Lessons: group v. private

Palouse · July 14, 2008

I'm new to golf and wish to take lessons as I'm totally erratic off the tee, my short game stinks, and I can't putt to save my life. I just received a lesson price list from my local course, and they're categorized as private at $75 for and hour, semi-private (rate for two people...no splitting it up) at $95/hr and group (3-5 students) at $40/hr per person. There are also breakdowns for multiple lessons.

This may be a lame question because I suppose it depends on the individual, but is it worth it to get one-on-one instruction, and is getting only one lesson somewhat of a waste of time? Looking and thankful for input.

Kind regards,
Trent

**alf174** · July 14, 2008

I did the group (multiple) and then the individual later (unless money is not a concern, than I guess it doesn't matter).

**Bourbon and Coke** · July 14, 2008

When my buddy was teaching, he said they required 3 lessons, because you simply can't address enough in a single lesson.

It looks to me like the best value is taking a lesson as a pair. Lessons tend to have some downtime because you take warm-up swings, work on drills with clear results, etc. I don't think you'd lose much in the way of attention by taking a lesson as a pair, and it's $47.50 per person compared to $75.00 (and only $7.50 more than a larger group.)

With that said, with the amount of money you are spending on equipment, greens fees, gas, etc., if you can find a Pro that you like to give you lessons, sign up as soon as possible . Personally, it took me almost 4 of crappy, expensive golf before I took a lesson because I couldn't find anyone I liked, trusted, and felt comfortable and ego-free around. Best decision I ever made (it turned out the lessons come from a good friend and former PGA Pro, so the costs are a couple beers I would've bought him downtown anyways, but...)

**Bourbon and Coke** · July 14, 2008

I realized I didn't directly answer your second question:

Personally, I saw vast improvements after only 1 lesson. I was regularly shooting in the 140s on the course I play regularly, and after 1 lesson, 1 day alone on the range, and 2 rounds of 18, I am down to 109. I went from using 4+ sleeves of balls in a round to using 3. I can actually go to the course and feel like I'm playing a real round of golf now, which is absolutely worth it. I still have kinks to work out in future lessons, but one lesson was not a waste of time.

**Harry Longshanks** · July 14, 2008

Palouse-

Where in Eastern WA are you? I think my pro knows some instructors there, and I might be able to get you some names.

Here is my recommendation, for what it is worth.

If you are brand-spankin new to the game with no idea how a good swing should look and feel, then find a smallish group lesson (no more than 5 people) that is within your budget.

Practice for a few weeks, then take a private lesson so an instructor can identify and help you with your swing faults. If you like the instructor, take more and regular lessons as much as your budget allows. But if you don't "click" with the instructor, try another instructor.

You WILL be worse immediately after a lesson. Your body needs time to assimilate the changes.

If you also need equipment, consider the ESPN "Beginner's Tour" Golf Clinic for the group lesson. You get a Callaway gift card that almost pays for the full day lesson (lesson = $525; Callaway gift card = $400 + extra $50 if you use AMEX card). I have heard that the clinics are pretty good, and Callaway makes some great equipment for beginners.

Palouse · July 14, 2008

Palouse-

Thanks, everyone, for the responses. I am brand spanking new. It started with my brother giving me a hand-me-down set of Nickent 3DX irons. And as new as I am, I think I'm going to go the group route just so I can get some instruction, and then practice. It's at that point that I'll consider more private instruction. I don't know how I could get much worse than I already am, but I'm sure it could happen.

I'm in Pullman, which is about 1.75 hrs south of Spokane. I've got three small kids, and my wife and I share one vehicle, so I'm pretty much limited to lessons at the new course on Washington State University's campus ( www.palouseridge.com ) at this point. My brother gave me the irons and other clubs he no longer uses when we were back visiting family in Tennessee in June, and I played three rounds of nine-hole golf with him and had a blast. That's all I've got under my belt. I don't have a travel bag, so I mailed the clubs to myself back here in Pullman. Everything but the irons showed up, and I mailed them on the 3rd, so I may be in the market for a new set of irons because I didn't insure them...I had no idea how much a set of irons cost. As such, I appreciate the tip on the Callaway clubs.

**Harry Longshanks** · July 14, 2008

I don't have a travel bag, so I mailed the clubs to myself back here in Pullman. Everything but the irons showed up, and I mailed them on the 3rd, so I may be in the market for a new set of irons because I didn't insure them...I had no idea how much a set of irons cost. As such, I appreciate the tip on the Callaway clubs.

Oops, you kinda Coug'ed that one didn't you?

Sorry! Sorry! I couldn't help myself. And I'm not even a Husky. In all seriousness though, I hope the irons show up. If not, go raise some he// with the shipping company. Who did you use? UPS and FedEx automatically give you a little insurance. Not sure about USPS. I hear the new WSU course is nice. Were you rooting for Kim on BB:Ka'anapali? One last tip: Find this girl:

and make her give you lessons. or maybe this one:

or possibly her:

or her (damn! I need to go back to college):

**mikelz** · July 14, 2008

Thanks, everyone, for the responses. I am brand spanking new. It started with my brother giving me a hand-me-down set of Nickent 3DX irons. And as new as I am, I think I'm going to go the group route just so I can get some instruction, and then practice. It's at that point that I'll consider more private instruction. I don't know how I could get much worse than I already am, but I'm sure it could happen.

That's a sound decision.

You'll get a good foundation on fundamentals from groups (at least the ones I've watched). At some point, you'll find a good instructor for "customization". I.E., there ain't one perfect swing, IMHO.

Palouse · July 14, 2008

Oops, you kinda Coug'ed that one didn't you?

Yeah, I Couged it. Those irons only had a season's use on them, and my brother is not pleased. I sent them USPS, so I'm completely out of luck if they don't show up.

I'm embarrassed to say this is the first I've heard of Welch. I don't get out much.

**Avid Golfer** · July 15, 2008

I'm new to golf and wish to take lessons as I'm totally erratic off the tee, my short game stinks, and I can't putt to save my life. I just received a lesson price list from my local course, and they're categorized as private at $75 for and hour, semi-private (rate for two people...no splitting it up) at $95/hr and group (3-5 students) at $40/hr per person. There are also breakdowns for multiple lessons.

I think it differs depending on what you want/need to work on, and what your goals are. If you don't have a specific goal in mind, and your tee shots are your only problem area right now (where you really only may need a few minutes of help - like a change in setup) I'd opt for the group lessons. If you have multiple goals you want to achieve then the private lesson may be better for you.

**Richie3Jack** · July 15, 2008

As a beginner you're probably better off going in a group. It'll save you money, it's actually a bit more fun to do it with somebody (not to mention when you go out and play with that person they can know what to look for in your swing) and group lessons usually go over the fundamentals which as a beginner is what you really need to know. Once you improve, then you should switch over to private lessons. And as always, if you don't have a camcorder...get one so you can video record your swing and watch it. You'd be utterly amazed how much that alone can help ones game.

3JACK

**trjohnson2** · July 16, 2008

Yeah, as a beginner I would lean towards the group option. Group lessons tend to focus on the basics, and the instructor moving back and forth between players gives you time to work on what you just learned. Chances are, as a beginner, you still have a very malleable swing, so you can apply general techniques to come up with your style. Plus you can watch the same adivce multiple times while the instructor works with other members of the group (Maximum retention!) In my experience, private lessons have tended to focus on the idiosyncracies of my swing, something that as a beginner, you wont deal with until you have the basics down.
Two other things; First, when my girlfriend started to get into golf, she took a few individual lessons and got frustrated rather easily, as she had nothing to compare her progress to other than the teaching pro. When she switched to group lessons and saw other people improving at the same pace it did wonders for her confidence. Second, group lessons offer the chance to meet similar level players, and an opportunity to set up a round woth players where you know you will be comfortable. rather than being in a group where you may be 5, 10, or 20 shots off other players scores, you won't feel out of place putting up some higher numbers or playing a bit slower.

Either way, stick with the lessons. They will work wonders for you game. Good luck and have fun.

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Lessons: group v. private

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