Unlocking Potential with V1 COACH: An Interview with Claude Brousseau, Director of Player Development
In this special blog and Tee’d Up edition, we had the privilege of sitting down (virtually) with Claude Brousseau, Director of Player Development at Wailea Golf Club. With more than 20,000 lessons under his belt and numerous instructional articles published in top golf magazines, Claude is a revered figure in the golfing world. He was also one of the first coaches to get access to the new V1 COACH app, and has been rigorously testing it along side our team.
The following transcript has been edited for clarity. To see the full interview, click here.
The Journey to Wailea Golf
Anthony: Can you tell us a bit about your current role and location?
Claude: I’m based in Hawaii, on the island of Maui, at the Wailea Golf Resort. Wailea Golf is unique as it hosts three golf courses and the Wailea Golf Academy, which partners with Golf Channel Academy. We are the only Golf Channel Academy in Hawaii, situated at the Emerald and Gold courses.
Embracing Technology in Golf Coaching
A: You’ve been coaching in Maui since 2005. Can you talk about your use of V1 and other technological tools in your coaching?
C: I moved to Maui full-time in 2005 and have been using V1 Sports for over 20 years. I appreciate its simplicity and efficiency. Most of my coaching happens outdoors, thanks to Hawaii’s fantastic weather. I use an iPad with the V1 PRO and now the V1 COACH app.
Transitioning to the V1 COACH App
A: You’ve been an early adopter of the V1 COACH app. How has it improved your coaching experience?
C: The transition was seamless. The app is user-friendly and allows for effective before-and-after comparisons during lessons. This visual feedback helps students see their progress clearly. For example, a slight tweak in a golfer’s posture can feel drastic to them, but seeing the comparison on the app reassures them of the improvement.
Organizing and Managing Student Videos
A: With so many students, how do you manage their videos using the V1 COACH app?
C: The new app is well-organized. I can easily move between different golfers’ videos and keep everything sorted in folders. This helps me review sessions at the end of the day efficiently.
Enhancing Student Experience
A: How do students respond to the features of the V1 COACH app, especially the invitation to join your academy?
C: The automatic invitation feature is fantastic. Students appreciate the ease of access to their lessons and the ability to review them as often as they need. This continuous engagement is crucial for their improvement.
The Future of Golf Coaching with V1 COACH
A: What excites you most about the future of the V1 COACH app?
C: The chat feature allows for ongoing communication with students, which is a huge plus. The store feature is also exciting as it enables golfers to book lessons and purchase merchandise directly. Additionally, online coaching has been a game-changer. I can now offer live lessons to students anywhere, which broadens my reach significantly.
Scaling Your Business
A: You have a vast number of students both within and outside the V1 ecosystem. How has the mass invitation feature helped you scale your business?
C: I’ve been able to transition thousands of golfers into the V1 system, maintaining strong connections and continuing to provide them with high-quality coaching. This has helped grow my business and reach new markets.
Conclusion
A: Claude, thank you for sharing your journey and insights. Any final words for our readers?
C: Enjoy the game and embrace the learning process. With tools like V1 COACH and V1 GOLF, you’ll progress faster and have more fun. It’s an honor to be associated with a professional brand that genuinely helps golfers improve.
A: Thank you, Claude, for your time and valuable insights. To all our readers, keep learning and improving your game with the right tools and guidance. Aloha!