Coaching or Lessons?

[Mark_G]

Over the last few weeks I have been lucky enough to be taken under the wing of a really good player who is coaching me, during practice and games. My whole game is improving, course management, ball striking, chipping, putting, driving, everything. My confidence is high and I am enjoying myself so much more. Part of this I believe to be my complete inability to swing during lessons, I can't stand being analysed, I have a dozen thoughts running through my head, and I don't relax. So my Pro hasn't really seen my swing as it really is. My coach still wants me to have lessons, but I was wondering how many people are in the same boat as me and struggle with lessons and have taken a different route to improving?

 

[ScienceBoy]

My pro is my coach in a way. I go to group lessons and have normal 1 on 1 lessons plus playing lessons.

We always chat in the bar, I even got him to buy a V-Easy!

 

[Tiger]

I don't have range based lessons and haven't for a while and only have playing lessons. Much better value and have helped me improve no end. But it's really down to your own personal preference. Most important thing is that you are enjoying the game

 

[Foxholer]

Both are certainly required imo.

There is certainly a level of technical competence required, but insisting that a player puts themselves in certain positions at certain parts of the swing seems wrong to me. It tends to create the wrong sort of tension, which tends is probably the greatest killer of a flowing swing. If it truly was a 'one-size fits all' sort of game, then there would be a lot more Pros who were 'clones'! To me, the balance and flow of a swing is more important, though certain technical tweaks can help create certain shots or reduce certain shot tendencies.

If you want a far less technical approach to learning Golf, try this book http://www.positiveimpactgolf.co.uk/pages/positiveimpactgolf-book.php or coaching at the site.