Playing Lessons

[backwoodsman]

Have been having lessons at the range on and off for a bit now, but tomorrow, as a first for me, off to the course for a playing lesson with my pro. Just nine holes but should be interesting. Anyone else done it & found it useful? (And as an aside will be the first time I've seen someone play off better than scratch other than on the telly.)

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Its an interesting insite. The thing I found most rewarding wasn't so much to do with the technical side i.e. hitting the ball, but the mental, course management side.

When I had a playing lesson the pro let me play my shot and then asked what I was thinking. Where was I aiming, what was I trying to achieve, could I have done anything differently.

Basically if you can try and get an understanding of course management, where and when to take risks and when to play the percentages, when you go back out for a proper 18 irrespective of how you strike the ball I think you will probably save yourself a few shots.

Don't be afraid to hit some bad ones tomorrow. By doing so your pro will be able to teach you what to do next to minimise the damage.

Enjoy

 

[backwoodsman]

Don't be afraid to hit some bad ones tomorrow. By doing so your pro will be able to teach you what to do next to minimise the damage.

Enjoy

No worries about hitting bad ones - he's seen plenty enough so far. 'Cept he doesn't have to help look for them on the range

 

[GB72]

I did this a month or so back. Agree that it is very useful for course management and gives you a better understanding of the shots to play. As a high handicapper, it was also very interesting to have small adjustments made on the way round and then to see them work. Overall a very worthwhile experience and £22 well spent.

 

[forefortheday]

Had one a while ago

Let me hit first and took a 3 wood about 180 yards he then procceeded to hit hi driver so high and far I felt like giving up there and then

Taught me a few things about alingment on the course and strategy but I think I annoyed him when I asked if he'd ever tried to make it on a tour.

To be honest I think i've learnt more about course management from making my own mistakes

 

[billyg]

Have been having lessons at the range on and off for a bit now, but tomorrow, as a first for me, off to the course for a playing lesson with my pro. Just nine holes but should be interesting. Anyone else done it & found it useful? (And as an aside will be the first time I've seen someone play off better than scratch other than on the telly.)

if it's not too bold a question - might I ask what a nine hole playing lesson might cost?

Quite expensive I would guess?

it certainly sounds a good idea.

 

[GB72]

Varies depending on where you live and play. Near me it costs £22.00.

 

[viscount17]

GB, that is damn cheap! I would expect to pay at least three 1/2 hr sessions.

 

[TonyN]

yeah that seems really cheap, as most pro's charge that for about 45 mins.

Theyt have a mens day on a monday at our short course and the pro goes out with groups to teach, is cheap aswell but its not one on one!

 

[GB72]

Lessons are a real bargain at Rutland Water. Half hour lesson has just gone up in price from £12.00 to £14.00 but still a real bargain. It has only been an 18 hole course for a year so assume prices are rock bottom to try and attract new golfers. I still have lessons etc there even though I have changed clubs as been working with the pro there since I started.

 

[Nico]

Mate, just enjoy your time on the course and watch what he does and which shots he chooses to hit. He will be happy to be on the course and is there to help you not show off.

Dont be intimidated because he is better than you,most pros were not actually scratch when they went pro.

The difference between even a really good club pro and a tour pro is way more than between me 5hcap and scratch so do not under any circumstances ask him why he cant get on tour!!!

 

[theeaglehunter]

I've always been interested in this. Never had a playing lesson myself as the prices are nearer £80 near me and I am unsure of the benefits, but am not questioning whether or not it would be a great experience. Let us know how you get on, and the pros and cons compared to a range lesson.

 

[medwayjon]

I would reckon fantastic for course management a fine-tuning real situation shots but from a technical point of view the range is the place to learn.

 

[billyg]

I think I would be looking well into three figures for half a rounds' worth of pro company.

 

[medwayjon]

My pro charges £35!

 

[Glenfish]

A round with the pro must be a great idea! I am having lessons on the range where I look actually quite good but its a different matter hitting off the grass, my game seems to fall apart Good luck

 

[backwoodsman]

Durned computer playing up, so not able to get back till now. Cost - I had a one off lesson then considered buying a package. I could have got 5 for £120 but he said if I bought 10 at £200 he'd throw in a playing lesson - so that's what I went for (would have had 10 anyway).

As to the lesson - very interesting indeed. My main fault on the course it seems is not committing to the shot and hence duffing it only about 2/3rds of the way to target. And my short pitching is 5hit - but I always knew that.

Watching him - awesome. Never seen anyone in the flesh strike it so well. But I matched him gross on two holes & beat him on one - damn near eagled the last. Hit the flag and stopped it dead.

Overall, given chance, I do it again.