Trainer Profile: Bob Hennefer

Where do you provide instruction?

I provide golf instruction at our driving range, on the golf course, and at various golf courses in the area.

How long have you been a professional golf instructor?

I have been a PGA Professional since 2008, but have been teaching golf since the year 2004.

Who are some of your past and current students?

I have taught some notable amateur golfers in the Philadelphia area, as well as coached some other PGA Professionals in the area. I also teach individuals with Down Syndrome all across the country.

What is your training philosophy?

My PGA instruction program's mission is to provide the student with a fun-filled instruction program that will lower their scores, increase their golf course management skills, and enhance the overall enjoyment of the game of golf.

As for my training philosophy, I coach all of my students to train off the course as well as on it. Physical fitness is equally as important as having a correct golf swing. I like to refer to our sessions as "practice", so they are constantly in the correct mindset to make a simple repeatable golf swing.

My teaching philosophy is based on three basic ideas or fundamentals and

1) The ability to hit the ground in the same place every swing

2) Having enough power to navigate the golf course

3) Ability to control the shot direction of the golf ball

Through these three things, I feel a golfer can be more consistent and produce an easily repeatable swing.

What are the three major flaws you find in most golfers' game?

1) The breakdown of the wrists at impact, resulting in the golfer "scooping" the golf ball, and effectively loosing loft and distance

2) The golfer keeping too much weight on their right side and therefore coming across the golf ball, causing a slice or a pull hook.

3) Not enough short game practice built into their routine. Every amateur golfer today is focused on gaining distance, and as a result they forget about the importance of the short game.

More important: physical or mental side of golf?

I believe they are equally important and are based off one another. If you are swinging the golf club correctly, you are more confident in your ability to produce lower scores. However, if the opposite is in effect, then you lose a lot of your confidence. Develop your physical side first, gain confidence, and then you have to learn how to master your mental game.

What is your most memorable personal golfing experience?

I have two. The first one occurred when I was a junior. I was fortunate enough to play at an AJGA Event in New York at Bethpage State Park the year before the US Open. After our tournament round on the Red Course, we were able to play the Black Course. I was simply in awe, as this was the first time I was playing on a course that the PGA Tour Pro's were playing on. It was a spectacular experience.

The second one is when I took my dad to Pine Valley Golf Club for a round of golf on Father's Day. I surprised him with a father's day card accompanied by the scorecard and the date we were playing there. It was by far my most memorable and favorite round of golf I have ever played.

What three words best describe the game of golf to you?

-Fulfilling

-Enjoyable

-Challenging

What is your favorite course to play near where you live?

Woodcrest Country Club in Cherry Hill, NJ

What SKLZ training aids do you use?

4) Tempo Tray

What is your favorite SKLZ training aid and how do you use it with your students?

My favorite tool is the Slice Eliminator. This product allows the student to receive instant feedback and instant results. Not only do the students see the proper path of the golf swing, but they also pick up the technique very quickly. When there is reinforcement available for the student, they tend to pick up the proper technique more efficiently.

Best round you've shot and where?

66, Greate Bay Country Club, Somers Point, NJ

Bob Hennefer