Learn Golf with Horace
Background checked
⭑4.8 (15)
😊99
💰$100 weekly lessons
Horace Crenshaw, Jr., completed 20 lessons through the National Registry of Professional Golf Instructors (NRPGI) and has a certification in Golf Instruction. Furthermore, he has enjoyed the game of golf for over 20 years, now. Furthermore, he competes on the Golfweek Amateur Tour. Moreover, he is a certified Callaway Golf Equipment Fitter and Product Specialist. Each year, he is certified on all new Callaway Golf Equipment. He worked in the golf industry as a Dick’s Sporting Goods Golf Associate in Dale City, VA. Moreover, he is a certified football official with the Stafford County Parks and Recreation. He has been active with football officiating and athletics for over 20+ years. Former Deputy Football Commissioner of Dale City Sports Club.
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Teaches: Kids, Teenagers, Adults, Seniors
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Levels: Beginners, Intermediates, Experts
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Lives in: Triangle, Virginia
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Happy Student Score: 99
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Years Playing: Not specified
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Given: 39 lessons
Accomplishments
➕Travels to you
Certifications & Badges
📝NRPGI Certified
Reviews
Total reviews15
Average rating
4.80
Jason Brown
Lessons taken: 1
Horace’s knowledge of the game is unparallel. With over a couple decades playing golf he has a wealth of knowledge to provide to his students. What I like most about his training platform, was that he does a great job of demonstrating the fundamentals. After teaching you the fundamentals and watching you perform he is able to adjust your form to fit your individual strengths, weaknesses, body type etc. This type of training provided me a deep understanding of the fundamentals but also allowed me to make subtle adjustments to my individual swing that suited me best. I completed the Full Swing, Pitch, and Putting classes and look forward to finishing with the 9 hole round of golf to really put all the pieces together. Great experience and will recommend.
Allison Walt
Lessons taken: 1
Horace is a wonderful, personable and professional coach. I’m very new to golf and tend to be very tense. I can always rely on Horace to create an inviting, and positive learning atmosphere. Even though I don’t plan on competing; he is sure to start new students on the right foot with rooting lessons in core foundations to make sure you are successful. If you’re looking for an amazing coach.. this is your man! Stop your searching and contact him today for a fast reply!
Allison Brito
Lessons taken: 1
I had never taken a golf lesson or picked up a golf club prior to my first lesson with Horace. He was incredibly patient with me which was not only helpful but it put me at ease. His lessons were very informative and he took plenty of time to answer my questions. I came away feeling like I had all of the skills to continue building and refining my game. His enthusiasm for the game was also contagious. Can’t recommend Horace enough whether you’re a beginner or expert!
Anita Collins
Lessons taken: 1
Horace was very professional, patient and accommodating of my travel schedule. For a true beginner like me, who couldn't hit the ball, I am now more confident in my form, technique and attitude about the game. I enjoyed him taking the time to get to know me, my reasons for taking up the sport and what my goals were before we even took a lesson. Looking forward to playing with my hubby when we retire!
Brendan Connors
Lessons taken: 1
I hired Horace to correct certain issues with my swing that have been plaguing me as I try to improve my game. Horace is a certified instructor (and a seasoned player himself), and he was able to provide me with various techniques that I can use in my ongoing practice, which is the most you can ask for from an instructor. I heartily recommend him.
Locations
These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:6 courses available
Locust Shade Park
Jean C. Smith Amphitheater, 4701 Locust Shade Dr, Triangle, VA 22172, USA
318.4 miles awayOutdoors
Lake Ridge Golf Course, Lake Ridge Course
12350 Cotton Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA, 22192-1091
316.3 miles awayOutdoors
The 19th Hole at the Gauntlet
18 Fairway Dr
309.5 miles awayOutdoors
Endless Swings Indoor Golf
Endless Swings Indoor Golf, Berkshire Drive, Stafford, VA, USA
315.1 miles awayIndoors
Aquia Harbour Golf Course
204 Bow Cove
318.4 miles awayOutdoors
Gauntlet Golf Club
18 Fairway Dr
309.4 miles awayOutdoors
Want a lesson at your home or a different location? We can help.
Availability
These are the times I've set as being available for lessons.sundays
1 PM - 6 PM
mondays
5 PM - 8 PM
tuesdays
4 PM - 8 PM
wednesdays
5 PM - 8 PM
thursdays
4 PM - 8 PM
fridays
4 PM - 8 PM
saturdays
10 AM - 6 PM
Beginner training plan
Your first lesson1. Assess the Student’s Experience and Goals**
- Start with a conversation: Ask about their previous experience with golf, their goals for learning, and any challenges or concerns they might have.
- Tailor the lesson: Once you understand their level (beginner, intermediate, etc.), adjust your teaching approach accordingly. For example, beginners may need more focus on fundamentals, while advanced players may need help refining specific techniques.
2. Create a Comfortable Learning Environment
- Break the ice: This Help the student feel relaxed. Many new golfers are nervous, so offering reassurance and explaining that mistakes are part of learning can reduce anxiety.
- **Set realistic expectations:** Let them know that golf takes time and practice, and that the first lesson is about building the foundation.
3. Focus on Fundamentals First
- Grip, posture, and alignment: These are the building blocks of a good golf swing. Spend time ensuring the student understands how to properly grip the club, stand, and align their body.
- Simple drills: Introduce a few basic drills to get the student comfortable with the mechanics without overwhelming them.
4. Use Simple Explanations and Demonstrations
- Demonstrate techniques clearly: Show the student what you’re asking them to do. Visual learning is often effective, especially for beginners.
- Keep explanations short and simple: Avoid using too much technical jargon early on. Focus on key points to prevent information overload.
5. Be Patient and Observe
- Watch closely: Pay attention to their movements, body language, and swing mechanics. Identify any early habits or mistakes that may need correction.
- Offer constructive feedback: When giving feedback, frame it positively. Encourage progress while correcting mistakes in a way that builds confidence.
6. Adapt to the Student’s Learning Style
- Some students are visual learners, while others learn by feel or verbal instruction. Adapt your teaching method based on how they respond during the lesson.
7. Set Achievable Goals for the Lesson
- Focus on small wins: Whether it's learning the correct grip or making contact with the ball, highlight small successes to keep the student motivated.
- End on a positive note: Finish the lesson with something the student can take away to practice on their own.
8. Provide Homework or Practice Tips
- Give the student one or two key things to practice on their own before the next lesson. Keep it simple to avoid overwhelming them.
9. Build Rapport and Plan for the Future
- Before ending the session, discuss the next steps in their learning journey. Ask what they enjoyed or found challenging, and talk about what to focus on in future lessons.
By approaching your first lesson with clear communication, patience, and a focus on fundamentals, you'll build trust with your student and set them up for long-term success in golf.
Lesson 4-10For a beginner, golf lessons four through ten mark a transition from learning the basics to refining technique and becoming more consistent. During this phase, the focus will be on building a solid foundation, enhancing different aspects of the game, and introducing strategies that improve both skills and confidence. Here's what a student can expect during these lessons:
Fourth Lesson: Strengthening Full Swing and Basic Course Strategy
1. Full Swing Refinement
- By now, the student should be familiar with their grip, posture, and alignment, so this lesson will focus on fine-tuning the full swing.
- Club Selection: Begin discussing the differences between clubs and when to use them. Introduce more woods and hybrids, teaching the student how to adjust their swing for each.
- Improving Consistency: Help the student work on hitting the ball more consistently, making solid contact, and improving distance control.
2. Basic Course Strategy
- Targeting: Teach the importance of aiming and aligning properly based on the hole layout.
- Pre-shot Routine: Encourage developing a consistent routine for each shot, which includes visualization, stance setup, and mental preparation.
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Fifth and Sixth Lessons: Expanding Short Game and Shot Control
1. Short Game Development
- Chipping and Pitching: Focus on improving touch and feel for chips and pitches. Introduce more advanced shots like the flop shot or bump-and-run for around the green.
- Putting Strategy: Go deeper into putting, introducing concepts like green reading, distance control, and the importance of rhythm and feel.
2. Shot Control and Ball Flight
- Teach the student how to manipulate ball flight (i.e., hitting draws, fades, and high/low shots) based on course conditions and challenges.
- Trajectory Control: Help them understand how changing the ball’s trajectory can help in different situations, like hitting under trees or stopping the ball quickly on the green.
3. Introduction to Bunker Play
- Basic Bunker Shots: Start with the fundamentals of escaping from greenside bunkers, focusing on stance, grip, and the proper technique for getting out of the sand.
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Seventh Lesson: Course Management and Advanced Shot Selection
1. Course Management Skills
- Introduce more advanced aspects of course management, such as choosing the right club for different scenarios, avoiding hazards, and planning shots around the course.
- Understanding Risk vs. Reward: Teach the student when to play conservatively and when to take calculated risks based on their current skill level and position on the course.
2. Intermediate Shots
- Uneven Lies: Practice shots from uneven lies (uphill, downhill, and sidehill), as these can be challenging for beginners.
- Punch Shots: Teach how to hit low, controlled shots, which are useful when playing in windy conditions or when under tree branches.
3. Assessing Strengths and Weaknesses
- Start identifying which areas of the student’s game need more focus. Tailor future lessons to address weaknesses, whether it’s driving accuracy, short game finesse, or shot consistency.
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Eighth and Ninth Lessons: On-Course Experience and Scoring Improvement
1. On-Course Play
- If possible, take the student out onto the course for a real-world practice session. Focus on:
- Decision Making: Walk through each hole, discussing the strategy for each shot.
- Course Etiquette: Reinforce etiquette, pace of play, and the importance of respecting other golfers.
- Adapting to Course Conditions: Teach how to adjust for wind, wet or dry greens, and other variables encountered during a round.
2. Playing Under Pressure
- Simulate different competitive scenarios, such as playing for score or competing against the clock, to help the student feel more comfortable with pressure.
- Putting Under Pressure: Work on making those crucial short putts, where focus and composure are key.
3. Scoring and Mental Game
- Introduce methods for improving scoring, such as keeping stats on fairways hit, greens in regulation, and putting averages. This helps track progress and identify areas of improvement.
- Mental Game Focus: Help the student understand how to maintain focus, recover from bad shots, and avoid frustration.
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Tenth Lesson: Review, Consolidation, and Personalization
1. Review Progress
- Reflect on the student’s progress over the past lessons. Review their strengths, what they’ve improved, and areas still needing attention.
- Consolidation: Focus on consolidating all the techniques learned so far, from the full swing to the short game.
2. Customizing the Game
- Begin working with the student to identify their natural style of play. Do they prefer a more aggressive or conservative approach? Do they favor longer drives or stronger putting? Help them customize their game to suit their strengths.
3. Goal Setting for Future Development
- Set realistic goals moving forward, whether that’s reducing their score, improving a specific aspect of their game, or gaining the confidence to play more regularly on a full course.
- Practice Routine: Provide a practice plan they can follow between lessons to continue improving.
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Key Focus Across Lessons 4-10
- Refinement of Skills: Building upon the basics to achieve consistency and precision.
- Introduction to Strategy: Understanding course management and shot selection is vital for progressing from beginner to intermediate levels.
- Mental Game: Beginning to focus on mindset and composure, which is crucial for managing frustration and playing better under pressure.
- Personalization: Tailoring lessons based on the student’s preferences and playing style to make golf more enjoyable and effective.
By the tenth lesson, the beginner should feel confident playing on a course, understand key strategies, and have a strong foundation in both the long and short game, ready to continue improving through practice and future lessons.
Lesson 2-3In the second and third golf lessons, a beginner can expect to build on the foundational skills learned in the first lesson, with more emphasis on specific aspects of the game while gradually introducing new techniques. Here’s what you might focus on as an instructor during these lessons:
Second Lesson: Reinforcement and Expanding Skills
1.Review of Fundamentals
- Start by reviewing the key takeaways from the first lesson, such as grip, stance, and posture. This helps reinforce muscle memory and ensures the student is comfortable with the basics.
- Make minor adjustments to their form if needed, but avoid overwhelming them with too many corrections at once.
2. Introduction to Swing Mechanics
- Backswing and Follow-Through: Now that they’re familiar with the basics, you’ll dive deeper into the full swing, focusing on the backswing and follow-through.
- Balance and Rotation:Emphasize the importance of balance and rotational movement in generating power and accuracy.
- Short Irons or Wedges: Use these clubs to start practicing actual swings with more focus on ball contact and control.
3. Practice Drills
- Introduce drills to help the student improve their swing rhythm and develop a better feel for the club.
- You might have them practice half swings or work on striking the ball cleanly to develop confidence in their swing mechanics.
4. Ball Contact and Alignment
- Focus on ensuring they’re making consistent contact with the ball. Emphasize alignment and aim to help them start understanding how to target their shots.
5. Feedback and Encouragement
- Offer positive reinforcement to build confidence. Focus on gradual improvement rather than immediate perfection.
6. Homework
- Give the student simple drills to practice between lessons, like working on their stance or doing slow-motion swings at home.
Third Lesson: Refining Techniques and Introducing Short Game
1. Refinement of Full Swing
- By the third lesson, the student should be more comfortable with the basics of the swing. Now, you can start refining their technique, focusing on aspects like:
- Tempo and timing: Helping the student find a consistent rhythm.
- Clubface control: Teaching them how to control the clubface to improve direction and accuracy.
- Power generation: Encouraging them to use their body rotation to create more power in their swings.
2. Introduction to the Short Game
- This lesson is a great time to introduce the short game, focusing on putting, chipping, and pitching.
- Putting Basics: Start with putting, teaching the student about grip, stance, and stroke.
- Chipping and Pitching: Teach basic chipping techniques for short shots around the green. Emphasize precision and touch rather than power.
3. Situational Practice
- Begin incorporating real-game scenarios, such as approaching the green or dealing with different lies. This will help them understand how to apply their skills in actual playing conditions.
4. Course Etiquette
- If the lesson is on a practice course or range, take time to explain basic golf etiquette and rules to make them feel more comfortable and confident when they eventually play a full round.
5. Homework
- Continue giving the student specific drills, such as practicing putting from different distances or focusing on half-swing drills to refine accuracy.
Overall Focus for Second and Third Lessons
- Progressive Learning: Each lesson builds on the previous one, ensuring the student is improving at a comfortable pace.
- Balance of Swing and Short Game: By the third lesson, the student should have a better grasp of both their long and short game, preparing them for different aspects of golf.
- Confidence Building: Keep the lessons positive and encouraging, ensuring the student feels good about their progress and motivated to continue learning.
By lesson three, a beginner should have a solid understanding of the basic mechanics and feel more confident practicing on their own between lessons.
Advanced training plan
Your first lessonFirst session will be a full swing session. The only clubs that you need is the driver (for stretching/warm up prior to the full swing session) and the 7 iron.
Lesson 4-10The 4th session will be the putting session.
The 5th session will be a driver session.
The 6th session will. Be the 9 hole training session.
Lesson 2-3The 2nd and 3rd lessons will be the pitch shot and chipping sessions.
Youth players
Working with kidsWhen working with kids, I adapt my training plan according to their skills. Kids which is defined as below the age of 18 years old. Their training will be similar to adults. I would recommend the 4 pack plan for immediate access.
What you need to bringFor the full swing session - only bring the driver and 7 iron
For the pitch session - only bring the pitching wedge
For the chipping session - bring the 52 degree wedge; 56 degree wedge; pitching wedge; and 7 iron
For the putting session - bring the putter
Wear golf shoes if you have them along with a golf glove
What I can bringI can provide all clubs. However, I only possess right handed clubs, both male and female.
Frequently asked questions
Cancellation Policy
We totally understand that life can be unpredictable and plans might change. That's
why we've got your back with our flexible cancellation policy, designed to give you
peace of mind when booking private sports lessons with our awesome local instructors!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
HC
Golf with Horace C.⭑ 4.8 (15 reviews)