Golf Lesson Advice

[dadika13]

I think asking for advice from this eclectic bunch of us is usually a scary thought...but the golf club suggestion thread was real solid so I'm going here for this.

I'm going to do my first golf lesson this spring. I've watched enough youtube videos and practiced enough to get down to a 13-15 handicap but I'm stuck there for the past 3-4 years now and not getting better. It's time for a lesson because my swing is too long and quick which means it's not consistent at all.

Anyone have advice on what to look for when looking for the right pro? I'm lucky enough to have a lot of options up here to choose from so I can get picky but I don't even know where to start besides reviews online which I take with a grain of salt. My goal is someone who won't try to completely remodel my swing so I spend 30 hours with him, instead someone who will listen to my top 3 problems I'd like to fix and work on them.

Any advice on how to find this and what to look for is very appreciated.

 

[nctransplant]

I think asking for advice from this eclectic bunch of us is usually a scary thought...but the golf club suggestion thread was real solid so I'm going here for this.

I'm going to do my first golf lesson this spring. I've watched enough youtube videos and practiced enough to get down to a 13-15 handicap but I'm stuck there for the past 3-4 years now and not getting better. It's time for a lesson because my swing is too long and quick which means it's not consistent at all.

Anyone have advice on what to look for when looking for the right pro? I'm lucky enough to have a lot of options up here to choose from so I can get picky but I don't even know where to start besides reviews online which I take with a grain of salt. My goal is someone who won't try to completely remodel my swing so I spend 30 hours with him, instead someone who will listen to my top 3 problems I'd like to fix and work on them.

Any advice on how to find this and what to look for is very appreciated.

You need to just find a pro you are comfortable with. Hit several clubs and ask around.

 

[Terror Beard]

I've never taken a golf lesson (and it's apparent). But I have a buddy who is a golf pro and we used to play together a little bit back in the day. And just simply playing with him helped my game immensely. My brother-in-law was one of those guys that really wanted to become a good golfer (he's now probably a 10 handicap) but he did the same thing. Although he didn't have a golf pro buddy so he went out and made a new friend. He just started going to a particular club, playing 9 and then hanging around in the clubhouse, shooting the shit and basically manufactured a new friendship. Then the pro started asking him to play in foursomes with some of his buddies. By playing with those guys, he got a couple new friends but free lessons as well.

That's my suggestion. Go make friends with a pro or a really good golfer that wouldn't mind sharing his expertise. I don't like the idea of paying for lessons from a guy that you don't know any better than the man in the moon. They have no investment in your game. I imagine more often than not, these golf pros just go out to the range with these suckers and go through the motions.

 

[dadika13]

I've never taken a golf lesson (and it's apparent). But I have a buddy who is a golf pro and we used to play together a little bit back in the day. And just simply playing with him helped my game immensely. My brother-in-law was one of those guys that really wanted to become a good golfer (he's now probably a 10 handicap) but he did the same thing. Although he didn't have a golf pro buddy so he went out and made a new friend. He just started going to a particular club, playing 9 and then hanging around in the clubhouse, shooting the shit and basically manufactured a new friendship. Then the pro started asking him to play in foursomes with some of his buddies. By playing with those guys, he got a couple new friends but free lessons as well.

That's my suggestion. Go make friends with a pro or a really good golfer that wouldn't mind sharing his expertise. I don't like the idea of paying for lessons from a guy that you don't know any better than the man in the moon. They have no investment in your game. I imagine more often than not, these golf pros just go out to the range with these suckers and go through the motions.

Appreciate this and that last paragraph hit the nail on the head with what I'm thinking/concerned with. I may go that route you suggested and ask around. I have a bunch of friends who golf and I'm sure someone knows someone (who may know someone etc).

 

[plm]

i would suggest doing your homework on the front end and get an accredited pro. a pga teaching pro has to be certified and pass some tests along the way. not to say you will not have personally differences but at least they will be able to teach you the fundamentals. i have used the Dana Radar institute and been very happy with their results. i have taken lessons on and off from multiple instructors through the years. im a 6 handicap now and started around a 18 or so. my suggestions would be to go in with an open mind and don't limit their ability to fix the problems. usually a good teacher will know your strengths and be able to identify "your swing" and teach to that. Also very important be prepared to get worse before you get better. you may go back to a 16-18 before you go to a 10-12 range. there is a reason you are stuck at 13-15! best of luck

 

[heelmanwilm]

Quit

 

[gteeitup]

most pros are alcoholics so start at the bar...not the club bar because members don’t take that well, but try a watering hole near a course that has trivia, pinball, and karaoke.

all you have to do is start talking about golf and they’ll come running...also, don’t pay more than $35 a half hour.

i was a scratch player until i got to college(to play) and that ruined me, or enlightened me depending on who you ask...i’m cool now being an 8, but if my kids start taking an interest, i might have to start taking it seriously...cause you, i can’t have that s in my house.