Top golf teacher offers advice

Press, 20 February 1980, Page 42

Top golf teacher offers advice

By

BOB SCHUMACHER

Clients of Air New Zealand had a two-hour treat at the Russely Golf Course yesterday morning. They received free tuition from Dr Gary Wiren, of the United States, a man regarded as the best golf teacher in the world. Dr Wiren, a former director of education for the United States P.G.A., is now the director of club and professional relations for that body. Last April, he held a week-long seminar in Auckland for New Zealand professionals, one which those who attended found most rewarding. Accompanying Dr Wiren on his second visit to New Zealand is Mr Ralph Maltby, a noted United States designer of golf, clubs and balls. Dr Wiren’s main mission on his second visit to New Zealand . was to attend a meeting of the New Zealand P.G.A. in Wellington and to assist in the development of the P.G.A.’s educational programme.

He is passing on the latest information and helping the N.Z.P.G.A. to upgrade and standardise a course towards a national education programme. He is keen to advance progress of the New Zealand junior academy.

Dr Wiren would like to see golf given more promotion and encouragement at school level. Recently he helped a scheme in Western Australia whereby all amatetirs: paid $1 into a fund which raised $60,000 and went to promoting and stimulating interest in golf at school level in that state. Dr Wiren does not believe in an individual losing his own assets. He does not theorise or “try to make any drastic changes to swings or grips.' •

Watching and listening- to, Dr Wiren, it is obvious that what he preaches he also practises. He emphasises the swinging motion — it is a swinging hit,] not a hitting swing and there is a subtle difference betweeh them.

He is a gifted instructor, a personable professional at the game, whose advice will be well received even if many of those at the clinic never quite translate the words of wisdom into their game when they next stand, on the tee.