much harder to do specific topic searches because everything is tagged with hashtags instead of keywords . If you search “ how to fix a slice ” it will search for # howtofixaslice and even though there are thousands of these tips out there , only three posts with that exact hashtag may populate . My recommendation is to search more general tags like # golftips # golflessons # slice # golfswing and then dive deeper into an account that you enjoy .
Here are some great “ golfstagram ” instruction accounts you should follow to get started :
• Me ! @ erikalarkingolf : I am on multiple platforms , but IG is my sweet spot as I enjoy using music and short formats to show golf swing tips , drills and concepts in entertaining ways .
• @ jakehuttgolf : Jake ’ s original music and lyrics complement great golf instruction for this west coast vibey , creative golf pro .
• @ mikeburygolf : Mike ’ s page is clean and easy to follow . Lots of great drill demonstrations with simple props , interesting stats , trivia and educational posts to help you understand golf basics better .
• @ eismangolfacademy : Jon Eisman is local to Northern Virginia with multiple teaching locations and has a great stable of young and elite players which he highlights on his page . Get a glimpse of what players are working on and how Jon and his staff use technology to help their golfers improve .
• @ cathykimgolf : Cathy is a great young pro in Northern Virginia who makes some fun and relatable tips for the average golfer and junior golf crowd .
• Other notables : @ trillium _ rose , @ markrussopga , @ mttgolf , @ mikebendergolf , @ mm . golf , @ sggolfcoaching , @ nattiegolf , @ jsr _ golf , @ peak _ golf _ fitness , @ martinchuckpga .
Facebook You will find a plethora of golf instruction forums on Facebook but most are private groups that offer a Q-and-A space for students who are already in a coach ’ s community of students or subscribers . Facebook is not as good as a search engine for specific topics as YouTube but certainly has its own role within online golf instruction .
TikTok More instructors are starting to explore TikTok . The filters and music options are endless for creative editing , but it ’ s 15-30 seconds . A short video can be very effective if done well and a great way to stumble on a coach who you can research further outside the app . Most content tends to lean more towards hacks , trick shots and memes but there are a few accounts to check out for game improvement : @ ericastoner22 , @ shotshavergolf , @ parkerprocess , @ henryfallgolf , @ clubfaceuk , @ toritotlis , and @ bobbygolfpga .
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
We all have a half dozen logins these days to things like Hulu and Disney + or Amazon Prime , none of which have much golf instruction content ( yet ). However , there are some great golf specific platforms you may consider if you really like a certain coach or team of coaches ’ teaching approach , and honestly these have a higher production quality than what you will find on social media . Here are a few great portals to check out :
• Golf Digest Schools : The Netflix of golf instruction with lots of mini-series to
watch from a plethora of top coaches like Butch Harmon , David Leadbetter and Chuck Cook .
• Golf Fanatics : A great new platform I ’ m involved with . It is an all-star group of coaches including Andrew Rice , Jeff Ritter and Adam Bazalgette . Daily tips available now , more virtual courses and in-person events launching this season .
• Top Speed Golf : Top Speed Golf has a large YouTube channel but also an extensive platform for online coaching and exclusive content . Clay Ballard and his team do a nice job with their tips .
• Me and My Golf : Piers and Andy have endless courses you can buy a la carte or through memberships .
• Golf Pass ( Golf Channel ): Become a member and access some great series of lessons with top coaches like Sean Foley , Cameron McCormick , Chris Como and players like Rory McIlroy , Cameron Champ , Shane Lowry and more .
I hope this guide is helpful and gives you a starting place to find quality golf instruction online . There is plenty out there to supplement your in-person coaching and increase your understanding of the golf swing . Enjoy the journey and happy golfing !
vsga . org J ULY / A UGUST 2021 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 31