Egoolps

Thanks for the responses. Does anyone have any recommendations for a pro in the NW Suburbs of Chicago?

I called a pro on Monday afternoon, left a message, and didn't hear back from him yet. It didn't say anything about him being on vacation. I know in my job, if you don't return someone's phone call in 24 hours, you're probably going to lose a client. Maybe it's different with golf pros? This would be my first lesson, so I'm wondering how long I should give him.

Thanks for the responses so far. I'm heavily leaning toward going to the local pro for 5/$185. I can always go to my first one I'm sure and if I like him, add the next 4 and still get the $185 rate (it's 40/each). I mean, the guy has been at the place since 1991 and it's a good course. He has to be at least decent or he wouldn't still be working there, right? I've tried looking him up online for reviews but found nothing. Any other suggestions or is this a good idea? Does anyone suggest a one hour session off the bat even though I've never met him?

Here are my options: 1) The local pro: I don't know much about him, but should I assume that he's a good teacher because he's been at the club for 17 years? If so, this is what I'd like to do. 5 lessons are $185 total 2) Golf Galaxy: 3 for $150 3) Top Golf: If you don't have one in your area, it's basically an indoor facility. It's not Golftech, but they use all types of computers, things like that. 5 lessons are $275 What would you suggest? I'm a 25 year old golfer who shoots in the 120's. My game isn't as awful as it sounds. Yesterday I hit 4 pars, but on two holes I scored 15's. Basically, my game is spotty. I can have an amazing hole...but the next might be complete garbage. Suggestions? Thanks vets.

I've been playing for a little over a year. The clubs I got were $150 for the entire set (plus bag). I've been hesitant to buy clubs...as I was going to wait another year. My golfing buddies keep telling me that I should get new clubs...ESPECIALLY a new dirver...saying that I'll definitely see a difference if I get a good set of clubs. Can I just go out to a store a buy a new set? Or should I get fit for clubs? I'm still very new to the game....but my game has progressed significantly in only playing one year. Any suggestions for a "2nd" set? I don't want to have to buy clubs every year...as the first set was simply a starter set. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks.

Any other opinions on how close/far my lessons should be apart? I guess I should give a better background. I'm a beginner golfer by all means, but I'm very athletic. I've played baseball, basketball, football, etc. my entire life. Not sure how much that helps/hurts, but I'd imagine it helps that I'm athletic. I'm not completely lost, but I know my swing mechanics are not great. The instructor said: 1) Initial evaluation 2) We'll go from there He is a NEW golf pro, but I was referred to him by one of my best friends (one of his friends from college). So what should I expect as a layout for these 5 lessons? And also, how do I introduce "wiggle room" in the pricing, or is that not appropriate? The thing is, I could've chosen from hundreds of instructors, but picked this guy because he was referred by my friend. Thanks.

Obviously, with practice. I don't have money to do GolfTech, 30 lessons, etc. I have the money for 5 lessons. What can I get from a pro in five, 30 minute lessons? Can my swing be corrected that quickly?

What is your experience with golftec? On a scale of 1-10? How much does the 6 month term cost? What are the other options in terms of # of lessons/cost? If you go to GolfTec when it's cold (like here in Chicago), how can you benefit/see your play improve if you can't get on a course?

I'm certain I'll be taking lessons...whether from a Pro or GolfTec. However, is there a certain time that is best? I want to take them right now, but I was thinking it may be better to start them around February, that way when I'm done the season should be beginning (I live in Chicago, freezing until April). Vets, what's your opinion? Thanks.

I'll start with the good news. My swing is completely different than it was when I golfed for my 2nd time ever last Saturday (the first time was almost a year before that). With that said, I went to the range today. I hit some beautiful shots...more than I've ever hit before. With that said, please answer these questions: 1) I'm trying to keep my left arm straight...as in almost hyperextended....for my entire swing. Is that wrong? Should there be a bend in my arm? 2) Should my hands be doing virtually nothing but "following" the rest of my body? When I hit some of my great shots, this is how it felt. However, don't the wrists/hands play some time of role other than follower? 3) I've read that your back should be toward your "target." How much of your back? Are we talking parallel? As in my back is almost completely turned? 4) Are you supposed to have the same swing mechanics for every swing (with the exception of chip shots, putting, and punching?) 5) Here's my thought process before my swing: What is wrong with it? -Bend my knees a bit -Arms relaxed -Butt should be almost as if I'm sitting in a chair -Keep left arm straight the entire time -As the club is going up, I am turning my hips/back -As I swing, I'm virtually letting my shoulders/hips do all of the work with the hands simply following Anything would help. Thanks a ton.

I know this is a rookie question...but is this how it's supposed to be? I know the whole "left arm straight" applies...but should is still be straight when you are at the highest point of your backswing?

I have a set that, for the most part, is new. I've only used it 10 times. I bought it for like $150 at Sports Authority. Now that I'm a more "serious" golfer I guess (the fact that I originally just bought them to have them, now I actually try to play consistently), how important is a 3 and 4 iron? (my set did not come with it). Also, how important are the clubs you use? I'm a former baseball player...and the type of bat you used DID matter. A $75 bat was not NEARLY as good as a $250 bat. If you hit two balls with the same bat...they may go in the same direction...but you won't hit it as solid or with nearly as much power. How is that in regards to golf. With that said, should I buy a "good" set of clubs? Or do I stick with the $150 pair for a while?

Hey guys/gals. I'm a newcomer looking for some advice. I'll try to make this short and sweet. I'm 25 and just started playing. I'm very athletic, so I think that should be a big plus for me (in terms of my learning curve). I've played 3 times in the past year with friends...and needless to say...they get annoyed because of how bad I am. I've been to the range 10-15 times. I'll hit good balls occasionally...but not often. I'm MUCH more consistent with my irons. With that said: Do I get lessons? I've had people tell me both things. Some have said just play until you get better, some have suggested books, and some have suggested a pro. What's your take? I really enjoy this game...and I'm sure I would more if I was a better player. Aside from my question about lessons, I'm just looking for some basic advice from you vets out there for a guy starting out (mistakes you made, etc.) Thanks a bunch.

Tiger. He could retire now and would still be better.

My goal is to be able to go golfing with my friends and them not get frustrated because they are beating me by 15 strokes each time.