With the golf season now just over two months old, many of us are now concentrating on improving our games or just trying to regain our form from last year. Some of you may be contemplating taking a lesson, or two, to get to that next level or solve a nagging problem. Others of you may be new to the game and are thinking of taking private or group lessons to get introduced to the game properly and not learn any bad habits from the outset. Regardless of your situation, if you are thinking of taking lessons you should consider the following information. before signing up and selecting a teacher.
How Much
The first question I get asked about lessons is “how much”. Certainly a fair enough question considering golf lessons aren’t cheap and the cost can vary quite a bit from teacher to teacher. As a rule you will pay more for experience (head professionals charge more than first year assistants) and more at private clubs than public courses. Private lessons cost more than group lessons. If you are serious, take private or semi private. If you are looking for golf instruction with a fun social atmosphere attached ( ie. wine and snacks with the group afterwards and you seldom practice)… take the group lessons.
Who Do You Pick As A Teacher
The first question I would like to hear from a prospective student is “are you a good teacher” not “how much”. Does it really matter if you save $10 or $15 dollars on a lesson if you don’t get results? Or worse, pay way too much and still not get results. What’s most important is the teacher’s personality, communication and teaching skills. You have to like the person teaching you and the atmosphere they create for you to learn and be motivated. That’s why it is best to start with just one lesson, to see if the chemistry is right, before signing on for more. If you are serious, try taking a couple of different pros before deciding on the one that’s right for you. Another important factor to consider is their schedule and flexibility of hours.
Where
You will want to know what type of facility you will be taking your lessons at. Mats or grass. Does it have a good short game area? Can you practice there between lessons and if so is there a cost. Is the facility busy with eavesdroppers or is there a private area for teaching.
What Style of Teacher
Beware of teachers who teach a certain style or systems ie. “the natural swing”. These types of teachers tend to forget we are all different in our skills, age, flexibility, and general athleticism. One system does not fit all. Each one of us is unique.
Video
I use video with all my lessons. There is no greater way to learn than seeing yourself. If you are a musician there is no great tool than hearing yourself…same thing.
Conclusion
Taking a lesson will give you the information you will need to improve and give direction and meaning to your time on the range. That is why EVERY PGA pro has a teacher. They need that extra pair of eyes and the teacher’s skills to help them achieve their goals. However, to see results and get full value for your money and time you will have to practice. Golf lessons are very much like music lessons. Both are repetitive skills that need to be learned so as to be performed without thinking. You will get out of your lessons what you put in and there is no need for your game to suffer or go backwards as you make changes and learn.
That assumption is false and generally comes from people who don’t practice between lessons.
I hope these tips will help you as you consider taking a lesson(s) in your quest to… play YOUR best golf!
Fathers day Special!
If you are thinking of a gift for fathers day why not a golf lesson?
I can provide a gift certificate for the occasion and as a special I will include another person to come along! Just send me an email to arrange the details.
