In this episode of "Inside The Room," Kyle Morris welcomes one of his favorite people and fellow golf instructor, Ben Pellicani. They dive into Ben's journey from a young amateur golfer to becoming a well-known golf instructor and former TrackMan sales rep. Ben shares insights into his teaching philosophy, the importance of feedback in training, and how understanding physics and mechanics play a crucial role in mastering the game of golf.
#### Episode Highlights:
- **Introduction and Background**:
- Kyle Morris introduces Ben Pellicani, highlighting their long-standing friendship and Ben's role as an instructor in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Ben provides an overview of his background, growing up in the Northeast, and his early passion for golf driven by sibling rivalry.
- The journey from a high handicapper to playing high school and college golf.
- **Early Career and TrackMan Experience**:
- Ben talks about his initial career challenges, including a stint as an assistant golf pro and his decision to focus on instruction.
- His pioneering role as one of the first TrackMan sales reps and how his mechanical engineering background proved beneficial.
- The significance of TrackMan in modern golf and its impact on player performance and coaching.
- **Transition to Mike Bender's Academy**:
- Ben explains how he transitioned from playing and selling TrackMan to becoming the academy director at Mike Bender's Academy.
- The steep learning curve and opportunities to observe and learn from top instructors like Mike Bender.
- The development and implementation of a structured teaching philosophy, focusing on mechanics and feedback.
- **Teaching Philosophy and Methods**:
- The importance of feedback stations and drills in effective golf training.
- Ben's four pillars of training: feedback, training aids, old-school drills, and gym-like exercises.
- Emphasizing the need for diversified training methods to address different aspects of the game and improve efficiency.
- **Common Issues in Amateur Golf**:
- Addressing common flaws among amateur golfers: improper pivoting, poor clubface management, and inefficient speed creation.
- The critical role of understanding and managing these aspects to lower handicaps and improve overall performance.
- Encouraging players to become their own coaches by deeply understanding the "why" behind their practice routines and techniques.
- **Adapting Teaching for Different Learners**:
- The need for personalized instruction tailored to individual physical attributes and learning styles.
- How physics and mechanics apply universally, but the approach to teaching them can vary.
- Ben's experience in collegiate coaching and the importance of clear communication in helping students grasp concepts and improve.
- **Remote Coaching and The Golf Room Everywhere**:
- Ben's involvement with The Golf Room Everywhere and the benefits of remote coaching.
- How modern technology allows for effective training and improvement regardless of geographical location.
- The importance of feedback and consistent practice in remote coaching environments.
- **Final Thoughts and Contact Information**:
- Ben shares his excitement for teaching and helping golfers achieve their goals.
- Encourages listeners to follow him on Instagram (@pelligolf) for tips, drills, and interactive Q&A sessions.
- Information on how to work with Ben remotely through The Golf Room Everywhere for personalized coaching.
#### Conclusion:
This episode provides a comprehensive look at Ben Pellicani’s journey in the golf industry, from a passionate young golfer to a respected instructor. His insights into the importance of structured practice, understanding mechanics,...