Martin Hall wasn’t quite ready to give up his job when he was hired in 2011 by Golf Channel to host a weekly instructional show.
Hall stated, “I thought that I would do eight shows and then it would be over.” I didn’t think we would be doing season two.
Hall’s “School of Golf” is still running strong after 12 years. Hall celebrates his milestone on Monday, when the 400 th episode of GolfPass airs. The 400th episode was filmed at Lake Nona in June.
There are a lot swing thoughts.
Hall, Director of Golf Instruction for The Club said: “It’s hard to believe that we’ve done 400.” It’s mind-blowing, amazing and remarkable.
Hall was surprised because when Golf Channel contacted him in 2011, he didn’t respond because he believed he would be rejected by the network because he felt he was old. Hall, who is now 67 years old, was mistaken. Hall, now 67 years old, was voted in by viewers as their new instructor. He easily beat out the finalist Karen Palacios Jansen (wife to speed skater Dan Jansen) and Wayne Player (Gary’s son).
Kevin Schultz is the senior director of Golf Channel instruction and has been working with Hall’s program since its inception. Many great instructors on TV are boring. Martin is entertaining.
These eight shows went from 100 to 200, and then 300, until they reached the rarefied territory of being the longest-running instructional show. Hall has less airtime than two of the most popular TV shows ever — “Cheers”, with 275 episodes, and “Seinfeld”, with 180 episodes.
Hall, in his characteristically cheery British accent, said: “I’m sure that more people have seen Seinfeld or Cheers than School of Golf.”
Hall’s career isn’t boring. Hall once counted 47 major champions with whom he played golf, gave lessons or did TV. He also worked with legends in the teaching field such as Bob Toski and John Jacobs.
There are a lot more positive swing thoughts.
Hall stated, “The wisdom I have received from them is something that I can pass along to the next generations.” I feel it is my responsibility to act as a link between older golf teachers and younger players. We must preserve the golf wisdom.”
Hall has shared his wisdom for more than 25 years with Ibis’ staff and members from the office located at the rear of the range. Hall brings in pro golfers for clinics, and it is a must-see.
Stephen J. LoGiudice is Ibis’ General Manager/COO. “Completing 400 shows is an amazing accomplishment, which is indicative of Stephen J. LoGiudice’s professionalism and knowledge of golf instruction.” Martin is synonymous with the game of golf, not just at Ibis, but in the entire industry.
He is a great asset to both the staff and members of our golf program. His golf clinics are some of the most memorable events for our members and we look forward having him around for many years.
Hall’s endless collection of “tools”, such as PVC pipes, brooms and string, can conjure up images of Monty Hall when he uses them to simulate the correct golf swing during a lesson.
He said, “Those are not gadgets but tools.” Would you ask the dentist, “What gadget are you putting in my teeth?” These tools allow you to swing the club properly.
Hall grinned when asked where he got the material for 400 shows. The FootJoys on the practice ground approach is what America’s instructor uses.
He said, “I learn them from my students.” I teach all levels of players, from those who have won major titles to complete beginners. I learn a lot from my most challenging student, which is me! “I am my most challenging student because all of this information is circling around.”
Lisa was his wife and a professional player. She was named 1997 LPGA Tour Rookie Of The Year, played in two Solheim Cups, before her career began to fade. Lisa is not a golf fanatic, but she has limits.
She said, “We have golf-free areas in our house.” The garage is packed, but not with cars. Martin’s quest to perfect his golf swing will never be over. “I think that speaks volumes about the game.”
Hall has worked with Morgan Pressel and Karrie Webb.
Hall has worked alongside Morgan Pressel and Lexi Thompson, who are all major champions. Hall said that the TV job probably made it more difficult for him to work closely with the elite of the game, but he had no regrets.
Working for people who are professional athletes is not an easy job. Hall added, “Ask any coach from a professional sports team.” It’s very hard. It’s more fun for me to write the shows and do TV work. “I’ve written 400 shows.
Hall had to adapt his teaching style on TV in the last 12 year due to the advancement of golf technology. The show was broadcast at 7 pm on Tuesday, but it can now be viewed anytime via GolfPass. The first 395 TV shows featuring assistant Blair O’Neal were broadcast on TV.
Hall explained that “we have more equipment now to measure our body movements during the swing, and the impact of the club.” This just confirms what my mentors told me 30 to 40 years ago.
“I must say I like being on digital better. My producer will let me go on for longer than 21 minutes during a 30 minute show. “But the best part is that you can watch me anywhere, at any time, from across the globe.”
How many shows are left?
Stay tuned.
By: Craig Dolch
Title: ‘School of Golf’ celebrates its 400th episode on July 31st and still going strong
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2023/07/30/school-of-golf-400-episode-golf-channel/
Published Date: Sun, 30 Jul 2023 12:00:18 +0000
Leave a Reply