Some Irish advice for Pakistan golf

Coach Herron advises constant practice to find perfect swing

KARACHI: Irish golf coach Sean Herron is a firm advocate of letting go of textbook golf and finding one’s natural game by trial and error and dedicated practice.

Herron was on a two-week visit to Pakistan on the invitation of Shah Golf Academy during which he toured Islamabad, Peshawar and Karachi to give basic training and guidance to the local golfers.

He explained that each golfer has a unique style of play which can only become apparent if golfers cease taking dictation from the dos and don’ts to achieve the perfect swing.

“In Pakistan, coaches have to tap into their charges’ uniqueness to help them discover their perfect swing,” Herron told The Express Tribune during his two-day visit to the DHA Country and Golf Club in Karachi. “The players should not be forced to follow the same old books and methods of playing. They should swing the way they feel comfortable and perfect it by practicing more and more,” added the level-III qualified coach of the World Golf Teachers Federation.

The 40-year-old began his golfing journey at the age of nine in Zambia, Africa where he practiced for hours on a daily basis, and before reaching 14, he had won several Zambian National Championships.

“The young golfers are quick learners if they are given the right training at the right time,” he said. “Pakistan possesses good talent, promising potential and high-quality greens which can take them up, but only if they change their methods.”

The Irishman further said that if the coaches want to get the best out of their golfers, they need to step up their own game. “Sometimes, the coach has to first discover how to improve his own game, and only then can they help others.”

Herron also observed that in Pakistan, players are using default manufactured golf shoes, while golfers around the world customise their shoe spikes to improve their stability while swinging for a shot.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2015.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.