Finding local instruction/lessons?

[CosmosMpower]

Is there some sort of good website or locator to find PGA instructors in a specific area with their qualifications and hourly rates? I'm going to bite the bullet and try and do a 3-5 lesson set to straighten out my swing. I'm specifically having a problem with my grip and the face shutting at the top of the backswing. When I force it open it feels very uncomfortable and shanks/slices the ball badly. I'm located in Dallas, TX. I wouldn't mind if they were just 30 mins each time and would prefer to keep it under 250 total. I know the major chains (golf galaxy, golfsmith etc) do video lessons but I don't know if outdoors on a range would be better. Any advice is welcome.

Thanks in advance.

[Fourputt]

Is there some sort of good website or locator to find PGA instructors in a specific area with their qualifications and hourly rates? I'm going to bite the bullet and try and do a 3-5 lesson set to straighten out my swing. I'm specifically having a problem with my grip and the face shutting at the top of the backswing. When I force it open it feels very uncomfortable and shanks/slices the ball badly. I'm located in Dallas, TX. I wouldn't mind if they were just 30 mins each time and would prefer to keep it under 250 total. I know the major chains (golf galaxy, golfsmith etc) do video lessons but I don't know if outdoors on a range would be better. Any advice is welcome.

Don't any of the courses you play at have resident PGA professionals? That is the most logical place to look. At least that's the only thing I've ever done for a lesson, I go to my home course. We have three full time teaching pros plus several others who work through (not for) the pro shop to use the lesson area. There are also local clinics which do nothing except lessons that aren't that hard to locate, and I should imagine that if we have them in Denver, that Dallas should too.

I guess I never thought it would be that hard to find a teaching pro.

[Nikonut]

sent ya a PM

[CosmosMpower]

Don't any of the courses you play at have resident PGA professionals? That is the most logical place to look. At least that's the only thing I've ever done for a lesson, I go to my home course. We have three full time teaching pros plus several others who work through (not for) the pro shop to use the lesson area. There are also local clinics which do nothing except lessons that aren't that hard to locate, and I should imagine that if we have them in Denver, that Dallas should too.

It's not that it's hard to find a local pro, there are probably 10-12 between all the courses I play at but is there some kind of rating system or database that tells what they're teaching style is or people's reviews etc? How am I supposed to just pick a random one?

[Fourputt]

It's not that it's hard to find a local pro, there are probably 10-12 between all the courses I play at but is there some kind of rating system or database that tells what they're teaching style is or people's reviews etc? How am I supposed to just pick a random one?

I'd just ask them. Most are going to be quite honest about it. I'd ask if their style is more Penick or Pelz. One works with your natural swing and just tries to get you in the right hitting position without a major overhaul, the other only sees one "ideal" swing and tries to remold you into that image. It just depends on what you are expecting. I like the former type myself, and my home course has one of each, so I go to the one who is a Harvey Penick type of teacher. But if you think your swing needs a total overhaul of the fundamentals, then by all means choose the second. There really isn't a right or wrong, simply personal preference.