SAM PuttLab: The Investment
When I first took the plunge, I was a 24 year old Assistant Golf Professional and knew that my days of full time teaching were in the-not-too-distant future. And I made the commitment to purchase my own SAM PuttLab.
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My journey as a putting coach started in 2011 when I first learned AimPoint Green Reading. A couple years thereafter, I became certified and my players knew where to aim more often than not. But something was still missing.
It was clear that my players needed tangible feedback for not just where to hit it, but how to hit it there more often. Insert SAM PuttLab, the best technology available for coaching putting and producing results.
Now the important to remember here is that I'm 24, and still a broke college grad. And I still took the plunge. So at this point you think I was crazy, which I still admittedly might have been, or I had a plan. I like to think that I had a plan. This one happened to work.
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Purchasing any piece of technology is a significant up front investment for most professionals, but the remainder of this page is going to walk you how to structure programming and value added proposals for your members, guests, and students. It's the answer to all of the questions that you've had that have kept you from adding a SAM PuttLab to your teaching.
Here's How You're Thinking Now
IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE YOU, THEN IT'S TIME TO START THINKING
DIFFERENTLY ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS. LET'S GET STARTED, TOGETHER!
STEP 1: CREATE A MEMBERSHIP
A yearly "Putting Club" membership is unique for a couple of reasons. First, chances are your clients haven't ever experienced something like this in the past. Second, most of your clients probably like you and spending time with you. This is just another chance for them to do that more often. Structure around 1-2 lessons per month and consider including a new putter with a fitting. Your Golf Shop will appreciate your work yielding business.
STEP 2: CREATE A CULTURE
Programming doesn't last forever, but culture does. If you frame and sell your Putting Club like any other lesson program, it will be just that. And it won't last very long. Make it fun and unique for everyone involved through team gatherings to build skills, and create a buzz. After all, who doesn't like Putts and Pints?
Consider capping the number of available spots in your offering. Exclusivity is a basic supply and demand principle.
STEP 3: CREATE GROWTH
This is the really fun part. Once your Putting Club is up and running, the skies the limit. But don't forget the basics like photos and videos for marketing and personally reaching out to existing clients to join the team. Be sure to take care of your existing members for their loyalty. Consider raising the pricing for new members each year, but locking in your current group at that price if they keep their spot.
