What next then?

[EastPreston]

I've been learning to use a golf club effectively for around 8 months and I am pretty keen to get better. Although possibly too keen.

I am still taking lessons once per month, but would like to advance my capabilities.

I have found a golf academy that offer 2 day intensive courses for a very good price - so do I go on this course to learn more? Or carry on paying £48 per hour each month and hope I don't forget it all each time.

I have an assessment coming up to try and establish a good game plan - so that's the first step I guess?

If I go on the intensive course, I save around £500 in lessons - but there is a chance I may have been taught it before..

 

[DCB]

Or carry on paying £48 per hour each month

I'd be looking for another coach. £48/hr seems a bit excessive for a run of the mill coach teaching a relative beginner.

Got to be better value for money in your area , surely

 

[bobmac]

As above.
Find a different coach around £30 an hour is perfect and practice what your taught and have a lesson about once every 3-4 weeks

 

[EastPreston]

I'd be looking for another coach. £48/hr seems a bit excessive for a run of the mill coach teaching a relative beginner.

Got to be better value for money in your area , surely

It was £58p/h before (PGA level 4). The £48/ph is Level 2. Although I managed to team up with another two people where each of us paid £18.

I'm not too fussed about the cash providing I'm getting the service I pay for - although I will investigate other club prices - Thank you.

Do you think it would be worth doing the intensive course?

 

[bobmac]

Do you think it would be worth doing the intensive course?

No

 

[DCB]

I did an intensive 4 day course many years back at the Inverclyde centre in Largs. Excellent tuition, however, there was too much to take in and as a result I couldn't play on the course for a while as my mind was scrambles with information overload.

 

[EastPreston]

Ok. Thank you all for your input.

I have found a cheaper instructor about 25 minutes away - he is based at the club I wanted to join.

Next question may be obvious but - how do I explain to the missus that I want to move closer to the golf course although it'll add 30 minutes to her drive to work

 

[bobmac]

how do I explain to the missus that I want to move closer to the golf course although it'll add 30 minutes to her drive to work

I can cure your hook or slice, but your on your own with that one fella

 

[CrapHacker]

Ok. Thank you all for your input.

I have found a cheaper instructor about 25 minutes away - he is based at the club I wanted to join.

Next question may be obvious but - how do I explain to the missus that I want to move closer to the golf course although it'll add 30 minutes to her drive to work

Don't.

Just tell her you're going to be late home during the summer months because you are having a wild affair with a sexy woman from work.

Then when she finds you're just playing golf she'll insist you move nearer the course, so she can keep an eye on you.

That's the theory anyway.

The other thing she might do is chase you down the road with your 9 iron, and beat you to a living pulp.

But what the heck. Life's nothing without the occasional gamble, is it ?

 

[bobmac]

Or....
tell her you're moving near some new clothes shops that are going to be built...soon

 

[EastPreston]

Just tell her you're going to be late home during the summer months because you are having a wild affair with a sexy woman from work.

She already thinks I am! This could work to my advantage!

Or....
tell her you're moving near some new clothes shops that are going to be built...soon

She like's horses. I'll have to see if theres any decent hacking for her there.

What if; I sell her horse and buy her some clubs - she'd have no choice but to give it a go..

Then, if she moves out - I'd be H/C 4 by the winter!

 

[Twire]

I'd be looking for another coach. £48/hr seems a bit excessive for a run of the mill coach teaching a relative beginner.

Got to be better value for money in your area , surely

It was £58p/h before (PGA level 4). The £48/ph is Level 2. Although I managed to team up with another two people where each of us paid £18.

I wouldn't pay to see a PGA level 2 coach, I would only pay a PGA professional. I believe the MINIMUM requirement for a PGA professional is level 3.

I have a level 1 PGA coaching licence, and that consisted of a 5 week course and a 2 day practical assessment. The level 2 course is a 6 month course and 2x2 day practical assessment. You don't need a low handicap for either level 1 or 2 and I'm not 100% sure your allowed to charge if your only level 2. I know you can't if your level 1.

 

[EastPreston]

That's interesting to know.

I wouldn't mind the title "golf pro".

 

[bobmac]

That's interesting to know.

I wouldn't mind the title "golf pro".

 

[EastPreston]

I am currently playing with the newbie-proof golden bear clubs, they cost £129. But I think it would be nice to upgrade - Should I?

I tried out a 6 iron Callaway Diablo Edge (I'm a lefty) and I managed an extra 20 yards. I miss hit the ball twice out of 30 balls as opposed to 10 times out of 30 balls with the golden bear.

They feel so much better - Do I commit...

 

[EastPreston]

That's interesting to know.

I wouldn't mind the title "golf pro".

I don't think I'd be able to convince anyone though.

 

[viscount17]

I am currently playing with the newbie-proof golden bear clubs, they cost £129. But I think it would be nice to upgrade - Should I?

I tried out a 6 iron Callaway Diablo Edge (I'm a lefty) and I managed an extra 20 yards. I miss hit the ball twice out of 30 balls as opposed to 10 times out of 30 balls with the golden bear.

They feel so much better - Do I commit...

newbie-proof is an interesting description - who came up with it? AG?

golden bear is the cheapest of the three Niklaus brands, not sure where I'd put in the market.

try some more, you know it makes sense.

 

[EastPreston]

try some more, you know it makes sense.

I tried the Callaway Diablo Edge, Callaway X22, Callaway Big Bertha, some titleist iron - there was another but I can't remember which. It's very limited when you are left handed unfortunately.

I'd like to try the Nike SQ MachSpeed, american golf have these and a few others that I'd give a go. I wouldn't mind a trade-in, anyone know a good website for that?

Do I "invest" the £500?

 

[GasMan]

Where were you taking lessons? At rustington driving range by any chance? If so I've watched the coaching methods and to say I'm less than impressed is an understatement!

Where/who is 25 minutes away from you also? I'd be very wary of any of the local "coaches" who only have you hitting into a net as to be honest at beginner level referencing what you feel to how the ball behaves after it's left the clubface and through the air is very important.

 

[EastPreston]

Where were you taking lessons? At rustington driving range by any chance? If so I've watched the coaching methods and to say I'm less than impressed is an understatement!

Where/who is 25 minutes away from you also? I'd be very wary of any of the local "coaches" who only have you hitting into a net as to be honest at beginner level referencing what you feel to how the ball behaves after it's left the clubface and through the air is very important.

Ok, I wasn't expecting that - but yes, Rustington.

I must say though - considering I couldn't grip the club right, hit the ball straight nor generate a solid swing, The pro's there changed this.

The level 3 coach is the only coach I have had so far, so I don't have anyone to compare him to by any means but I'm pretty sure the youtube video's I've been watching haven't taught me everything I know to date.

I was looking at chichester for lessons/club membership - I like the tower course, then you have the added advantages for a reasonable price. Although the only research I have done as far as lessons there is a price check.

Do you have any suggestion's or recommendation's for me?