POPLAR
CREEK GOLF LESSONS
 Teaching Philosophy
Our teaching philosophy is to guide each
student in finding a swing that fits their needs depending
on body type, strength, flexibility, age, time available
to practice, etc. We not only want the golf experience
to be fun, but the learning experience to be enjoyable as
well. We encourage the student to develop a balanced
game consisting of a strong short game, trouble shots,
course management, and mental preparation. We offer two
basic ways to learn or improve your golf game: Private
instruction or group instruction. Our staff golf
professionals teach all the lessons. |
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Private Instruction
With private instruction you schedule a lesson directly
with the instructor for a day and time that is convenient
for both of you. Lessons are specifically tailored to your
skill level and the part of your game you wish to improve.
The lessons are given in the practice swing cages and
practice short game areas. The cost is $40 for a ½ hour
lesson. For more information regarding private instruction
or to schedule a lesson, please call the Pro Shop at
650-522-4653 (GOLF), ext. 2.
Group Instruction
Group instruction is offered through the City of San Mateo
Park and Recreation Department. The series consists of six
one-hour lessons, with a maximum of six people per class.
The lessons cover all phases of the game and are designed
for either the complete beginner or the recreational
player looking for a review of the basics. Short game
principles, including chipping, pitching, sand play, and
putting are covered. Golf etiquette and rules of the game,
along with how to manage your game on the golf course are
additional topics that are reviewed.
Golf clubs are provided and all those completing the
series receive a certificate for one free round of golf at
Poplar Creek. The lessons are given in the practice swing
cages and short game practice areas. We do not go onto the
golf course. The series of six classes costs $97 for City
of San Mateo residents and $119 for all others. The
classes begin in the Spring and continue through Fall.
Please contact the Recreation Department to sign up by
calling 650-522 7440.
If you have friends that are also interested in lessons
and you wish to set up your own mini group, you may
contact one our golf professionals directly for rates and
availability by calling the Poplar Creek Pro Shop at
650-522-4653 (GOLF), ext. #2
Remember, you get out of your game what you put into it. |
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Head
Pro Tip of the Month |
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Do
you want to take strokes off your game? Take a
look at your putting stats. If you're taking too
many three putts, ask yourself: Are your first
putts finishing too far from the hole, or are you
missing short putts? If your first putts are
finishing too far from the hole, practice these
putts with distance in mind and very little
concern with direction. The goal, at first, would
be to get the ball within 3 or 4 feet from the
hole, giving you a target circle of six to eight
feet. After you can do this successfully, for a
few months on the course, shrink your target to 2
or 3 feet from the hole.
If
you are hitting it close to the hole but, missing
your shorter putts, spend more time practicing
from 5 feet on in, (the pros call these the money
putts).
Here are a couple of good drills: Putt a ball down
a foot from the hole and make 10 in a row in. If
you miss, start all over. After a foot, move to 2
feet, with you goal of making 10 five footers in a
row. The other drill is to spread 4 balls around
the hole from 1 foot away and make all 4. Then, go
to a foot and a half and do the same. If you miss,
start all over from 1 foot and see if you can make
it to 5 feet.
Come on down to Poplar Creek Creek Golf Course and
practice your putting. It won't cost you anything,
and you'll have a chance to improve your score!
- Gary
Monisteri, Head Pro |
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