Poll: how many golf lessons have you had in 2015?

[AMcC]

I have had 6 this year so far with another booked for Tuesday. I feel they have been beneficial and I now know my swing better. My handicap dropped from 18 to 16, this really happened during September. I had a spell of 5 medal rounds which consisted of two cuts, two buffers and a 0.1. Just before that spell the work in the lessons just clicked.
Going forward we intend to have a playing lesson early in the year with a view to be fully prepared for next season starting.
One big thing that has come from the lessons was getting a plan to work with on the range, not just hitting balls - a more structured practice now underway

 

[bladeplayer]

None for me , got first ever 2 or 3 lessons about 3 years ago, way too much going on in my head standing over the ball ,



First year I did no practice at all aswell , handicap went up . so back to practice in 2016 but no more lessons I think

 

[njrose51]

Found a really good coach that is not only helping with the physical aspects of the game, especially the fundamentals, but also in the mental side/dealing with pressure. We are beginning to look at course management and competition strategy as well. Given me a lot more confidence on the course. Before using him, I was averaging around 13th in competition results, but in the 3 competitions since, I was 10th, 6th and 5th. I also qualified for my end of year final. I think with the coaching, if you can find one that works, then stick with it. But also, it helps to say to him/her when things/techniques they tell you are not working. Can't wait to go back in the new year and start 2016 season.

 

[drewster]

None for me !! My golfing pass outs are limited and i'd rather play on course with my limitations that us my "allowance" on the range.

 

[GreiginFife]

None, and none in the years previously either.
Managed to drop 1.8 off my handicap this year to end in single figures for the first time in my adult life, so will just keep doing what I am doing and assessing and amending as I go.

 

[larmen]

Only got started this year. We started with a weekend block of a beginner school, then did 3 group courses of beginner 2, intermediate 1 and intermediate 2 at our local. And we now booked individual (well, 2 people) lessons with a pro locally. So overall we did about 20+ hours in a group coaching environment, graduating to lessons later this week.

 

[Green Bay Hacker]

Five for me. Worked on my swing last winter but as the season wore on and my golf deteriorated it became harder and harder to start my back swing on the tee. Kevin Na was like Usain Bolt compared to me at times. I didn't have a clue if I was going to have a weak fade or a straight pull and after trying to fix the problem myself I eventually went back for another lesson. It took the pro less than two minutes to confirm it was my down swing and nothing to do with my take away/over swing. I know you don't hit the ball on the back swing but once it's in your head you have a problem. Now I don't even think about the backswing any more and can't wait to get on the tee.

 

[JohnnyDee]

Zilch for me and only one ever in 30 odd years. It was out of total desperation when I once seemed to have contracted a terminal case of The Shanks about 15 years ago.

That lesson consisted of me hitting balls on the range with our then Pro. Despite me having shanked about 45 of a bucket of 50 the day before I hit them all perfectly well on the day of my lesson.

His verdict..."I can't see that you're doing anything wrong"

Not the silver bullet I'd hoped for and even now they will come back to haunt me the odd time. I'm still none the wiser about their cause though.

it's a funny old game Saint!

 

[MashieNiblick]

Just one for me. Wasn't striking my irons well so had a lesson to sort it. Wasn't getting the club in a good position at the top (my swing can get a bit flat). Usually have 1 or 2 a year either for a quick check of basics or to fix particular problems. Been going to the same pro for 30 + years so he knows my swing and what will will work for me.

 

[AMcC]

Just one for me. Wasn't striking my irons well so had a lesson to sort it. Wasn't getting the club in a good position at the top (my swing can get a bit flat). Usually have 1 or 2 a year either for a quick check of basics or to fix particular problems. Been going to the same pro for 30 + years so he knows my swing and what will will work for me.

There's a lot to be said for getting a pro to work with that you like, he understands what you want out the game and sticking with him or her.

 

[ScienceBoy]

I have had more lessons than o have played rounds of 18 on a full length course!

Has maximised my scoring ability and fun I got from the days out. I had hope to play more but life for in the way

I think despite not playing much my game is the best it has ever been.

 

[jdpjamesp]

Just booked a golf fitness lesson to work on flexibility and strength a bit. Should be interesting!
And having checked the joint credit card I see MrsP has bought me a lessons voucher for Christmas. Well I assume it's for me... :whoo:

 

[Curls]

Just booked a golf fitness lesson to work on flexibility and strength a bit. Should be interesting!
And having checked the joint credit card I see MrsP has bought me a lessons voucher for Christmas. Well I assume it's for me... :whoo:

Yikes. That could be awkward...

 

[jdpjamesp]

Yikes. That could be awkward...

:rofl:

 

[Curls]

"Just tell me one thing Sharon....

Is his handicap lower than mine?"

 

[Crawley1981]

Zero for me if i don't count a free 15 minute swing check with the pro at my local driving range. Handicap has gone from 12-9 so i must be doing something right.

Am planning on having lessons early next year though.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

'have they made a difference?' Yup - they stopped me shanking every shot ever time (other than putts and woods)

 

[3565]

Had a lesson today, really trying to get separation from the shoulders turning/unwinding at the same time as the hips on the downswing. When the left hip initiates the rotation and the shoulders/arms unwind after the hips have started to clear and face the target, the lag produced and the force created, feels like you can be more aggressive through the ball.

 

[AmandaJR]

I have regular lessons and have done with the same excellent coach for the past 5 years. Usually every 6 weeks or so but depends what I'm working on and if there's something I really need help with. So voted in the 11-20 range. Not included the regular and excellent online lessons provided by the_coach which have also proved invaluable this past year.

I also practice a lot and enjoy that element - 100% necessary to get the most from lessons.

I always get the feeling that those who don't have lessons, have never had a lesson, don't ever practice etc wear that as a badge of honour and look down at those of us that do...or maybe I'm just being over-sensitive!

 

[Crow]

I have regular lessons and have done with the same excellent coach for the past 5 years. Usually every 6 weeks or so but depends what I'm working on and if there's something I really need help with. So voted in the 11-20 range. Not included the regular and excellent online lessons provided by the_coach which have also proved invaluable this past year.

I also practice a lot and enjoy that element - 100% necessary to get the most from lessons.

I always get the feeling that those who don't have lessons, have never had a lesson, don't ever practice etc wear that as a badge of honour and look down at those of us that do...or maybe I'm just being over-sensitive!

Those who have "never had a lesson" are, I'm guessing, just talking about paying a PGA Pro for a lesson.
Many of them are conveniently forgetting the countless occasions where they've been given guidance and swing advice from family and fellow players.
Some of this advice (a large percentage for those lucky enough to know and play with better golfers) will be of a very high standard.