When Steve met Butch

As part of his week in Las Vegas, Steve Cox, PGA Head Professional at Weybrook Park GC, got a whole new perspective on coaching when he spent two days as part of a group of 12 doing a three day course at Butch Harmon’s school in nearby Henderson.

Cox takes up the story: “I received a warm welcome and got shown around the tremendous facility there. To make it even more special, I got to see Corey Pavin having a lesson with Greg Le Bella, one of Butch’s senior instructors. 

“Wednesday was the start of the three day school. I met Butch’s pupils at the Caesar Palace hotel, jumped in one of the limos and headed off to meet the man himself. Of the 12 pupils, eight had flown in from Singapore, two from Nashville, one from Oregon and one from Frisco. Day one was spent working on their swings in the morning and their short game in the afternoon. I got some great advice on playing the bunker shot, and that evening we checked out the sights around Vegas.

“Thursday saw us back to the school for a 9am start, with a 30 minute warm up session and reminding the pupils of their key swing changes. Butch then conducted a short game clinic with a bottle of whisky on offer for any hole-in-ones. I also spoke about great short game players to one of Butch’s senior professionals – a young 76 year old! - who told me how Seve Ballesteros had explained to him how he played his chip shots like he shaved in the mornings! 

“After lunch, while the group had a nine-hole playing lesson, I stayed on the practice ground to watch Butch give a two hour lesson to a scratch player who had flown in from LA. I got to watch Butch Harmon in action and see him improve the guy’s shotmaking with only the smallest of changes, allowing him to both understand it easily and work on the feeling of the new movement. 

“Less is definitely more in this situation; working on the correct small changes will make all the differences to the shots.  Day 3 was the pupils playing at a local course, so I said my goodbyes and gave myself the day off.

“The trip was well worth it. Just being in the presence of the world’s No.1 coach is enriching. I learnt so much to bring home and introduce into my coaching. I just can’t wait to get out on the range and start improving everyone’s games. I have always believed if you want to be the best you must learn from the best, and I can now say I’ve done just that.”