Name: Greg Smith
Age: 36
Coaching at: The Greg Smith Golf Academy, Aston Wood Golf Club
TrackMan User since:
March 2014
When and why did you start playing golf?
I started playing at the age of 11. My Father had been trying to get me to play for years and he somehow managed to sit me down in front of the television to watch the Open Championship at Muirfield when Nick Faldo won. The next week I played my first round on a pitch and putt course and instantly fell in love with the game.
What is your HCP?
Scratch
Which is your favorite golf course?
Adare Manor in Ireland.
Do you have a favorite coach you follow and why?
I have a lot of respect for Butch Harmon as he keeps his methodology very simple. I also like the teachings of Leslie King and Mike Austin. I like Leslie King because of his attention to the specifics and also Mike Austin because many of his theories and beliefs were way ahead of the practices at that time.
Who is your favorite player and why?
Nick Faldo – his work ethic and attention to the smallest detail. I’m also a big Tiger fan.
What is your best golf related achievement?
Building a successful golf coaching business and helping students to achieve fantastic results is always a constant driver for me. There is nothing more satisfying than finding a golfer another 30 yards on their drives or shooting their lowest score. Every time that happens, it feels like my best golfing achievement.
As a golf coach, what is the most common mistake among players you see?
Without doubt, the shallow backswing with a steep (over the top) downswing. This is the primary cause for an inconsistent swing direction. When a player can control their swing direction, their scores will come tumbling.
What are your greatest professional strengths?
The ability to get my students results. Anybody who works with me knows right from the start that there will be no compromises or excuses. It will be hard work but the pay off will far out way the effort.
What’s in your bag?
Callaway – Epic driver
Titleist – 917 F3 3 wood
Srixon – Zu65 2 iron
Callaway – Apex irons 4 – PW
Titleist vokey wedges 54 and 60 degree’s
How often do you play golf yourself?
I usually get 9 holes in per week with maybe 1 additional full round in the summer.
What has changed since you started working with a TrackMan?
Everything! The innovation of TrackMan has been very impressive and lots of great new features such as the optimizer and putting data have been added. I think however that the biggest improvement has been in the video analysis software in TPS.
Which is your favourite TrackMan feature, and why?
I love how TrackMan is so multi functional. No lesson is ever the same and the system allows for that versatility. I can work on visual and data in one session and then next could be a performance testing session through the TrackMan combine.
How and where can golfers get in touch with you?
www.gregsmithgolfcoach.com
info@gregsmithgolfcoach.com
Do you have any suggestions, how TrackMan can do better or differently?
The MyTrackman.com site needs improving the most I feel. The interaction between coach and player both during and post lesson is crucial toward achieving results. The ability for the player to send videos and a messaging system would be awesome.
Transform Your Golf Swing – Free Guide
Would you like to be the next TrackMan coach of the month?
All you have to do is sign up on TrackMan University and complete Level 1,
we will randomly pick a new coach every month.
Disclaimer: The answers in this interview have not been modified or changed, nor do they necessarily represent the views of TrackMan A/S.
I am 58 years old just started competing in Long Drive. I need someone to help me game 10 to 15 miles an hour club head speed. I have managed to get myself to about 1 25 mph. Do you think you can help me?