April 10 Masterclass Phil Allen
Location: The Dutch
Theme: The difference between a Tour coach and a Club coach.
Phil Allen (46) is no stranger to the Dutch golf world. Not surprising, he has been the swing coach of by far the best golfer in the Netherlands, Joost Luiten, for over 17 years. But Phil does more, he is also a golf teacher for every golfer who has the ambition to improve. It is obvious that there are differences between coaching a tour player and an amateur. Phil Allen goes into more detail in this interview.
By: Kees Jan Stel
What's the big difference between a tour pro and an amateur?
Phil Allen: Mostly knowledge. Tour pros are constantly working on improving, are in a competitive environment all the time and hear and see a lot. But the key point is learning. Every day again. Know who you are, know what you can do, know how your own biomechanics work. In addition, modesty is extremely important, without it you will immediately be punished in this sport. The process always continues, you are never there.
Is there anything you can teach a tour pro?
Phil Allen: Sure, you just shouldn't overcomplicate things. Above all, maintain simplicity in the explanation. Plus, as coaches we should try not to make ourselves too important. I think it is clear that Joost knows how to hit a golf ball. But by continuously working on the swing and tackling small things immediately, the swing will become more and more consistent. And that's what the tour is all about. I work a lot with video with Joost. He then sends it to me after a round or session and we can then pick it up together. mistakes out. It is actually a kind of continuous adjustment.
What makes you a good club and tour coach?
Phil Allen: Actually, I can only give one answer to that: Passion! I didn't have the financial resources to play on the Tour, but as a coach I might as well express my passion. In this way I can also show what I can do, but now I put it at the service of others.
How do you coach a player like Joost Luiten?
Phil Allen: Ha, you should ask Joost himself! It is important that we trust each other completely and keep no secrets from each other. What I also do in practice is analyze all relevant statistics, discuss them with him and ask a lot of questions. I don't see him much when I travel, usually once every three weeks, but in the winter we have more time to work together intensively. Fortunately, Joost has a very good swing, it is best if he does not think about it too much.
What does your annual program look like, where do you want to peak, where is the focus?
Phil Allen: Basically everything is focused on the Majors, where we want to perform as well as possible. But it is obvious that for that you have to be in the top 50 in the world, so that is what we are now focusing on. More specifically, we have made a plan to be present at the highly populated tournaments of the Rolex Series. The starting point is always to get Joost onto the first tee with as much self-confidence as possible.
What is the balance between technique and mental?
Phil Allen: Mentally is very important, but first the technique has to be in order, the ball flight is very important. The player must be able to play consciously without thinking. This also involves some visualization, so that is where mental and technology come together.
What is the difference between teaching on Tour and just at the club?
Phil Allen: On Tour you work long days, that's for sure! But that's not a bad thing at all, actually just fun. Furthermore, as a coach I don't talk that much. Many novice or inexperienced coaches talk a lot, trying to be important that way. But I don't think that's how it works. The Tour is actually a big circus. Lots of spoiled men, there is a lot of money, a lot of luxury, it sometimes doesn't make it any easier, you shouldn't let that distract you too much.
Look, as a coach you always have to adapt to the player, that's what it's all about. He must feel comfortable to perform well. During tournaments we mainly focus on simple things, checking, checking, adjusting. And the caddy is important, a good caddy keeps things simple and tight, the player should not be given too much reason to think during the round.
What does a competition day look like for you?
Phil Allen: We always start with putting, trying to feel the speed of the greens, we talk a lot, everything as relaxed as possible. Then we go to the driving range, hitting balls to specific targets in full routine. Then back to the putting green and straight to the first tee. There are no technical instructions during this routine. Everything is focused on playing the round.
What could Joost get better at?
Phil Allen: In a lot of things, like any player really. But his golf swing is very good, he is one of the best iron players on Tour. His driving is also very consistent. The short game can always be improved, we are also busy with that, he should think a little less about that. But I think his best years are yet to come.
What exactly will you do at the WGTF seminar?
All: Ha, I'm not going to reveal everything. Come and watch!
The program for these days is as follows:
09.30 - 10.00 Reception at The Dutch of Bernardus
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Theory
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Lunch
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Practice
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Closing
The costs for WGTF members are 95 euros per masterclass, including lunch. Introducers are very welcome for 145 euros per person. Register via info@wgtf.nl.
