Male or female instructor?

[deedolce]

I have a male instructor now that I like. We'll be moving in June to Tucson, and I have to find a new instructor. Is there an advantage to having a female instructor over a male? Just curious. My husband, who's played for a long time (I'm pretty new, this is my 2nd year picking up a golf club) says he'd like for me to look for a female instructor.

[ThinkingPlus]

First let me caveat that this is my opinion with very little experience with instructors (male or female). I have never had a great deal of luck with instructors, but I haven't been anywhere that had a bunch of well regarded instructors in the area. I also have a reputation for not accepting instruction well (at least according to my hubby).

 

However, there are instances where I can see a woman instructor being more beneficial than a man. A couple of examples. There are certain suggestions about grip pressure that make sense from a man's perspective (holding the club lightly or 5/10 grip pressure) that don't make sense for women. Most women have much less grip strength and probably need to hold onto the club tighter than a "light" suggestion implies. Another example is I doubt most male instructors will discuss the specific female problem of swinging over, under, or through the chest area, yet that is a very valid conversation for women relative to the golf swing.

 

So with all that being said, I would recommend that no matter whether you choose a woman or man as an instructor, check that they have had successful teaching relationships with women students. A woman instructor will probably do well in that area, but there are male instructors that are good at teaching women as well. Do your homework and you should be able to find a good fit for what you need in a teacher.

[Bingo1976]

My wife has had both male and female coaches. I don't think gender matters, and any decent coach will be able to address the chest issue in a professional way. I do agree with ThinkingPlus that a coach with a track record of coaching women would be a good start.

 

My advise would be to base your decision on good chemistry and being able to understand what they are talking about (and I would apply this to all sports, not just golf!).

[Aimee]

Gender doesn't matter. I've had both male and female instructors (and the "chest" thing never was a point of discussion), and my husband has had both male and female instructors. A good instructor will be someone that you can connect with and get positive results, like everyone has said. Your husband probably thinks (right or wrong) you'll get more from a female instructor because she would be more "in tune" with your physical abilities.

[Baitkiller]

Me best friend's wife got caught in the sack with her tennis instructor.

It happens.

[deedolce]

Thanks for the replies. I guess I was lucky in finding the one I have now, since it was the only one I've had, and what he says makes sense, and he's a nice, easy going personality for me! I guess it's a shot in the dark to find one, and try it, and go from there!

[jhaw]

He prob doesn’t like all the one on one time and hand on activity. Possibly a female instructor would be more patient than your average male instructor