GOLF TRAVEL · COACHING

Finding a trainer abroad — how it works.

An hour with a pro abroad costs half as much as an hour in Germany—and combines learning with vacation. How senior golfers can find the right pro abroad, what to consider, and what three risks should be avoided.

MI didn't have my most productive per-hour sessions in Germany — but in Quinta do Lago, Algarve. 35 Euros per hour, 7 days in a row, with the same English PGA Pro. My swing improvement that week was greater than in two years of coaching back home. Per-hour sessions abroad are an underestimated score-improving lever — if you find the right Pro.

Lessons abroad are often cheaper and more intensive than in Germany – if you choose wisely. English-speaking PGA pros (PGA of America, PGA of Great Britain & Ireland) are certified worldwide and available in resort destinations. Three steps will lead you to the right pro.

Three Ways to Do the Right Thing Abroad

Route 1 — Directly at the Resort Pro Shop

✓ HEADQUARTERS PROS.

Contact the Hotel Pro-Shop — most resort hotels have a contract Pro with clear qualifications. Advantage: no brokerage commission, often with a resort discount. Contact by email before traveling and reserve an appointment.

Route 2 – Through the Tour Operator

✓ PRO PACKAGES INCLUDED.

Many package tour operators (Olimar, Falcon, PGA Reisen) offer pro packages (e.g., 5 hours for 200 Euros) included. The pro is pre-booked, and the appointment is set. Practical for senior golfers who don't want prior clarification.

Path 3 — About PGA Associations

✓ CERTIFIED QUALITY.

PGA of America (USA), PGA of GB&I (UK), PGA Portugal, etc. have online directories with certified pros by region. Advantage: guaranteed qualification and English language. Disadvantage: higher hourly rates (€60-€100).

50 %

Price savings with pro-hour rates abroad compared to German hourly rates

PGA Pricing Survey 2024

For comparable or better quality. Senior golfers benefit disproportionately from the weekly intensive coaching.

Three tips for working abroad hourly

Tip 1 — Contact them by email before your trip

✓ CLARIFY EXPECTATIONS.

Contact the pro via email before the trip. Discuss playing strength, focus areas (e.g., wedges, mobility), and preferred dates. The pro can then prepare, making the lesson more productive.

Tip 2 — Ask about video coaching

✓ ANALYSIS FOR HOME.

For my video coaching setup, I offer swing analysis that you can take home. Before booking, explicitly ask: „Do you offer video analysis I can take home?”

Tip 3 - Series instead of single sessions

✓ 5 HOURS INTENSIVE.

Five hours spread out over the week are 5–10 times more productive than five separate hours spread out over several months. During the intensive week, senior golfers experience neuromuscular adaptation—the improvement in their scores lasts for months.

Senior golfers learn faster in intensive blocks than in scattered lessons. A week of focused coaching abroad can equal six months of weekly lessons at home.

— Pete Cowen, Tour Coach (Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood)

Three principles for effective international coaching.

Intensive vs. Distributed

One hour daily for a week is more effective than 5 hours over a quarter. Neuromuscular attachment benefits from frequency.

Clarify in advance, don't act on impulse

Contact the performer by email before your trip—clarify expectations and confirm dates. Last-minute bookings often result in less-than-ideal performer-showtime pairings.

Learn and take away

Videos, notes, drill recommendations—the Senior Score Lever is based on what you’ve taken with you, not on your travel memories.

On this page

ON THIS PAGE

01 Three Ways to Become a True Pro

02 Three Tips for Class

03 What international coaching cannot replace

Mathias Struwe

PUBLISHER · HCP 31 · 68 YRS.

50 %

Price savings compared to Germany.

REFERENCE

DGV Member Statistics 2024. Golf Tourism Reports (KPMG 2024). PGA Travel Partner Overview. IAGTO Golf Tourism Report 2024. World Golf Awards 2024.

What international coaching cannot replace

An intensive week-long study abroad program is a powerful way to boost your scores—but it doesn't replace consistent practice at home. What you learn abroad must be reinforced during the first 4–6 weeks after you return. Otherwise, the effect will fade away.

THREE FIRST STEPS

How to Find the Right Overseas Pro in 30 Days

Set destination

Hourly rates are cheapest and easiest to arrange in resort destinations (Algarve, Costa del Sol, Turkey).

For travel, please contact

Send an email to the resort pro shop or via the PGA directory. Include your skill level, areas of focus, and preferred dates. You can expect a response within 1–2 weeks.

Book a Package of Hours

Instead of individual lessons: a package of 5. Usually 10–20 % cheaper per hour and a guaranteed block of appointments throughout the week.