Q&A with David Toms

Behind almost every great player in the game a great teacher can be found. Butch Harmon teaches Tiger, David Leadbetter, Harvey Penick, Bob Toski - just pick up Golf Digest or Golf Magazine and you'll find a who's who of teachers offering tips and theory.

Tennessee PGA teacher of the year Rob Akins is a 37 year old teaching "star" who is fast moving into the elite ranks. The father of three young boys teaches at Ridgeway Country Club in Memphis, and his prize pupils include PGA champion David Toms, David Gossett and Loren Roberts. He's done the Golf Channel, Golf Digest and Golf Magazine and is poised to announce soon a major writing deal. It takes two months to get on his lesson calendar, and while his modest rate of $125 per lesson could easily be $300 - he's a softy for kids and loves working with young, eager-to-learn juniors.

Rob is spending this week at the Tennessee PGA Junior Golf Academy in a pilot program for advance juniors within the camp. Next year may even bring a one week Rob Akins session after seeing this year's success.

I had a chance to ask Rob a number of questions on a variety of subjects, and I think you'll find his perspectives interesting:

Why is David Toms one of the best?

RA -"His ability to repeat the feel in his swing-his organization skills-and his mind is 'quiet and uncluttered.'

What about technology in the teaching world?

RA- "New swing training diagnosis machines with computer age readings will revolutionize teaching over the next 5 to 10 years." Rob is on the inside circle of a $5 million investment project that soon will be bring such an aid to the teaching market. He's confident it can change the way teaching is done.

On putting:

RA - "Great putters don't have to think about distance - they know by feel. Being able to see what is going to happen - you know what it feels like to do. Don't be afraid to miss.

Give us three keys to ball striking:

RA - "Balance, rhythm, and timing".

What's the best equipment?

RA - "Any of the top five companies."

And finally, why is Tiger superior?

RA - "That's simple