Lessons Structure

[fundy]

Been many a time over the years Ive been struggling with something. Go see a pro, hit balls, hit it well, cant recreate the problem. Pop out onto the course and inside a couple of shots bang there it is and the pro knows what he is working with. Also allows the pro to assess every part of your game, how you assess shots, routines, tempo, how you react to bad shots, how you see different scenarios etc, all which are unlikely to be seen on a range or in a net

 

[NWJocko]

Ok, so cat amongst the pigeons here then, Iv had a few lessons but never a playing one, I personally don't really see the advantage of one. You play of 7 and you say you already know your own weaknesses, what do you think there is to gain by a playing lesson that you couldn't do in a bay with a launch monitor and things etc apart from a pro saying hit the ball here, hit the ball there, of 7 your course management must be pretty reasonable anyway. A 6 hole playing lessons and you'll hit in the region of 30 shots, 6 drivers, maybe 15 putts and the rest irons in between in. Take you 2 hours or so, that's a lot of balls that could be hit in a bay with better results IMO. the pro would see a lot more shots with more info available and at the level you play your swing shouldn't be that much different on the course than on a range.
I'd personally let him know what you think is your weak points are and see if he agrees, then work on that

I would say the complete opposite to this and, unless I hit serious problems, doubt whether I'd ever pay for a lesson smacking balls on a range again tbh.

I can hit the ball well enough, to do so consistently I just need to practice what I already do.

What I struggle with sometimes is scoring/how not to make a big number. Every qualifier I played this year had at least 1 double in it because, I think, I make silly choices. Standing on a range hitting 7 irons slightly differently to how I do now isn't going to fix that.

I've never had one but will definitely be getting a playing lesson before the season starts.

* I know the above is about me but, despite handicaps telling a different story, Qwerty is probably a better player than me and already hits the ball well enough. IMO of course......

 

[Qwerty]

Thanks a lot folks, plenty of food for thought.

What I initially wanted to avoid was the usual.. "Right hit a few balls" then spend the next few lessons tweaking the full swing.

It may need tweaking but I think working on other areas would be more beneficial so I do agree with what Simbo and Roops mentioned as in taking charge of the lessons etc.

I don't keep stats but I know my weaknesses and I also think I need to play more aggressively, attacking par 5s etc.

I think I will go for the playing lesson, initially to get the time to have a good chat with the pro, let him have a look at what's going on .then I suppose we'll thrash it out from there.

I can't work out what is more beneficial though..Initially work on the weakest part of your game or work on the shot before that is putting the weakest part of your game under pressure.




Oh.. Iain, I'm not better than you as I haven't beaten you in years now and your H'cap is lower than mine

 

[turkish]

Thanks a lot folks, plenty of food for thought.

What I initially wanted to avoid was the usual.. "Right hit a few balls" then spend the next few lessons tweaking the full swing.

It may need tweaking but I think working on other areas would be more beneficial so I do agree with what Simbo and Roops mentioned as in taking charge of the lessons etc.

I don't keep stats but I know my weaknesses and I also think I need to play more aggressively, attacking par 5s etc.

I think I will go for the playing lesson, initially to get the time to have a good chat with the pro, let him have a look at what's going on .then I suppose we'll thrash it out from there.

I can't work out what is more beneficial though..Initially work on the weakest part of your game or work on the shot before that is putting the weakest part of your game under pressure.




Oh.. Iain, I'm not better than you as I haven't beaten you in years now and your H'cap is lower than mine

I think that's where the trust in the pro needs to come in though. Trust in what they think is more beneficial

 

[Qwerty]

I think that's where the trust in the pro needs to come in though. Trust in what they think is more beneficial

Do pros know this kind of stuff though and if so is it based on instinct or proven teaching methods that they've Been taught when doing their PGA courses.

Thats the thing for me.. How much does a PGA pro know beyond the Golf Swing?
I actually don't know.

 

[fundy]

Do pros know this kind of stuff though and if so is it based on instinct or proven teaching methods that they've Been taught when doing their PGA courses.

Thats the thing for me.. How much does a PGA pro know beyond the Golf Swing?
I actually don't know.

get the right pro and they'll know this and more

remember having a couple of hours on the course with Alistair Davies at the Forest of Arden a few years ago. went there expecting to address a couple of things I thought were causing an issue, he picked up a couple of different things to do with my routine and tempo that were actually causing what i thought were the problems. does boil down to getting a good pro and trusting them though!

 

[ScienceBoy]

If you want to learn how to hit par 5s in two then you need to be out on the course with a pro doing it in situ rather than on the range bashing a 5 wood off a range mat.

Take as many of the lessons as you can on the course and on/around the green.

Unless you can't tee off for toffee or hit a green from 150 more times than not

 

[Simbo]

I would say the complete opposite to this and, unless I hit serious problems, doubt whether I'd ever pay for a lesson smacking balls on a range again tbh.

I can hit the ball well enough, to do so consistently I just need to practice what I already do.

What I struggle with sometimes is scoring/how not to make a big number. Every qualifier I played this year had at least 1 double in it because, I think, I make silly choices. Standing on a range hitting 7 irons slightly differently to how I do now isn't going to fix that.

I've never had one but will definitely be getting a playing lesson before the season starts.

* I know the above is about me but, despite handicaps telling a different story, Qwerty is probably a better player than me and already hits the ball well enough. IMO of course......

It just shows how different people view the game differently and what works for one doesn't work for another. That's what makes this a great and addictive game.

I see what you're getting at with the beating 7 irons on a range won't improve your game, you hit the ball well but you think you make silly choices, so you already know what you're doing wrong, why do you need a pro to tell you that? making silly choices comes down to experience, Experience comes from making bad choices and not doing it again. I'd generally expect most single figure golfers to know what was the cause of their double bogey whether it be a bad swing or a dodgy decision.
What's the cause of your silly choices? Taking on high tariff shots and not pulling them off leading to doubles?
If his weakness is bunker play hitting 7 irons on the range won't help but neither will a playing lesson really. If he suffers from a snap hook it might sneak in once or twice in a 6 hole lesson in 15-20 shots, more likely the pro will see it if he hits 75 balls on the range. Playing off 7 I'd hazard a guess he already knows a great deal about his own game and knows where he's losing shots.
I know that I can't hit a 3 wood for live nor money but a 6 hole playing lesson wouldn't sort that out, 25 balls on the range and a monitor with a pro might though. All IMO of course and it's each to their own.

 

[turkish]

It just shows how different people view the game differently and what works for one doesn't work for another. That's what makes this a great and addictive game.

I see what you're getting at with the beating 7 irons on a range won't improve your game, you hit the ball well but you think you make silly choices, so you already know what you're doing wrong, why do you need a pro to tell you that? making silly choices comes down to experience, Experience comes from making bad choices and not doing it again. I'd generally expect most single figure golfers to know what was the cause of their double bogey whether it be a bad swing or a dodgy decision.
What's the cause of your silly choices? Taking on high tariff shots and not pulling them off leading to doubles?
If his weakness is bunker play hitting 7 irons on the range won't help but neither will a playing lesson really. If he suffers from a snap hook it might sneak in once or twice in a 6 hole lesson in 15-20 shots, more likely the pro will see it if he hits 75 balls on the range. Playing off 7 I'd hazard a guess he already knows a great deal about his own game and knows where he's losing shots.
I know that I can't hit a 3 wood for live nor money but a 6 hole playing lesson wouldn't sort that out, 25 balls on the range and a monitor with a pro might though. All IMO of course and it's each to their own.

Since you have a seemingly strong opinion on it yet have never had one I would seriously recommend trying a playing lesson.... something might click in our head and might open your eyes to a different approach and thought process. or maybe not

Never judge a man til you've walked a mile in his shoes and all that jazz

 

[Deleted member 21784]

ive had 2 playing lessons in my life

one we played 6 holes.. I arranged to keep the buggy and play the rest of the course lol hit one of my best rounds at that course.. (best round ever at the time) because I was in "the zone"

the other round I had changed pros and it was more of a knock about with him.. we both played a round of golf but he would ask me to explain why I was selecting the club I was etc and turned into a playing lesson for a couple holes

they are worth the money for sure

 

[User 105]

I had my first playing lesson this year when I changed pro, after having a good few years worth of range lessons, and picked up a couple of valuable things I wouldn't have got on the range.

1st was my alignment was off. It's nice and easy to align on the range with all the square surfaces. I was shocked how far right I was actually aiming on the course. So have adjusted my PSR with some quick checks.

2nd was a course management tip. But was the opposite of what I would have expected. I tend to be quite a cautions player. If I get in trouble I'll take the easy shot out. My pro has told me to be more aggressive in my shot selection. Not stupidly 'hero' shot aggressive, but think through what the miss might be. The likely miss might actually be no worse off than a layup, but hit a good one and you could give yourself a chance at a birdy.

 

[ScienceBoy]

One of the best feelings is getting a birdie on your nemesis hole when your pro gets par!

I've always made sure a playing lessson was part of any package. Usually at the end and we pick up from there in the next pack of lessons. They are essential IMO

 

[jasondransfieldgolf]

I would highly recommend a playing lesson, you will be surprised how much you will learn. This is where you play the game and not on the range and even off 6 (a good standard) they will be a lot to be gained. Simbo I would love the opportunity to give you a playing lesson and to find out your thoughts afterwards. I am sure you would find it beneficial and an eye opener, if it wasn't it would be interesting to know what I could do better from your point of view.

 

[huds1475]

I would highly recommend a playing lesson, you will be surprised how much you will learn. This is where you play the game and not on the range and even off 6 (a good standard) they will be a lot to be gained. Simbo I would love the opportunity to give you a playing lesson and to find out your thoughts afterwards. I am sure you would find it beneficial and an eye opener, if it wasn't it would be interesting to know what I could do better from your point of view.

I've been fortunate enough that have a playing lesson wthi Jason, couldn't recommend highly enough.

Much better than reading the Adam Young book Simbo!

 

[Simbo]

I would highly recommend a playing lesson, you will be surprised how much you will learn. This is where you play the game and not on the range and even off 6 (a good standard) they will be a lot to be gained. Simbo I would love the opportunity to give you a playing lesson and to find out your thoughts afterwards. I am sure you would find it beneficial and an eye opener, if it wasn't it would be interesting to know what I could do better from your point of view.

Sure thing, I'm always open to ways to improve my game, next time your in Scotland and fancy it I'll go, im up for it if you are, just let me know, we can discuss my thoughts afterwards.
I'm not judging anyone for having them, whatever improves your enjoyment of the the game is great.
I previously said I don't see the point because for me I think the reason behind my higher scores on holes are poor shots and not so much poor decisions/course management on the course, which I think is the basis of a playing lesson. It's fine a pro standing beside me saying do this, do that but you need to have the skill to actually carry out what he's telling you.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'd sit down with the pro and discuss what your goals are for these lessons and what you see the strengths and weaknesses are and definitely think about a playing lesson to start. It will give the guy a great insight into how you actually play. Off your handicap you are clearly a competent player with a functional swing so he may see things in your alignment, course management etc that you weren't aware of. Enjoy the lessons and go low in 2017

 

[Junior]

Most of the time we play you knock it round in a few over mate so transferring this to competition play would be my focus whilst having a playing lesson. Talking through specific shots and your thought process before hand and comparing them with what a pro's approach is really interesting.

I was fortunate to have a playing lesson with Jason the other week and they way he approached a golf hole and shot (obv including around the greens) really opened my eyes.....especially from 'scoring' distances 140 yards and in. It changed the way i will approach these distances in comps. The other key point for me was green reading....i came off the course with a few tips of how to change what i do on the greens which should hopefully save me a couple of shots

 

[Simbo]

Most of the time we play you knock it round in a few over mate so transferring this to competition play would be my focus whilst having a playing lesson. Talking through specific shots and your thought process before hand and comparing them with what a pro's approach is really interesting.

I was fortunate to have a playing lesson with Jason the other week and they way he approached a golf hole and shot (obv including around the greens) really opened my eyes.....especially from 'scoring' distances 140 yards and in. It changed the way i will approach these distances in comps. The other key point for me was green reading....i came off the course with a few tips of how to change what i do on the greens which should hopefully save me a couple of shots

Was that your first playing lesson mate? In what way did he open your eyes from 140 yards in?
As you are a reasonably low handicapper what did he do that differed from the way you seen the shot in the scoring distance and what you going to change?

 

[Junior]

Was that your first playing lesson mate? In what way did he open your eyes from 140 yards in?
As you are a reasonably low handicapper what did he do that differed from the way you seen the shot in the scoring distance and what you going to change?

Hi Simbo, Yes mate, was my first playing lesson. Basically after discussing my game and scores we went and played and the key thing Jason got me doing was attacking flags by taking more club and hitting what felt like a three quarter shot. For my handicap i do not make a lot of birdies.... Basically we played 6 holes and he mostly observed and gave a few pointers (i struggle with alignment mostly) but for the next 6 he played but also 'caddied' for me and i had to hit the shot he called.

The 7th hole was a 125 yard par 3 over water. 110 to carry the water. I immidiately pulled my pw (perfect 125 yard club) and jason handed me a nine and told me to hit that 3 quarter sawn off type shot. I knocked it perfectly pin high, albeit about 15ft left.

The next hole i would have usually hit driver or my 4w as it was a fairly generous fairway but Instead we both hit 3i and were easily short of the water hazard and bunker with 140 yards left in (perfect full 9i). I hit the three quarter (sawn off) type shot with an 8i and knocked it to 8ft. Id have never dreamed of hitting an 8i that yardage. The ball flight was a lot lower and way more controlled.

The other important area i can save shots is on the greens. Basically by reading slope better. Jason identified this by the notes he was taking whilst going round. Incidently, i played pretty nice and was about 4 or 5 over on a shortened course. Sometimes i was leaving myself a lot to do for par with my 2nd putt. Jason , if he missed was always only and inch or 2 passed the hole for a tap in par (or birdie).

Obviously we discussed a lot more after the round too over a drink but it was certainly money well spent. Came away with a few really good things to work on course management wise and swing wise too.

Let me know if you want any more info mate !

Ps. My first competition after the lesson was only a 13 hole pros comp, but were still on pretty much a full course and i went and shot level par and won it with 32 points. I used that three quarter shot a lot, and had zero 3 putts.

 

[Simbo]

On the 7th hole, why didn't he want you to hit your perfect full 9 iron shot?
Why did he want you to keep using the 3/4 type shot?