Recommend a pro ?

[nowtfancy]

I’ve been a bit wary of asking this for some reason, but I am going to have some more lessons, and I’m unsure about going where I have been previously, so rather than just taking pot luck can anyone recommend a pro in or near Sheffield?

I’m a high handicapper, now usually a gross (both meanings) around 100 – 105 and have set myself a target of h/c of 24 and beating a mate of mine who plays off 18 this year, as well as experiencing more birdies ! only two so far, but boy they felt good!

I had some lessons this time last year as a complete beginner, the first couple were very good – grip/stance, but then after that it was mostly hit 2 x 9 irons, 2 x 7 irons, 2 x 5 irons. If they went well ‘that’s good’ if they didn’t ‘forget that one’.
And I had to pay for each ball I used – is that normal?!

 

[Macster]

Pay per 'ball' ??????

Nope....not normal at all.

I cant reccommend anyone local to you, maybe ask around and get some feedback on local fellas.
But, to give you an idea, I go to the Pro @ Ganton GC, a prestigious inland course, and Gary charged me £25 for a 40min lesson, which was actually over an hour, with unimited balls on the massive range, and he even video'd me as well.
Now thats service.

 

[nowtfancy]

Ah yes that reminds me! as well as being a bit riled at having to pay for the basket of balls, and the lack of content, the lesson always started late & finished on time!

 

[Macster]

Dont go back to whoever that was.

 

[vig]

I believe that Pete Cowan has a school in Rotherham.

failing that, if you're willing to travel a little. We have one that comes to our track, freelance. Pretty good, video analysis etc..

 

[nowtfancy]

I believe that Pete Cowan has a school in Rotherham

Cheers, yes I've looked at this
http://www.petecowen.com/golf_lessons.html

this is my likely option at the moment, would be at the professional rather than the director level (this year anyway!)
Would just like someone to say I've used so & so and he was great!

 

[HRC99]

Ah yes that reminds me! as well as being a bit riled at having to pay for the basket of balls, and the lack of content, the lesson always started late & finished on time!

I definitely wouldn't go back there! Think about what you want from a pro before you go and then discuss this with them.

Are you looking for one or two lessons or a regular series of them? You can often get better deals by booking a few at a time. The pro I use is £25 a time or 5 lessons for £100.

Be prepared to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince.

I've had quite a lot of lessons with different pros and they are not all equal. Some were excellent for me, others not so. That isn't necessarily a criticism but your pro needs to be able to make you understand what it is they want you to achieve and explain/show/demonstrate it to you so that you understand it. Some couldn't do that with me and yet other people swear that they are brilliant.

It is a very personal thing. I'd try and pop along and have a chat with them or an introductory lesson to makre your mind up.

 

[Oggie41]

I live in Sheffield myself, where do you play? Were your lessons at Rother Valley by any chance? If you're looking for someone else I'd recommend Wayne Yellot at Tinsley - top bloke, cheap enough (I paid about 16 quid for half an hour) and you are actually hitting off grass instead of a driving range. I've heard good things about that Pete Cowan school though as well.

 

[In_The_Rough]

Not posted on here for a few weeks due to various reasons but I live in Chesterfield and I use the Pro at Renishaw Park. I can definitely recommend him. Grass Practice area as well not off mats. Nigel Parkinson is his name the link to the club is below
http://www.renishawparkgolf.co.uk/

 

[drawboy]

Was it at a range? sounds like they have charged you for the lesson and a basket of balls..scandalous I would go see any pga pro at a golf course near you, granted there are teachers better than others but any pga pro will soon have you on the right track and wont diddle you.

 

[nowtfancy]

I live in Sheffield myself, where do you play? Were your lessons at Rother Valley by any chance?

I think that’s why i’ve been wary of getting into this discussion - I’d rather not say! I’m sure who I used before is great for some people..
I play anywhere – joined the Golfit council scheme which is great cause I use the gym in town too. As well as Tinsley, Tapton, Beauchief & Birley, also play Rother Valley, Birch Hall depending on what internet offers around or who I’m playing with.
Been to Sitwell, Dore & Totley, College Pines & Bondhay once each.
Enjoy playing anywhere really!


Can't work out how to quote from two messages! but re the Nigel at Renishaw - Someone I know recommended him, but to be honest the lad that spoke highly of him was rubbish at golf!! Which kind of put me off!
I had a look at website but found it difficult to get an idea for prices – might give him a ring as that’s nice & near home.

 

[In_The_Rough]

I have been using Nigel for lessons for nearly a year now. I would not think of swapping to be honest. He certainly is not the cheapest around by a long chalk nor is he the dearest. £150 for 6 1hr lessons if memory serves me correct. Give him a ring and arrange to meet him in the Pro Shop that is what I did and spent about 1/2hr discussing needs and where you think you game needs improving. Nice little course as well Renishaw. The lessons will take place on the practice field round the back of the clubhouse on the grass practice ground and all balls provided at no charge!! I am a Member at Chesterfield GC Walton where are you from ?

 

[Oggie41]

Yes I was a member of that Golfit scheme until recently - you can't beat it for value for money. Tinsley and Tapton are both cracking council courses.

Me and a few mates have just joined Bondhay actually - they had waived the joining fee over xmas (normally £1200) so it was a no-brainer really for a championship standard course. It's a difficult track though, I'll do well to keep my current handicap there!

Good luck with finding a new pro anyway, let us know how it goes.

 

[In_The_Rough]

Yes Bondhay is a challenge. I shot 92 of the Whites last time I played there never been so happy!!!! The 18th is now a real brute lost a few balls into the various ponds on that hole over the last couple of years. Tapton is a good course as well not Council owned anymore though not an easy track either IMO