Are lessons worth the money?

I am a basically self taught golfer, who is really average at best, and have battled for years with myself about just going out and paying the money to get lessons.  I really want to improve my game, but I hate wasting money.

Have lessons been worth the money for you?  How many lessons did you take?

I've gone from a 100's shooter to about a 10 hc since I picked the game back up last May (10 year layoff since the end of high school).  I started out with one lesson at the beginning and then tried to teach myself.  Honestly, ever single time I've mad a big improvement, it's come after a lesson.  No matter how much research and practice you do, you're going to miss something and it's probably going to be huge.

I'd say start out with a lesson every other week.

If you can find a good pro to work with, lessons are worth every penny.

Yep this.

It's a two-way street. You need to find a good pro who can explain things to you. To you want a swing tweak, or a swing rebuild? Then you have to practice systematically to improve. (If you're an 8 HDCP, this shouldn't be a problem.)

Without a doubt taking lessons is necessary to improve ones golf game.  An instructor can film and break down ones swing and point out any flaws. Think of taking lessons as an investment and a lower score will be the return on the investment.

I would agree with everything said thus far.  For myself however, it would not be cost effective to spend money on lessons. First of all, I am 71 years old, I no longer compete, its highly unlikely I would improve all that much. I have seen quite a bit of improvement left to my own devices, videos, and long term study of the game in general. I know what works (for me), and what does not. I get just as much enjoyment out of practice and trying new things as I do playing.  I am fortunate in that I can go out and play an 18 hole round, walk ( pull cart), and keep up with the 20 year olds that I am paired with on occasion. They do not out drive me by all that much, but one of the courses is on a military base and a lot of those 20 year olds are new to golf. My 220 yard drives, do just fine. Short game is exemplary (at times).

Yes, in my opinion lessons are worth the money.  I have taken quite a few since last fall when I took the game back up after a lot of years and the lessons have been very helpful.  Nobody likes to waste money, but greens fees are expensive too, particularly if you're not happy with the way you are playing.

One thing that is worth mentioning is that a lot of pros may approach their sessions with you differently depending on what you ask for.  If you go in asking for help curing a slice you may get a completely different "Band-Aid" approach than if you go in asking them to help you become a better golfer.  If you ask for the latter, be prepared for them to possibly suggest major changes to your setup and swing.  This is the avenue that will likely provide the greatest long term results, but it will hurt for a while as you make the adjustments.  And one lesson won't do because in many cases you will have to get one change done before it is possible to start on the next.  However, with a decent coach you will likely start seeing real results pretty quick!

Tiger has a swing coach, so does Phil.

Lessons are well worth the money if you enjoy the game and want to improve.