What kind of Lessons?

Hi everyone,

Am trying to figure out what would be more suitable for a beginner? Private lessons or group lessons? How many sessions would be good to start with?

Please someone help out.. Thanks

I guess that mostly depends on cost and type of lessons offered.  I wouldn't just go to a random group lesson, but if it was for beginners, and didn't cost that much, it might be worthwhile.  If you end up at a general group lesson you may be lost and it wouldn't do you any good.  If you are with another batch of beginners, it might be a more economical way to go. If you have the money, I would say 3-4 individual lessons would be the way to go if you really want to learn in the hopes of becoming a good golfer.  If you just want the basics so you can play a few times a year, the group might suffice.

I'd suggest attending free/cheap group lessons to begin with to understand the golf swing and how you use your body to swing the club. After each lesson spend some time working on what you've learned until you can do it well, then attend another lesson. Once you have grooved a rough golf swing based on those group lessons that take a look at a private lesson to start correcting anything you've begun to do incorrectly.

Here in the UK my local range has a free £80 worth of group lessons for beginners with a free 7 iron to get you started. While that offer is not suitable for me it's helped a family member's swing massively!

Echo the above posts in that if the groups are small and appropriate and cost is a factor it would be ok to start this way.  Just be sure the groups are small enough for some individual attention to make sure you are getting started with the fundamentals correctly.  Then after a bit, pick up a couple of individual lessons.

If cost is not a problem, I do believe individual instruction is better.

There are beginners then there are "beginners". If you have zero experience hitting a ball with a stick  of any kind (not sure if breaking open a pinata counts) then a group lesson might be embarassing. If you have a basic understanding but just have never played a round on a course, then you might find a group lesson tedious and boring.

I would say group lessons first, private lessons when you have gained some experience.  Some community colleges/driving ranges  have a series of lessons, these are great to meet others in your situation and allows some time from week to week to practice what was taught.  Our golf bubble does some lessons for 100 yds and in...a great beginner focus.  Enjoy and if you only learn 1 thing it should be...PLAY FAST

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. If there are group lessons available for beginners, i'll check it out but so it'll be a little more affordable..

Thanks minibludragon.. Thats good to hear there are free group golf lessons out there.. I need to keep my eyes open for that. My plan is to get the most basic lesson then practice what i've learned  so I can get the hang of my swing.  After I get the hang of it, am going to a pro coach to correct what am doing wrong and for him or her to point out what i should maintain and improve.

Thanks weavej2.. I never thought about checking out the college driving ranges.. I;ll look into it and inquire about the available lessons they have for beginners. Thanks again

Once you have your basics down, individual lessons do wonders for your game! Call around so you can find the best prices. Just because its top dollar at a country club doesnt mean its the best instruction. I dont know how may pros allow this, but when i get an individual lesson, i bring my girlfriend and so its like a 2 person lesson, but he only charges the single individual lesson fee. She gets lessons for free, which saves me money lol. The best thing i got out of my lessons was finding out why the ball sliced or hooked, or why i hit it too fat or too thin. Because of my lessons, if im slicing i know i have to come through the ball more. Im not just hacking away and getting angry because i have no clue what im doing wrong. Ask LOTS of questions. Good luck and have fun!