Terry Felty - Big Sticks Golf
ABOUT BIG STICKS GOLF…
We believe if you want to
* learn the game of golf
* play more consistently
* be more competitive on your team
* learn golf for business
* simply hit balls,
Big Sticks Golf can help you play better.
BSG is a PGA recognized indoor golf practice & training facility just outside Boston. Golfers of all levels are welcome to use are facility for both practice & PGA lessons. All bays have the latest in golf improvement technology because we think if you are going to practice-do it with the best. Many golfers today learn using based on video & ball data feedback, so the technology becomes a natural fit. We offer aboutGolf simulators*the only PGA endorsed golf simulator and most accurate on the market, JC video teaching system, plus aG studio, GC Quad & GC2 with head measuring technology launch monitors. BSG is a place to get the golf game you want with the training and equipment you need. We are a small business – owned and operated by Terry Felty, PGA professional since 1998. He works with each student and their physical strengths and limitations, to help them develop their best swing. Terry uses the combination of video technology, ball flight feedback and experience to help students learn a more repetitive and efficient swing to improve their overall golf game. He has been teaching for over 20 years and has taught over 30,000 lessons. We are a fun low pressure & inexpensive way to learn golf & practice during every season.
How old were you when you got started in golf and what eventually pulled you into becoming a golf professional?
I casually played a little with friends when I was in my early my 20’s but started taking it seriously when I was 26. I was just really interested in seeing how good I could get because I had always played sports growing up. As I got older-the football & baseball I played just didn’t make sense to continue. I was drawn into the profession because of the playing and interest in of what I could do with my game.
How do you stay current with the latest developments in teaching methods?
I watch other teaching professionals both live and on video. I see how they instruct or simply explain things. One of the things that makes a good professional is how many ways they can explain the same thing, because people learn in different ways & often need it explained many ways before it clicks.
What are 2 trends in golf that you’re excited about?
I like the fact that players are learning how to swing faster and hit it farther. I don’t like that golf ball companies are trying to remove the spin on the golf ball to help people hit it straighter. That would take a lot of the skill out of the game.
Do you specialize in teaching any facets of the game?
No I don’t specialize in any one area I’m not sure any club pro can and maintain a good student base.
If I had to pick- I would say the technology in video/data feedback equipment because with our business I am always trying to get the most accurate equipment in the facility.
What sets you apart from other golf professionals?
I don’t teach golf -I teach golfers with all of their unique skills and abilities to play the same game. I think I am able to quickly see what a person needs to improve or reach their goal.
What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for you personally or professionally?
We are renovating our facility with some new upgrades with both our equipment and furnishings. Always trying to evolve in the business, stay on top of new solid advancements in the technology so that for me professionally is very exciting. The technology has come along way.
What has been your most challenging experience with a student and how did you handle it? How did you overcome it?
As a teacher-One thing that is more of a social phenomenon in my opinion is kids that are less comfortable talking in social situations or interacting which is important to learn the game/improve their swing etc.
This makes it tough to figure out what they understand or know about their swing. It takes a lot of patience and often allowing them different ways of responding to me whether its writing it down, texting or emailing me after the lesson. vs just a back and forth during the lesson.
As a owner of a facility-I would say one challenge is the competition of the facilities that are becoming very popular with indoor practice. Many places are popping up BUT are not helping with the experience of training indoors. There are lots of simulators and launch monitors on the market but they are not the same quality, so this can lead to people dismissing all indoor facilities.
Do you actively play competitive golf? Any recent bragworthy performances you’d like to share?
I do play in a few tournaments a year because I really enjoy being competitive but I don’t play enough to be competitive enough to win. Every year I say I am going to play more but fail that goal.
Is there a highlight from your career in golf that stands out above the rest?
I have qualified for 2 International Tournaments. The Rums of Puerto Rico and The Johnny Walker Black Tournament in Aruba, and yes they were golf tournaments. I have also made 12 Hole n Ones.
Any advice for someone considering pursuing a career as a golf teaching professional?
Learn as much about the human body and how it works because they don’t all work the same. Teach individuals how to play golf and try not to fit everyone into what they think a golf swing should look like.
Anything else you’d like to comment on while we have you?
For anyone looking for golf instruction-Have an open mind so you can learn. Be an active participant on the team that is helping you learn and remember it’s hard game so have patience. Find some way to enjoy the process.