[box]This issue we are profiling EGTF Master Professional, Shane Le Roux. He was born in South Africa in 1970 and started playing golf at the age of 7. [/box]
Shane says, “I was a very aggressive player at that age. I broke my dad’s pitching wedge around a tree at the age of 8! I love the game of golf as it has so many challenges and I get my thrill out of teaching all sorts of players from beginners to scratch players.” You can check out Shane’s website on www.shanesgolfacademy.ch
Where do you work?
Shane’s Golf Academy in Switzerland.
Where do you play golf?
Mostly in Switzerland and I try to play with all my students in the summer so it could be all different golf courses each time.
When did you qualify for the EGTF?
I did the Diploma Course in July 1999 and the Masters Course in May 2005.
Why did you become a teaching professional?
I love the game and I am a sucker for information and need to distribute it out to anyone who wants it. Working for yourself can be very challenging and golf is such a challenge and so much fun.
What is the best thing about being a teaching professional?
Seeing the joy of my students when they achieve the result that they are looking for.
What is the worst thing about being a teaching professional?
Not spending too much time with my two kids, Wesley and Savanna and my wife Nancy. In my season I have long working hours and I normally do 10 lessons a day, 6 days a week, in my peak season from November until April which adds up to about 1200 lessons. In the summer from May to October I do about 850 lessons.
What do you consider is the most important lesson you could give someone and why?
How important is putting? Putting is 43% of the total strokes taken in an average round of golf! It doesn’t take a genius to figure out which part of your game is a good candidate for examination if you really want to lower your score. I mostly concentrate my teaching on the short game and putting is where it all ends and I know most of us regard putting the last part of the game to work on. Once you really understand your perfect putting stroke, you can’t get enough of it. Remember the short game fixes the full swing.
What is your favourite drill and why?
I use so many for each individual but one I use a lot in the putting is, using a sand wedge to create an upward stroke and to help you get a great feeling of going through the ball. I also like to use the Harold Swash Putting Rail.
Who is your favourite player?
Ernie Els
Who would be in your ideal fourball and why?
Nick Price because he is an aggressive player, Seve Ballesteros because I like to see the shots he makes to get out of so much trouble, and Tiger Woods for the amazing power he has.
Which is the best course you have ever played and why?
The Gary Player Country Club in Sun City, South Africa. Go and play a round and you will see why it’s a great course!
What is the best experience you have had in golf?
I had a hole in one in a competition but I then had to pick up the tab at the bar!
What is your worst experience you have had in golf?
Being hit by a flying golf ball straight on my shin from the tee box. Of course I did not hear FOUR!
What is the best tip you could give a junior golfer?
Never take golf too seriously and have lots of fun, fun, fun. Concentrate most of your practicing on the short game as that is where the game really is.
What’s in the bag?
Hi Bore Driver 9.5 degree
Exsotic 3 wood
Halo 2 iron
Tour edge blades 4 iron through to pw
Cleveland 53 degree wedge
Cleveland 60 degree wedge
Yes putter
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