How low can.......

[One Planer]

....... You go without lessons/coaching?

A few posts on here just recently (Iku's in particular) talk about natural ability and potential versus coaching and practice.

Can a golfer, new to the game (use me as an example), get to a high level, say below a 10 handicap without lessons?

Any one have an opinion?

 

[brendy]

It depends what you call self taught really, to someone it could be trial and error and learning to use what you have. to someone else it could be watching hundreds of videos and using other peoples techniques.

I was playing off 12, had 6 lessons and dropped to 6 by the time of the 6th lesson. Simple changes like grip and stopped swaying (I do have to remember this one even now) really helped keep the ball in play.

 

[Piece]

Can a golfer, new to the game (use me as an example), get to a high level, say below a 10 handicap without lessons?

Any one have an opinion?

yes

 

[Mongoose]

I am self taught, and got to 2 (now 3 and going up, but thats as much age and infirmity as anything). I dont have any special gifts and am not sporty, with me it was the trial and error route and then just tons of practice and working at it, plus finding my own way. I am a great believer than once you have reasonable skills then golf is 50% a mental game, and as my technique was never that good I always focused on that. You are going to drop shots from making bad swings and hitting poor chips and putts no matter how much you work at it, but you can control how many shots you lose through bad thinking and attitude.

So, its possible, I know that as I have done it! But whichever route you go, I think having a reasonable grasp of the basics is important.

 

[MashieNiblick]

Yes of course.

But for me it's a bit like asking if you can learn to drive without getting lessons from a professional driving instructor.

Mum, Dad, spouse, friends, can teach you to drive but if you want to learn how to do it properly then being taught by someone who has been trained to do it is likely to give you a better understanding of what you should be doing and stop you developing bad habits.

I think it's the same for golf.

Got to go now. Got a (golf) lesson booked.

 

[RGDave]

Any one have an opinion?

Yes, why not.

However, my personal belief is that someone will save a lot of time and effort getting some help.

I honestly think I wouldn't have ever played under 90 (regardless of short-game and putting) without lessons.
I had no clue. I still have no clue.....
I understand quite a bit about the mechanics of a golf swing, but what I'm doing and trying to do are usually miles away from the truth.

 

[freddielong]

Yes I stared at 12 and was playing off 4 by the time I was 15 without any lessons

 

[ScienceBoy]

I was shooting mid 80s with a pretty crappy but consistent swing. I have traded that for a much better swing that currently is very inconsistent. But when it works I look like a pro golfer, Drives about 30 yards further, irons stop in feet rather than yards and I can put my wedges right on pins where before I struggled to get a wedge any closer than my 6 iron as they would all draw about 40% and run on, even my 56 wedge ran out about 5 yards!

I can attack so much more now and when I get consistent I will be much better.

I never had lessons until last year, I could shoot high 80s without them, but only got to mid 80s with one on stance and grip. Then low 80s with one on the driver and putter

 

[Region3]

I got down to 10 as a junior without a lesson, and the internet. Ridiculous amount of body movement too.

I played a few weeks ago with a scratch and a 2, and neither of them had ever had a lesson.

It can be done, but I'd say that with lessons you'll get there quicker, or go lower.

 

[znuffzz]

Can a golfer, new to the game (use me as an example), get to a high level, say below a 10 handicap without lessons?

Any one have an opinion?

yes

bubba can

 

[Losttheplot]

It seems to come down to the ever present 'nature-nurture' debate.

Some believe it's mostly natural and instinctive while others believe it's down to being taught.

Personally I believe you have to use both. Can't guarantee which one is the more important though.

 

[chris661]

Guy at my club is off 2 and IIRC was 1 last year and he has never had any lessons.