Its been 5 years since I started on the road of trying to become a fully qualified golf teacher with the German PGA and sadly the quest has come to an end.

Having completed all the theory courses successfully, as well as the assistant teacher exam, I have had one major hurdle which I was unable to overcome. The so called PAT (playing ability test) seems to simply be a insurmountable obstacle. Its essentially a test of ones playing skills in a PGA tournament which we play 4 times per year and on successful completion one gains admittance to the final exam. The maximum score allowed is 6 over as a under 50 year old player and 11 over as a 50 plus old fart…. My best result was one stroke too many during a Swiss PGA event (max 6 over) but sadly I have not been able to score better than this. In fact I broke 100 in one tournament!

As a back up plan I completed a golf teaching course in South Africa (SAGTF) in January this year which I passed with flying colours in all aspects including playing a round of 8 over which is accepted by them as proof that you can play golf. The diploma is fully recognised in Austria where I currently teach part time.

My goal has always been nothing more than to grow golf and to make more and more people fall in love with this amazing sport. I feel that I have achieved this and will continue to do this as long as I am allowed to.

To even try to explain the disappointment in words would be futile. To all that have supported me I say a huge thank you. To all that were on the other side I have nothing to say other than at least I had the courage to try.

Keep on swinging

Geoff

Day one

My philosophy is the “small” influences the “big”. We need therefore to pay attention to the small parts of the swing as they impact in a big way on the entire swing. Throughout our time together, there will be a continual system of “linkage” through all our practice sessions. We will also often practice under “pressure” so that the stuff learnt on the range will be transferable to the course. We will also constantly work on visualization and the mental approach to golf.

09h00: Meet at clubhouse for a coffee and chat about your expectations and objectives. A chance to get to know each other a bit better.

09h30 to 10h30

Putting—–For the first hour we will discuss and assess your putting as it stands currently and make changes if deemed necessary. I will show you various exercises that will help develop your putting and help you learn how to practice with systems that you can apply to your game. End this session with a putting competition.

10h45 to 12h30

Chipping and chipping fundamentals——We practice short and long chips and determine which option to chose based upon ball and flag positions. Chips from fairway and chips from semi rough. You will learn to chip with various clubs up to and including your hybrid. End this session with a chipping competition.

Pitching and pitching fundamentals——-We practice short and long pitches as well as lob shots. At what point should one pitch the ball onto the green? How best to determine risk and reward. We will practice different distances and understand how to determine ball flight distance.

Challenge chip and pitch competition for the last 30 minutes or so. Try both to same target and see what gives the best result.

12h30 to 13h30

Lunch

13h30 to 15h00

Bunker, difficult lies and fundamentals——–We practice bunker shot fundamentals and the differences between short, medium and long bunker shots. How do I determine ball carry distance from the bunker, how to play fried egg lie, ball above or ball below my feet, downhill lie or uphill lie and how this impacts the shot. We will also practice the “impossible” lie that often happens on the course…….

15h15 to 16h30

Short game play———We play our “short” course which consists of 6 holes no longer than 50 metres. This allows you to put into practice the short game theory we have learnt.

17h00

9 holes———–We play 9 holes together after a short 30 minute break. This allows me to assess your strengths, weaknesses, assessment and tactics during a round. I need to have an unbiased look at where you are and where you can improve.

Day two

09h00: Meet at clubhouse for our morning coffee and feedback.

09h30 to 11h30:

Pitching wedge to hybrid or long iron and fundamentals——-We start today with the “full” swing and move through all our irons to iron 4 or 3 iron or to your hybrid depending whats in your bag. The process will once again be focused on mainly smaller parts of the swing which impact on the success of the entire swing and ball flight. I will take video and we will discuss swing planes, club head at impact and ball flight. I will change as little as possible and we will only make swing changes if deemed necessary. My wish is to offer you “keys” that open doors so that you may understand your swing better.

11h45 to 12h30:

Woods and Driver and fundamentals——– Full swing with all your woods and driver. How to shape the ball, when to use the driver and when not to. This hours session will be a “learn by doing” session. Our objectives are to allow you to try different swings with your woods to see what these impact differences have on the ball flight. You will try to shape the ball right to left, left to right, high to low or low to high.

12h30 to 13h30:

Lunch

13h30 to 14h30

Ball distance control and fundamentals——– We meet on the driving range again and we will play to different distances. The exercise is however something that you may not have done before. If you’re able to hit your PW to a distance of 100 metres then I want you to be able to hit a 7 iron to the same distance as well. The 7 iron is simply an example. During this training we will hit different irons same distances. This training allows you to get a better “feel” for distance and will also help you play low shots that need to travel only 60 metres but hit with a 5 iron.

14h30 to 15h15

Alignment factors—– Why do we often align or bodies to target incorrectly. We learn why and how to correctly align to target and how to align to shape the ball if needed.

15h30 to 16h30

Revisit any area you wish to——– The last hour together allows you to choose any topic you feel needs to be readdressed or revisited.

17h00

9 holes———– 9 holes———– We play 9 holes together after a short 30 minute break.

Please remember that throughout our time together I am open for any questions or clarification on any points that you’re uncertain of. I strongly suggest that you take notes on your phones as these can be used as a reference point for training in the future. I will also take video on your phone for you to use as reference should you require. Please also have water and something small to eat with you the entire time.

For further information such as course start dates and cost please contact me by email on geoff.saayman@kwe.li or call on +41 79 743 4616.

Keep on swinging.

Geoff

Long time I know, sorry.

Golf is in trouble!! There are not enough new players joining and in particular not enough young people joining. The fun in golf seems to have gone “out of bounds” and we need to fix this!

To try and correct this, and to add some fun to the game again, we at Golfpark Bregenzerwald/Riefensberg have created an under 35 Tournament to add some fun and some life to golf. Our concept and idea is simple:

1. Stop the barrier to entry and create an opportunity to allow people to come out and try the game by ACTUALLY playing the game with some friends.
2. 5 hole Scramble format tournament with at least one golfer per flight who will help the new players find their way around the course.
3. Music on the driving range, Jägermeister challenge on the par 3’s, a putting competition and a brief overview on how to hold the club and how to hit a ball by the teaching staff. This all followed by a grill and a prize giving with perhaps a beer or two?
4. Date is 19 August 2017 and start time is 13h00 with tee off from 15h30.
5. Cost only 50.- Euro per player. Only 48 allowed to partake so book early please.
6. For more details and more information please contact me on +41 79 743 4616

Cheers for now.

Keep on swinging.

Geoff

Yesterday, I had an amazing day and wanted to share it and a few photos with you all.
Around 3 weeks ago I was asked if I could fetch Victor Garcia from Zurich airport and drive him to Bad Ragaz Golf Course for him to play in The European Seniors Masters there. En route to the club we discussed golf of course, and the fact that it has many people who are not really there to serve the sport but rather to serve themselves and the impact it has on the game. Words echoed by Butch Harmon when I spent time with him 3 years ago. It was a truly interesting chat with a man that raised and taught Sergio Garcia, one of the worlds greater players of this wonderful game.

Before we had even got to the course Victor had invited me to come and watch a private tournament which is hosted by Sergio and is a charity day from which Sergio gives back. Cost CHF 50 000.00 per player apparently, so a huge sum of money in anyones books. But money very well spent and very well donated. So, from being the taxi driver to Victor Garcia, to an invite to something so special, you truly never know.

Being fortunate enough to get an invite I was allowed to walk “inside the ropes” and got up real close to all the champions that were there and in particular Henrik Stenson, The Champion Golfer of the Year. He looked exhausted and rumour has it that he had around 2 hours sleep after his victory at The Open. But he was polite, humble and engaging. A true reflection of a champion. Other notables were Luke, Rory, Ricky, Adam, Justin and Zach to name a few. I was disappointed to not see Ernie as apparently he was invited but cancelled late.

To all that made my day possible I wish to thank you sincerely. I am truly blessed and have said before that my cup runs over and then it does so often.

Keep on swinging.

Cheers
Geoff

Below in my best written German my trip offer for South Africa 2017. These dates are as an example and are changeable. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Do, 12.01.2017
Programm basiert auf den Flug Zürich–Johannesburg mit Swiss (LX288) oder direkt nach Kapstadt mit Edelweiss. Auf eigene Kosten
Fr, 13.01.17
Ankunft in Kapstadt. Shuttle zum Arabella Hotel. Abendessen: Fishermans Cottage in Hermanus
Sa, 14.01.17
Golf Arabella GC.
Abendessen: Tapas Hermanus
So, 15.01.17
Rundfahrt der Region mit Weingut besuchen. Abendessen Arabella Hotel.
Mo, 16.01.17
Kleinmond oder Erinvale GC. Abendessen Ocean Basket Hermanus
Di, 17.01.17
Tag zur freien Verfügung. Rahmenprogramm: Ausflug zu Franschoek Individuelles Abendessen in Stellenbosch.
Mi, 18.01.17
Kleinmond oder Erinvale GC. Abendessen Fishermans Cottage in Hermanus
Do, 19.01.17
Driving Range, Golf In Hermanus GC. Nach unser Runde Essen wir in Bientangs Cave.
Fr, 20.01.17
Check out Arabella und fahrt Richtung Kapstadt. Check in Bliss Boutique Hotel nähe Kapstadt.Abendessen Blue Peter Restaurant in Bloubergstrand.
Sa, 21.01.17
Tag zur freien Verfügung.Kapstadt das hop on hop off bus and Table mountain besuchen, Wetter abhängig.
So, 22.01.17
Golf Pearl Valley GC und Abendessen Quay4 Kapstadt Waterfront.
Mo, 23.01.2017
Golf Milnerton GC und Abendessen in Kapstadt
Di, 24.01.2017
Golf in Royal Cape GC und Abendessen in Kalk Bay Harbour.
Mi, 25.01.2017
Golf in De Zalze und wein Besuch Der wiengut Ernie Els. Abendessen Kapstadt oder Waterfront.
Do, 26.01.2017
Golf in Metropolitan GC und Abendessen Blues Restaurant in Camps Bay.
Fr, 27.01.2017
Abflug zurück aus Kapstadt direkt oder aus Johannesburg.

Zusatzprogramme:
Wir stellen Ihnen gerne noch individuelle Zusatz- Programme zusammen. Kapstadt, Winelands oder side car? Fragen bitte per email geoff.saayman@kwe.li

oder +41 79 743 4616

PREIS:
im Doppelzimmer CHF 3885.– EUR 3600.-
Im Einzelzimmer CHF 4985.– EUR 4600.-
INGEGRIFFEN:

• Unterkunft: 14 Übernachtungen mit Frühstück im Arabella und Bliss Boutique Hotel

• Transport und Unterricht

• Benutzung der Driving Range wo erlaubt.

• Begleitung und Betreuung durch Golf coach Geoff Saayman oder Daniel Green

• 9 × Green-Fees 18 Löcher

  NICHT INGEGRIFFEN:

• sämtliche Flüge müssen selber gebucht werden und sind im Preis nicht enthalten

• Reiseversicherungen • Mahlzeiten, Getränke und Trink- gelder

• Ausgaben persönlicher Natur

• Rahmenprogramm

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Trips only take place when I have 4 or more guests.

Keep on swinging.

Cheers

Geoff

I am available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 09h00 until 18h00 by appointment for golf lessons.
I am also available on Fridays and Saturdays from 09h00 until 19h30 and Sundays from 10h00 until 14h00.
To travel to http://www.golf-bregenzerwald.com takes around 50 minutes from St Gallen. You can either book me for a few hours in the morning with a lunch break from 12h00 to 13h30 and then a 9 hole round thereafter or for a single lesson in the morning and 9 or 18 holes alone thereafter.
Another option is come over for a weekend from Friday late afternoon through to Sunday. I am happy to assist with planning and arranging this for you, please just contact me by sending an email to me from this blog site or on my mobile +41 79 743 4616.
The location of this golf course is absolutely stunning.
The hourly rate (55 minutes) for lessons is EURO 64.00. If you book a package please see previous post.

Keep on swinging!

Geoff

Its been a while (a long while) since my last post.

As some know, I am currently teaching at Bregenzerwald Golf Course with the season only starting this week. I am still in the process of completing my PGA Teacher Qualification which I hope to have done and dusted by end of this year. The only requirement left for me to enter the final exam, is to pass my Playing Ability Test, of which we have four opportunities per year. I have really struggled in these with my results not being at all flattering. I do not claim to be anything other than someone that dearly loves this sport and engages people first and foremost. I am not and never will just be part of the “system”.

I have now actively taught golf in Germany and Switzerland for over four years. During this time I have learnt remarkable stuff and have also been dumbstruck by some of the goings ons in this industry. I strive to always offer the best environment in which my students can make the sometimes very difficult adjustments to their swings and approach to golf so that they may best develop their own games and golf personalities. We simply do not all fit into the same box and what works for one may not work for the other. From a personal perspective it has been a long and sometimes very difficult road for me, but I am as always still holding onto the determination to complete the programme and compete to the best of my ability.

From feedback that I have received from many of my students the thing that seems to be constant is the fact that I offer lessons that are honest appraisals of their game, uncomplicated and fun and this is what I intend to continue doing. Making this game fun firstly and doing all in my power to make it uncomplicated. After all, the greatest golfer in living memory, Jack Nicklaus is quoted as saying “The game is meant to be fun”.

With this in mind I wish to share with all of you the different options and costs that are applicable for a lesson in Bregenzerwald.

Privatunterricht Range und kurzspiel:
Range Bälle nicht Inkl.

30 minutes € 34.00/CHF 40.00  —- 55 minutes € 64.00/CHF 70.00  (if you wish to have a friend do a lesson at the same time the cost difference is € 10.00/CHF 15.00  and € 15.00/CHF 20.00 respectively)
Privatunterricht Golfplatz:
(Spiel, Technik, Taktik Unterricht in der Praxis)

4 Loch mit 1 Person € 75.00/CHF 85.00
4 Loch mit 2 Personen € 110.00/CHF 120.00
9 Loch mit 1 Person € 195.00/CHF 215.00
9 Loch mit 2 Person € 260.00/CHF 290.00
3+ Personen auf Anfrage.

Schnupperkurs für Anfänger
Du erlernst im Kurs die Grundlagen des Golfsports——je Kurs 120 Minuten

1 Person Euro 110.00/CHF 120.00
2 Personen Euro 125.00/CHF 140.00
3+ Personen nur auf Anfrage

Platzreifekurs: Platzreifeerlaubnis nach Richtlinien des ÖGV
(inkl. Leihschläger, Driving Range Bälle während des Unterrichts, Golfplatz Greenfees + Rangefees)

1 Person (Exclusive) € 449.00/CHF 495.00 (10 Stunden)
2 Personen (10 Stunden)
3-4 Personen (15 Stunden)
5-6 Personen (20 Stunden)
Partner hotel € 399.00/CHF 440.00

Montag bis Freitag: Treffpunkt Golfschule immer am Montag 10Uhr (oder nach Terminvereinbarung)

Anfängerkurs Intensive:
Du erlernst die Grundlagen des Golfsports und das erste Erlebnis auf dem Golfplatz zu spielen. Auch inkl. Leihschläger, Driving Range Bälle während des Unterrichts, Golfplatz Greenfees + Rangefees

1 Person (Exclusive) € 279.00/CHF 300.00 (6 Stunden)
2 Personen (6 Stunden)
3-4 Personen (9 Stunden)
5-6 Personen (12 Stunden
Partner hotel € 249.00/CHF 280.00

Montag bis Freitag: Treffpunkt Golfschule immer am Montag 10Uhr ( oder nach Terminvereinbarung)
Nach Ende dieses Kurses kann man gegen Aufpreis verlängern und die Platzreifeprüfung absolvieren.

Aufbau & Handicapverbesserungskurs:
Kursinhalt: Schwunganalyse langes/kurzes Spiel & Technikverbessrung, Platzanalyse & Taktik

Von HCP 0-54. Geben Sie uns Ihren Zeitraum & persönlichen Wunsch und wir gestalten einen Kursangebot ganz individuell für Sie oder in der Gruppe.

Kursbeispiel: 6 std. p.P € 299.00/CHF 330.00
Partner Hotel 6 std. p.P € 279.00/CHF 300.00

Der Unterricht und Kurse findet bei jeder Witterung statt! Gebuchte std. & Kurse, die nicht 24 std. vorher abgesagt werden, müssen voll verrechnet werden. Please note all lessons do not include range balls unless otherwise stated.

Keep on Swinging!

Cheers

Geoff

The trip for January 2015 to South Africa is already planned and I have 3 confirmed guests with space for an additional 3.

Below you will find links showing you where we will be staying, playing and enjoying.

First of all I need to thank the group of people that travelled with me on my latest trip to South Africa. You simply made it a wonderful trip, one that I will remember forever and I think you all will too. There were many highlights and many memories that I will endeavour to share with you all.

The trip began on the 18th of January 2014 at Oliver Tambo International Airport where I collected my first 2 guests Elizabeth Dütschler and Walter Anderes. Walter had arrived in Johannesburg 3 days or so before and the arrangement we had was that he would drive back to the airport, drop off his car and meet Elizabeth and I. Walter, in non typical Swiss style, got the time wrong, his watch was still on Swiss time which is an hour behind South African (only during Swiss winter….!!). I in typical Geoff style I started stressing about where he was and whether he was ok or not. Having tried to call him on his phone I eventually called the hotel that he had checked out of to be told that he was on is way to the Kruger National Park by the person I spoke to…….!! On his way where??????  Turns out the information I got was fortunately wrong and he did eventually show up at the airport. An hour later than expected but at least he arrived. Elizabeth came through customs about 10 minutes later and we jumped into the VW bus I had hired and were on our way to Sun City.

Arriving at Sun City we went to check into the main Sun City Hotel. The lady that checked us in gave me a strange look when I gave her my reservation confirmation, told me to please wait and disappeared to the back office. I was now starting to wonder what on earth could be wrong as the rooms had been confirmed and paid for in advance. 10 or so minutes later the lady came back and told me that she had “good and bad news”! Ok I said hit me with the bad news, I’m a big boy I said. Well Mr Saayman she said you are not staying in this hotel you have been upgraded to the Palace of the Lost City instead……To say we were surprised is a bit of an understatement as the difference is immense between the Sun City and The Palace of the Lost City. For only one night or for the entire week I asked? No Mr Saayman for the entire week! Wow, I could not believe our luck. An upgrade to one of the Leading Hotels of the World, bring it on…….

Our first game of golf was on the following day and we played the Lost City Golf Course. A nice easy course on which to begin our trip. Beware of the 13th hole however, an errant ball will find the crocodile pit on the 13th and best to play an additional ball. I have seen people fetch their ball from the water hazard but I consider this completely dumb…..

The following day was an early start again and we played the Gary Player Country Club home to the Nedbank Challenge and one of my favourite golf courses. It challenges all golfers and all levels of play with some very difficult and some less difficult holes but no easy ones. Its a walk only course and the walk is pleasant if undertaken as early as possible in the day. I strongly suggest you try and get done by no later than 14h00. The signature hole is the par 5 9th hole, reachable in 2 but they need to be 2 very good shots for the average player…..

During this week we also visited the Pilansberg Game Reserve and saw some wonderful wildlife. All too soon the week there was over and we were on our way to Pecanwood Golf Estate. I always rent houses on golf estates as far as is possible and try and avoid hotels. From my experience a trip where we all live together, cook together, drink together and laugh together is much more fun than a typical group trip where everyone disappears to their respective rooms after supper. As I enjoy cooking it is always nice to have people volunteering to help and it builds a nice “family” atmosphere. The house we rented was spacious with a swimming pool, jacuzzi and hole 10 directly in front of the house.

I left early the following morning to collect the rest of the tour group and all were there on time and ready for action. Of the entire group there was not one who had visited South Africa before and I think they were happy to see that we had roads, electricity and that mobile phones worked too…..

So now there was 7 plus me.  We played Pecanwood on our first afternoon and once again it was a gentle adjustment for my guests into golf in South Africa. Pecanwood has many beautiful holes of which the 13th is the signature hole. A very special thing happened on the round one that I think will never be forgotten. Elmar Huber hooked a ball off the fairway and into someones house. Now when I say into someones house I really mean into the house. Apparently as they walked up to go and find the ball a gentlemen came walking out of his kitchen with Elmars’ ball in his hand. In typical South African style he asked politely if they were perhaps looking for it and when confirmed he simply passed the ball over and wished them a good round. To say that they were all a bit dumbstruck is a bit of an understatement!

A good old South African braai that evening with some excellent red wine capped a perfect start to our trip.

The next day we were up bright and early and headed out to play Bushwillow Golf Course which is one of 2 Championship Courses near to Johannesburg at Randpark Golf Course. Randpark is the most successful of all clubs in South Africa and has a long waiting list for membership. The social aspect to the club is amazing with many a long evening spent on the terrace with a cold beer or two and great company. We were also lucky enough to be joined by Ross Wellington a European and Sunshine tour player who I was lucky to meet shorty before my trip at a poker evening (enough said!!!!!) Thanks Ross for your time it was greatly appreciated by all and sundry and we look forward to seeing you on our next trip. A special thanks goes to my brother Brian as well for all the effort he put into helping me with my guests.

We had dinner at a friend of mines Italian Restaurant nearby and he went out of his way to do a special Italian meal for all of us. On the ride back to Pecanwood there were a few that fell asleep, a sure sign that all had enjoyed the day.

Off to play Copperleaf the next day and as I am such a nice guy I let the troops sleep late.  I have never played this course before and can only say that I am truly sorry that I didn’t. Once again its a golf course of the highest standard and hosts the Tshwane Golf Open (European Tour Event) annually. What an experience. From the moment of arrival until our departure we were looked after and the course conditioning is amazing.

Supper was a wonderful braai again under the African Stars. What a great night.

All in it was a wonderful trip and the next one takes place in January 2015.

Hope to see you there.

Keep on swinging.

Cheers

Geoff