Tips for a lesson

[CMNI]

Hi folks,

New to the Forum and relatively new to the game.

I have followed golf for a few years, but only had time to pick up a club since last spring (May 1st to be exact). After a looooong summer of trying to work things out with tips from friends and family who play to a fairly good standard I have ended up with an ok game. I can hit the ball well and reasonably straight.

I picked up second hand clubs to start me off, and have had a complete overhaul since October (I read someones comment on here about the temptation of the shine off a new set of clubs, well it got the better of me). Since picking up the clubs I have improved a lot, and thought if this is what decent bats can do what about a proper lesson?

I suppose my question is, how do I avoid getting taken for a ride? What sort of things should you ask about? I don't want to show up to the lesson and spend the entire time changing my grip and stance- which may not be perfect for the pro, but suit me. I am not going to be playing pro, I just want to improve my game without having to start over.

Thanks

 

[WWG]

I am also new to the game (4 months), and new to the forum. I had two lessons from a friend of mine before I moved, and one since I got here. Without doubt they help, but to some extent it depends how old you are, and what you want out of the game. I should also point out that perfecting a shot on the range is so very very different to making it work on the course. I would advise you get advice from friends on what pro to use, as needless to say some are much better than others. My friends rates were well over £100 a lesson, but he is a top club pro and people will pay the money. The pro where I moved to charges £15. I really need more, because a good pro will determine a few problems at a time, and then get you to work on them. If he/she presents you with a bucket load of problems, your not going to get anywhere.

 

[ScienceBoy]

Let them change grip, stance, alignment and posture.

There is nothing worse than getting the fundamentals wrong.

 

[bobmac]

A good pro will ask you lots of questions.
Answer them honestly if you want the best advice

 

[jamielaing]

A good pro will see that your swing is your swing. Trying to make everyone fit into the same mould is ancient thinking. That said, if there are major flaws in your grip etc (which there is likely to be having only just started the game) it is much better to find out know and make the changes than wait 5 years and try to change things that feel very natural.

I appreciate your concerns, I am looking at getting lessons and am scared of the changes when I am hoping it is minor tweaks that's needed. But if it needs changed it needs changed.....

 

[MendieGK]

I would say, that if you are not willing to go 2 steps back to go 3 steps forward with lessons, i wouldnt bother. You'd be wasting your own time as well as the pros

 

[MendieGK]

I am also new to the game (4 months), and new to the forum. I had two lessons from a friend of mine before I moved, and one since I got here. Without doubt they help, but to some extent it depends how old you are, and what you want out of the game. I should also point out that perfecting a shot on the range is so very very different to making it work on the course. I would advise you get advice from friends on what pro to use, as needless to say some are much better than others. My friends rates were well over £100 a lesson, but he is a top club pro and people will pay the money. The pro where I moved to charges £15. I really need more, because a good pro will determine a few problems at a time, and then get you to work on them. If he/she presents you with a bucket load of problems, your not going to get anywhere.

over £100 a lesson? whats his name Butch Harmon?

I certainly wouldn't associate costs with quality coach. I would say its more to do with the environment they are in.

 

[CMNI]

I would say, that if you are not willing to go 2 steps back to go 3 steps forward with lessons, i wouldnt bother. You'd be wasting your own time as well as the pros

It's not as much not willing to go 2 back to improve. Rather, I am aware there are people out there that have set lesson plans. I just want to make sure I am not showing up and getting the same old same old "here is what I do with every new players that comes through", and if there are certain things that I should be asking.

 

[ScienceBoy]

It's not as much not willing to go 2 back to improve. Rather, I am aware there are people out there that have set lesson plans. I just want to make sure I am not showing up and getting the same old same old "here is what I do with every new players that comes through", and if there are certain things that I should be asking.

Drop those preconceptions and go along to a lesson, it's not going to be what you think.

They will do the same things for new starters for a good reason, we all tend to make the same basic mistakes.

The lessons will be tailored for you as you progress, but you need those solid fundamentals and you must work to engrain them.

Don't try to look for the personal treatment early on, group lessons work well too so don't discount going to a few of them.

 

[MendieGK]

It's not as much not willing to go 2 back to improve. Rather, I am aware there are people out there that have set lesson plans. I just want to make sure I am not showing up and getting the same old same old "here is what I do with every new players that comes through", and if there are certain things that I should be asking.

Certainly know why you are going. You are the customer, you tell the pro what you want to do/look at.

Personally (if i was you), i would start by explaining your situation and ultimately what your goals are in general and from the lessons. The pro should be able to articulate how he plans on helping you achieve it.

Remember, if you arent seeing the progress you want, there is no obligation to continue. I moved pros a couple of years ago as i didnt feel like it was getting anywhere, he was a great guy but i didnt see things the same way he did.

I couldnt be happier with my new coach and have been with him for almost 2 years.

 

[CMNI]

Drop those preconceptions and go along to a lesson, it's not going to be what you think.

They will do the same things for new starters for a good reason, we all tend to make the same basic mistakes.

The lessons will be tailored for you as you progress, but you need those solid fundamentals and you must work to engrain them.

Don't try to look for the personal treatment early on, group lessons work well too so don't discount going to a few of them.

I have one booked for tomorrow at 1pm. I have just joined a club, and the aim is to get below 20 this season.

 

[WWG]

over £100 a lesson? whats his name Butch Harmon?

I certainly wouldn't associate costs with quality coach. I would say its more to do with the environment they are in.

The best thing is that I got them for nothing because he is a mate. He has several pro's that work for him who do most of the lessons. He will only teach if people insist on lessons from him, and nobody else.

 

[jdpjamesp]

I have one booked for tomorrow at 1pm. I have just joined a club, and the aim is to get below 20 this season.

Same time as my lesson tomorrow! Spooky!
Enjoy.

 

[ScienceBoy]

I have one booked for tomorrow at 1pm. I have just joined a club, and the aim is to get below 20 this season.

Sounds like a plan! Best of luck!

BTW have you heard of this thing called "The Three Goals Method" I think it's by some top golf psychologist..

 

[selwood90]

I had the same pre conceptions about having a lesson. Being tarred with the same brush as every beginner. But it was completely the opposite. My pro asked me what I thought was wrong, video'd my swing, watched it back together. And we went from there, he never asked me how I gripped the club. Just watched me for 10 mins whilst I hit ball after ball and we went from there. After my lesson yes, I do feel iv gone 2 steps back to go 3 forward. But they're called 'pros' for a reason, and my advice would be to put your game and honesty in there hands and let them work with that. You will be suprised what they can fix and make you feel in an hour! Good luck!

 

[jasondransfieldgolf]

You want to go to someone who has an enthusiasm to see you improve. Someone who will make sure your fundamentals are sound. As already mentioned also someone who will ask lots of questions and allow you to ask just as many. You want to look at improving over time with someone who will give you the time and attention you need.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Welcome along. It has to be a two way street and you need to find someone that you can engage with and trust them to provide the best for your game. There are lots of very good teaching pros around, and I tend to go a lot on word of mouth as I think this sort of feedback is always a good indication. Explain what you are looking for in your lesson(s) and what your golfing aspirations are.

In the lesson, if you don't understand something ask for another explanation until you get it. Stay patient as changes will take time to feed into your swing and don't revert to the old methods. If you are given drills to work on, get down the range and do so. If you simply have the lesson, don't invest any time practicing before the next one, then you are wasting your time and cash in my opinion

 

[CMNI]

In the lesson, if you don't understand something ask for another explanation until you get it. Stay patient as changes will take time to feed into your swing and don't revert to the old methods. If you are given drills to work on, get down the range and do so. If you simply have the lesson, don't invest any time practicing before the next one, then you are wasting your time and cash in my opinion

Thanks. I basically live at the range haha. Surprisingly informative, no change to grip but my posture needed adjusted for more power. Really pleased we didn't stand with a mid iron the entire time and go from step one, but he said I seemed to have picked the basics up ok.

Gave him a list of goals, which he reckons are achievable this year. Handicap 18 come at me!

 

[SteveW86]

Does anybody in the Southampton area have any recommendations for a place to get lessons, looking to get a few early this year before the weather sorts itself out.