style, you can improve your game by focusing on your sensory strengths. April 2002
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