I know Buddy, Grady, Ray Martin and a number of other famous Pros that 'give lessons'. Since you are coming across an ocean, paying for airfare, motel, car rental, food and the lessons, I would suggest that you do your homework carefully. Try to reach any prospective teachers by mail or phone and let them know EXACTLY what you hope to learn and accomplish with their help. Some great players don't relate well and can't translate their accumulated lifetime skills to a lesser unskilled player. 'Teaching' is a skill as important as the knowledge that is being imparted. Some great players that offer lessons have a full calendar of upcoming tournaments and golf games and may be more interested in picking up some quick cash, than actually spending the required time 'teaching' proper fundamentals that will improve your game. Some oldtime famous world class players are full of themselves and believe that they are 'due your money' for simply being in their presence. Some may show you a stance' or 'proper stroke' and then walk away and leave you to practice that function for a couple of hours on your own. Ask for some references from others they've taught. Ask about filming your entire session with a video camera. I think that PROPER lessons from any of the three mentioned above and also Randy G. might be a big help. I know a number of people that have spent time taking lessons from Randy G. and to a man, they ALL improved their game and were very satisfied customers. I live in Tampa and have recommended Ray Martin to a number of people here locally and a few followed through with lessons. Some improved and some didn't. What a person learns is not only dependant on the skill and methods of the teacher, but also on how the pupil receives and puts into practice, what they have learned. If you aren't receptive to suggestions, fail to put what you've learned into practice, resort to your old bad habits or simply don't practice, you are destined for failure, no matter whom you choose spend your money on. I have seen Grady spend hour upon hour, day after day, teaching total strangers the proper fundamentals, technique and advanced skills necessary to improve and all at NO CHARGE to the pupil. I think that if he has the time available and takes your money for lessons, that you will walk away an improved player at lessons end. I've mentioned only four possible teachers in this reply and there are many more out there, do your homework (I repeat, do your homework). Some players, though great at pool, simply cannot teach, but will take your money.
I tried to hire my friend, the late Steve Cook, to teach me proper fundamentals and he said, "I can't teach an old Doug new tricks." I believe that he was right. I'm set in my ways, refuse to invest the time practicing that is required to improve and would only waste the 'teacher's time' and MY MONEY.. Good luck in your quest for a teacher and drop back in a year from now and let us know if what you learned has 'stuck' and if you truly DID improve your game....
