'Zero Street Cred' Golf Influencers vs. The Power of Social Media for REAL Coaches

In this episode of Don't Get Me Started, host Christopher Smith interviews Nathalie Sheehan, known as Nattiegolf on social media, who serves as the Director of Women’s Golf at Pelican Golf Club and is recognized as a Golf Digest best young teacher. The discussion explores the intersection of golf instruction and content creation, addressing the challenges posed by social media influencers, the role of technology in coaching, and effective teaching strategies for diverse audiences.

Nathalie expresses significant concern about the rise of online golf influencers, particularly female creators, who post instructional content without substantial teaching experience. She argues that such content, often designed to attract attention rather than educate, undermines the credibility of golf instruction. She emphasizes the importance of "street cred," gained through extensive time teaching on the lesson tee, and questions the legitimacy of influencers who lack this experience.

As Nattiegolf, Nathalie navigates the dual roles of content creator and coach. She views her online presence as a form of free advertising to attract students, particularly targeting the growing female golf audience post-COVID. Her content focuses on simple drills, fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle tips, but she ensures it is backed by genuine teaching expertise. This balance allows her to maintain credibility while leveraging social media’s reach.

Nathalie’s teaching philosophy prioritizes understanding the golf ball’s behavior and tailoring lessons to individual needs. She advocates for simpler communication, especially for women, who may prefer less technical detail and more focus on comfort and competence. For men, she provides more detailed explanations. She also stresses the importance of asking students about their goals and providing clear, actionable advice to address misconceptions often fueled by online content.

While acknowledging the utility of tools like Trackman, Swing Catalyst, and pressure plates, Nathalie cautions against over-reliance on technology. She finds pressure plates particularly useful for setup feedback but emphasizes that exceptional coaches rely on observation and communication. She draws inspiration from coaches like Brad Faxon, who use simple, effective methods, such as one-handed putting drills, to make students feel valued.

Nathalie sees personal branding as essential for golf coaches to stand out in a competitive industry. However, she encourages aspiring coaches to overcome the fear of criticism, embrace failure, and focus on helping students improve. Her own journey reflects this resilience, as she has built credibility through persistent effort and a commitment to authentic instruction.

The episode highlights the challenge of information overload from online sources, which can confuse students and lead to ineffective practices. Nathalie advocates for coaches to filter this information, focusing on what is relevant and empowering students to understand cause and effect in their game.

Nathalie notes distinct approaches to coaching men and women. Women often require a more empathetic approach to address nervousness and prefer simpler instructions, while men may seek technical data. This tailored approach ensures students feel supported and confident.