[box]This edition we are profiling EGTF Professional Jan Sorensen who was born in Norway in 1953. Jan started his sports career with karate in 1973 and became a well known teacher in martial arts. Two of his students became European Champions and number 5 in the World Open Championship in Japan in 1981.[/box]
He made his living from the IT business from 1981 as a system engineer and project manager. Jan became interested in golf at the age of 42. He found the movement of the lower body was very similar to the stroke in karate and it was easy to find the swing naturally.
The season in Norway is very short and it is hard to make a living from golf between May and September. So in 2006 he moved to Spain and started work at Villamartin in the Costa Blanca.
When did you qualify for the EGTF?
I qualified in Portugal in 2007.
Where do you work?
I mainly work at Villamartin, but also have possibilities to work at other Courses. It was very difficult to get a proper contract with a golf course, but in February 2008 I managed it. The agreement is to only work with Scandinavian people.
Where do you play golf?
I play all the courses in my neighbourhood of Alicante. Within one hour there are more than 20 golf courses to choose from.
What is the best thing about being a Teaching Professional?
The best thing is to be working outdoors and see the happiness in the student’s eye when they manage to improve.
What is the worst thing about being a Teaching Professional?
To try to make Spanish leaders understand marketing, business plans and how to make better possibilities for the students on the golf course.
How many lessons do you give in the Summer and the Winter?
The season here in the Costa Blanca is mostly sunny all year. My goal for 2009 is to give more than 200 lessons.
What do you consider is the most important lesson you could give someone and why?
The most important lesson must be ‘the fundamentals’. When they understand that GAASP is important, the swing/stroke can be possible. I gather a lot of evidence to prove that one mistake in one of the fundamentals, can easily disturb and corrupt your playing standard.
What is your favourite drill and why?
I use many drills for different purposes, but when I tell my students about the ‘secret’ pizza trick in the bunker, the fear for the hazard goes away.
Who is your favourite player and why?
The smooth swing of Ernie Els is something I enjoy watching. It seems that he doesn’t use his energy although the ball is always hitting his target.
Why did you become a Teaching Professional?
I have been a teacher for as long as I can remember, either in music, sport or IT. My happiest moments in my life (apart from watching my children being born) is to see my students become happy and manage an achievement. When their faces shine and I get a big hug as the teacher.
Do you still strive to improve standards?
I always try to develop myself to higher standards. I analyse my drills, my thoughts about new techniques and my playing ability.
What’s the best tip you could give a junior golfer?
Don’t think, do what you feel is correct.
What’s in the bag?
Killer Bee driver 10 degree
3 Wood Callaway ERC Fusion
23 degree Hybrid XPC
Snake eyes iron 600 XC Forged 3-PW
52, 56 and 60 degree Wedges “Tom Watson”
Putter – Profound “Dark Ice”
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