10
Feb '12
Get to know SwingFix pro Doug Spencer
By Kiel Christianson
Doug Spencer has been Director of Instruction for Brian Mogg Performance Center Academies for three years and a PGA member since 2001. He's one of a handful of instructors who are Green Reading Certified.
Spencer has coached six Korea LPGA members and Korean National Team members, and he also still competes at a high level himself, having just missed the cut at U.S. Open and Sony Open qualifiers.Of course, you can take a lesson with Doug right here on SwingFix.
FIVE QUESTIONS
1. First off, talk briefly about your golf instruction philosophy and how you preach it at your facility.
SPENCER: First of all, I avoid blanket type methods and apply different techniques based on a player's physical condition. I always start by doing an assessment of a player's equipment, playing background, and desired area of improvement. Good golf starts with good fundamentals, whether they are course management or changes in technique.
2. What attracted you to the SwingFix platform and how effective can this method be for golfers?
SPENCER: SwingFix is very simple to use and allows teachers and students to communicate from anywhere in the world. For any student, they have easy access to phenomenal instruction and the ability to have constant feedback.
3. In your opinion, what is the secret to taking the "range game" to the first tee?
SPENCER: The ability to take the range game to the course is a learned skill. It is achieved by being disciplined during your practice sessions. A player must break the practice session up into technical periods, working on one specific swing change at a time. After being technical, players should imagine their favorite golf hole and hit a different club on each shot, playing the hole with their imagination. This is practicing to play golf, taking their range swing to the course during practice.
4. Is there a particular training aid that you tend to use most regularly and with the most effectiveness?
SPENCER: There are many good training aids. Alignment sticks can be used many different ways. I also like to use foam rollers to help with balanced posture.
5. Is there a way students who have worked with you most often dramatically improve and achieve that coveted five-shot drop in scores? Power, consistency, short game, management, playing more golf, etc.?
SPENCER: Every player is different but, changing the grip and putting the club in a player’s hands correctly can help with all facets of the game.