ABOUT MIKE SCHIELD
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Mike Schield is originally from the state of Wisconsin and was brought up to the game at the age of two by his dad. Today, Mike is the head professional out at X Golf Kalamazoo and also coaches the varsity girls golf team out of Kalamazoo Christian High School. Mike spends majority of his time performing lessons to players of all ages and genders, seeing many different people and swings throughout the day. Yet that doesn't restrict his energy and professionalism when it comes to conducting these lessons and speaking to individuals. Mike is also a certified Callaway club fitter and also competes at state/chapter levels on the Michigan PGA. Mike's favorite drill to teach his players is the trail arm back drill. People tend to underestimate the importance in the trail arm guiding the swing path. This drill helps to ensure many different aspects of the swing to only make it better. This drill is very multi-purposeful, addressing and critiquing many, if not all aspects of the swing. Mike doesn't have a favorite player on any tour, but he states that the most influential players that have had the most impact on the game of golf would be Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, Ben Hogan and Annika Sorenstam. With that being said, his favorite swing to watch would be Ben Hogan and how he uses his body the way that's familiar to him and that has natural movement that the average player can recreate. Out of all the courses he has played in the state of Michigan, Mike's favorite course would be the Heather Course at Boine Mountain. But outside the state of Michigan, Mikes favorite course of all time Caroustie Golf Links, and his favorite 9 holes would be the back nine at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort.
He's a pretty good instructor. It's crazy how far I've gotten in only three lessons. I can't believe how I used to hold the club." - Colin
MIKE'S PAST EXPERIENCES
Mike started golfing back in Wisconsin at the age of two with his father, and worked his way to where he is today. Mike attended school in Fayetteville, North Carolina at the Methodist University in their famous PGA program. After graduating university, Mike travelled out to Southern China and completed 9 years as a head instructor at the worlds largest course and academy, Mission Hills Golf Club and Golf Academy. Mission Hills operates 12 golf courses at the Shenzhen luxury resort and spa and another 10 at the Haikou facility on the tropical island of Hainan. Here Mike worked with and trained with the best players and instructors in the game. While at Mission Hills he taught players of all skill levels including beginners, juniors, women, men, occasional players and professional players. He has also created and worked in some of the largest golf development programs in the world. Not only has he worked in spectacular locations, he has also worked with some of the greats including Nick Faldo and Anika Sorenstam in organized clinics. Another great accomplishment Mike has experienced is that he caddied for former world number one Justin Rose and led him to a win at the World Celebrity Pro-Am. Out of all the memories and life-time experiences he has been a part of throughout his life and career, Mike is humble enough that his most cherished memory would be winning his member guest back in 2002 with is father back at his home club in Wisconsin, He stated that most, if not all of his favorite memories of life is time spent with his dad.
MIKE'S COACHING PHILOSOPHY
Mike's coaching philosophy remains stable throughout the years, yet he is open to opinions of others and if his mind needs to be changed to better him and his athletes. Mike states that everyone comes to play golf for a different reason, but there is enjoyment attainable at every level of the game. He also states that every players swing is different but all good players do certain things similar. There shouldn't be a cookie cutter swing type, the ways of the golf swing are endless. For each swing, its important to remember to change the club, not the swing. It's also important to remember that what may be a solution for one player, may be detrimental to another, which is what Mike ensures to implement while coaching multiple different players. Different aspects of the game take different amounts of time and effort to learn. Mike ensures his players know progress takes time and it is unlikely to see change over night.
"It's not a straight line remember, golfs a circle."