Tipping Your Golf Instructor

[Gator Hazard]

Good morning gentlemen,

I have my first one hour golf lesson today and was hoping someone could tell me if they tip their golf instructors afterwards, and if so, what is a good tip rate today for that type of service?  Golf instruction rate is usually $60 an hour and I got a package deal on 3 lessons.

Thanks in advance.

Gator Hazard

[Lihu]

I haven't been, but maybe not a bad idea if they're really good? 

Mike @mvmac, would you appreciate tips? 

Edited October 3, 2015 by Lihu

[Mr. Desmond]

If they are an independent contractor and don't give their fee to the range, ala Hank Haney's instructors, then a tip is not necessary.

 

If they are giving the fee to the range or school, which takes its cut, then I would offer a cash tip.

[Gator Hazard]

I never thought about that.  He is not employed at the golf course but uses it for golf instruction.  Thank you very much for the information.  

[Dave2512]

I wouldn't. Tips are what you offer service workers because they don't make a full hourly wage. 

[Patch]

I always thought that monetary tips were based on services rendered by those workers who depended on tips in addition to a smaller wage, for part of their take home pay. If the "personal" service given warranted a tip, then I would tip. If the service was poor, then no I would not tip. My key is personal service. A golf instructor provides a personal service. Whether they earn a tip, or not, is based on the quality of the service provided.  

[Abu3baid]

My initial reaction was no they don't get a tip and I don't tip them.. Then I thought about the last time I had lessons and changed my mind.

For one thing, he usually started with me before my lesson time and ended after my lesson time.  He also took time to reply to emails ect, and thus when it was time for me to pay for my last lesson I think he was only going to charge me 50$, but I gave him 70$.  He actually tried to give me back the extra 20, but I insisted he take it.  This constitutes a tip and it only makes sense, if you are happy with a service to give a little more if you like!

[Dave2512]

My concern would be any instructor that relied on tips probably wouldn't be worth seeing. My instructor (former) charges $120 an hour, the guy makes more than I do and has a cushy job at a country club. He certainly took the time to give me all the perks, follow up emails, offers to practice and was very accessible. For $120 I expected that.

[Mr. Desmond]

I don't think the OP said the instructor requested tips -- he wanted to know what is customary.

Some will go over time in the first lesson, some will not. If they go above and beyond, it's up to the golfer.

My instructor owns his place - I pay him upfront for a series of lessons. I do not tip him and have not seen another student attempt to tip. I do buy aids, books, or even game golf from him to supplement the lessons - since he offers them at retail, that's my tip to him.

Edited October 3, 2015 by Mr. Desmond

[Dave2512]

Whatever I assume any successful instructor would likely turn it down. They aren't waiters. I could see sending a Harry & David basket or something at Xmas but slipping them a Jackson seems tacky to me.

Edited October 3, 2015 by Dave2512

[Lihu]

Whatever I assume any successful instructor would likely turn it down. They aren't waiters. I could see sending a Harry & David basket or something at Xmas but slipping them a Jackson seems tacky to me.

I never thought about tipping instructors until reading thread, but offering a tip does seem a little bit inappropriate given they are professionals.

[newtogolf]

As a general rule I don't tip contractors or business owners.  I reserve tipping for lower wage workers who provide good to exceptional service.

Most golf instructors I know are either self employed or make significantly higher than minimum wage.  My way to show gratitude is to highly recommend them to others if they are good at what they do.

[Gator Hazard]

This is why I had asked.  I did not want to offend or insult if a tip is out of place. I'm from Vegas where tipping is a way of life and includes more than minimum wage workers. Had also thought about a gift or gift card around holidays. Will go that route if stick with him. Was a good first lesson, have my homework and will apply it on course tomorrow. Thanks for advice everyone. 

[dennyjones]

I took lessons during the winter and bought my instructor a gift certificate.  He didn't expect it but appreciated it.

[newtogolf]

This is why I had asked.  I did not want to offend or insult if a tip is out of place. I'm from Vegas where tipping is a way of life and includes more than minimum wage workers. Had also thought about a gift or gift card around holidays. Will go that route if stick with him. Was a good first lesson, have my homework and will apply it on course tomorrow. Thanks for advice everyone.

I doubt they would be offended or insulted, I just don't believe it's necessary.  An end of year gift card is a great way to show appreciation. 

[DrvFrShow]

I never got a tip when I gave a private piano lesson. Usually a complaint about the hourly charge.

[mvmac]

Good morning gentlemen,

I have my first one hour golf lesson today and was hoping someone could tell me if they tip their golf instructors afterwards, and if so, what is a good tip rate today for that type of service?  Golf instruction rate is usually $60 an hour and I got a package deal on 3 lessons.

Thanks in advance.

Gator Hazard

You're paying for their time for that hour, so it's not expected. It would be something I'd offer if the guy spent extra time with me after the lesson (more than 15 minutes) or answering texts or emails.

This is why I had asked.  I did not want to offend or insult if a tip is out of place. I'm from Vegas where tipping is a way of life and includes more than minimum wage workers. Had also thought about a gift or gift card around holidays. Will go that route if stick with him. Was a good first lesson, have my homework and will apply it on course tomorrow. Thanks for advice everyone. 

It's funny, Vegas is the only place I've heard about where golf instructors have gotten tips. Two guys that I know that teach at TPC Summerlin. Like you said, I think it's more of a way of life and those instructors were surprised when it happened.

 

Edited October 5, 2015 by mvmac

[Kenny Lee]

I never tip, but I'll bring a few cold beers if I have the final lesson of the day.