David Gil’s trajectory in golf teaching
David Gil began his professional career in 1998 in Almenara (Sotogrande), where he created the first CAR academy in Andalusia. After his time at David Leadbetter’s Academy in England, he returned to found the Sotogrande Golf School for Juniors, cradle of great professional players.
In 2018, he joined the Villa Padierna Golf Academy by Michael Campbell and, in 2021, he founded his own academy, DG Golf Academy, based in Marbella and Switzerland. David is currently a teacher at La Cañada Golf Club (Sotogrande).
How to manage the career of a player in training
Developing a golfer from the junior level requires an approach tailored to each level. The following are the most effective strategies for each stage of training.
Base Level: Encouraging fun and interest
Parents often place high expectations on their children when they start a sport. However, in junior golf it is essential that the child has fun and sees the game as a gift.
- Create games and set goals while practicing.
- Encourage learning in group classes to promote social interaction.
Intermediate Level: Autonomy and emotional management
In this phase, the child begins to compete. It is key to give him/her space to face challenges independently.
- Avoid negative gestures during games, as they may affect your confidence.
- Teach them to concentrate on their game without external distractions.
High Level: Coordination between trainers
When the player reaches an advanced level, it is advisable to have a personal trainer. It is essential that there is communication between the personal trainer and the school coach to align training objectives.
How to improve the robustness and accuracy on the driving range
In this class, we will work on techniques to achieve more solid and straight strokes. The exercises include two phases: before and after, using 10 balls per phase.
The five best exercises to improve the swing
1. Strong Grip (Irons and woods)
Objective: To improve the direction and quality of the impact.
- Before: Place a strong grip (hands turned slightly to the right in right-handers) and perform 10 strokes with draw effect.
- After: Adjust the grip to a more neutral position until an optimal ball flight is found.
2. Feet together (Iron and wood)
Objective: To improve rotation and balance.
- Before: Practice swings without a ball, progressively increasing speed.
- Next: Hit 5 balls with irons and 5 with driver, all from a tee, keeping your feet together.
3. Delaying the ball (Irons)
Objective: To create more solid impacts by hitting the ball first and then the ground.
- Before: Position the ball further back and hands forward to generate a vertical and powerful stroke.
- Next: Move the ball to the center of the stance and look for the same solid impact.
4. Slowing down the swing (Irons and woods)
Objective: To find the ideal speed for optimal coordination.
- Before: Perform 10-15 swings at a reduced speed.
- After: Gradually increase the speed until you find the optimal rhythm.
5. Rotation of the lower body
Objective: To improve stability and axis of rotation during the swing.
- Before: Raise the left foot on the rise of the club to feel the pressure at impact.
- After: Perform swings keeping the left foot on the ground for stability.
Alternative exercises to improve technique
- Place an alignment rod on the floor to improve posture.
- Perform swings with changed hands to perfect the mechanics of the impact.
- Use a rubber ball under the left foot to improve weight transfer.
Learning and improving in golf requires constant practice and proper techniques. With these exercises, players of all levels can perfect their swing and achieve greater control over their shots.
Have you tried these exercises in your practice field? Leave us your comment and share your experience.
Author: Antonio Sanchez
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