Rita Slavetskas, LPGA Teaching Professional
Cacapon Resort State Park - Berkeley Springs, West Virginia

One of Rita Slavetskas' career highlight's is the student surveys that indicate she teaches with enthusiasm and confidence, provides fun and exciting golf instruction, creates innovative ways to relate other sport skills and fitness principles into golf, delivers results and makes students' goals attainable. Her total focus is in teaching golf and learning new ways of teaching it more effectively. Her knowledge of golf and her desire to see others improve their skills and enjoy the game put beginners at ease and help experienced golfers reach their potential.

"My teaching method is student based, determined by the individual's goals and their golf technique," says Rita. "We build a development plan based on the student's strong points and start to correct major problem areas. I believe in keeping instruction as simple as possible with emphasis on the basics such as grip, posture, alignment, take away, impact, follow through, balance, and how the swing works."

"Understanding the basics, the swing, and the flight of the ball greatly helps identify the strong points as well as the areas needing improvement," adds Rita. "I place emphasis on effective communications, teaching with a positive and encourage attitude, and having fun in golf. No one should leave feeling confused or uncertain. I use drills and emphasize them for effective practicing -- vital for improvement and practicing smart. I believe pictures are worth a thousand words, thus I use video to assist the student in learning quicker. Most players have more natural ability than they give themselves credit for."

Communicating effectively is the difference between a good teacher and a great teacher," notes Rita. "It is also the foundation for an outstanding teaching program. Most golfers need ways to clear up what is going on in their heads as they stand over the ball."

Rita has participated in the LPGA Teaching & Club Professional Division National Education Program Series, workshops and seminars. She attended the Jim McLean School at the Doral Resort, Pine Needles Resort Golf Learning Centers and Golfaris, the Marlene Floyd Women's Only Golf School, and continues private study. Rita's undergraduate degree is from the Boston Conservatory of Music in Education. Her additional professional business experience includes program management in the field of computers.

Rita instructs at Cacapon Resort in Berkeley Springs, WV, a Robert Trent Jones 18-Hole championship course, (rated **** by Golf Digest) less than two hours from Washington, DC and 25 miles north of Winchester, VA. She can be reached by phone at (800) 258-5323.