Hey folks,

I'm going to take a lesson for the first time next week and was wondering if others have taken lessons before or are totally self taught. I've never been coached by anyone in this game and I want to have someone tell me what I'm doing right or wrong....mostly wrong probably. It'll be just an hour, but if someone can give me a couple of pointers before we really get into the season I think it will be money well spent...with the wife's permission, of course. Anyone else take a lesson?

Brian

If you are going to take a lesson, don't expect too much. Typically a series of lessons are needed to make any significant improvements unless your game and swing are sound and just need some fine tuning.

I would consider this lesson as an audition by the instructor. After the lesson ask yourself if the instructor asked you what you wanted. Did he/she explain what they wanted you to do in a clear manner? Did the instructor work with your swing, grip, stance or did they suggest a complete change? Did you like the instructor and feel comfortable with their approach?

If you had a positive experience and the instructor met all your expectations, then sign on for a series of lessons. Also, remember that most everyone gets worse before they improve, even Tiger Woods. It takes time to make changes in a golf swing and the learning curve is typically 6-12 months.

In my experience, there are three type of instructors (there may be others, but if so I haven't met them yet):

The first type is reactive, (s)he just tries to "quick fix" whatever your problem is. You can easily book a single lesson here and get a view pointers to what you're doing wrong. This usually is okay if you can't figure out why something that used to work suddenly stops being effective. Typical lines you'll hear from him/her: "keep your head down", "your shoulders are not aligned correctly" and "try standing up a bit (less)".

The second type teaches a "standard" swing type. You'll soon get bored here and chances are you will not really improve (but he/she may shave of two or three shots from your average score). Things this type of instructor change may feel strange and don't be surprised if you'll get hurt in the process. Typical lines: "let's try some stack and tilt", "let's start with the basics: grip".

Than there is the third type that really analyzes your game (he may even accompany you during a round) and adjusts it to match your possibilities. From this type, you may expect some quick improvements, followed by more substantial improvements in the longer run. Typical lines: "first, we'll play a round together" and "let's make a plan of attack".

I have worked with all three types. Currently working with "the analyzer" and progress is slowly picking up speed!

So, it's all up to you. What do you expect, how much time (and money) do you want to invest?

In the end, you must click with the instructor. If it doesn't, look elsewhere.