Is it worth having a Pro follow you on the course?

[Alex1]

I've taken several golf lessons which have been productive. However, they've always been on the driving range. Would it be a good idea to have a pro walk a 9-hole course with me? Or is this something more worthwhile for advanced players?

The only drawback that I can think of is that you can't practice hitting balls on the course.

[bruce]

Definitely worth it,i play once a month with my boss who is a pro and it made a huge difference to my game.

[MPS67]

I think it would benefit you.

For one, a teaching Pro can give you advise on course strategy. For example, selecting the correct club to get you to your best approach distance instead of taking a riskier strategy and just bombing it close to the green.

The other thing is that the Pro can observe your behavior and tendencies. Perhaps the teacher can help you with the mental side of the game, suggesting a routine when addressing the ball, having you aim at a target, etc.

Lastly, you and the Pro will have ample opportunities to cover various shot types that you wouldn't necessarily get at the range such as sand bunkers, hitting out of the rough, shaping shots around hazards and dog legs, etc.

Although on course instruction will cost much more than your typical lesson, it may help lower your score a few shots per round.

Regards,

Mark

[ripsid]

I'd rather have a pro with me on the course than on the range, I'm a different golfer on the course than I am on the range. NOt to mention, when you hit those wonderful Range Balls you don't get a true account for your shots. I had a pro tell me "you can hit stones at the range or you could hit your Prov1x's and get a true assesment on the course."

I can play good on the range and not good on the course...

Pete

[srjorion]

I took five lessons last year, the last one being a playing lesson over nine holes. I highly recommend if you want to improve your game to take a playing lesson at some point. I learned a lot of course strategy and mental game tips that greatly improved my game.

[Alex1]

Can you still hit lots of balls if you're on the course? For example, could I bring a 50-pack of used golf balls for practicing some type of medium-long length shot?

If not, I guess this means I have to get my swing basics out of the way before I hit the course for a lesson.

[tonyy]

It definitely is worth it.

Hitting on the range and playing on the course are two totally different things. The pro could help you with course management, your swing, pretty much anything you need help on.

It'll greatly benefit you.

[ks8829]

In my opinion I would continue working with the pro on the driving range and play more 9 hole course on your own then record fairways hit, green on regulations, putt per hole and work with the pro on the parts you need help in.

[bruce]

Plus i would wait till your down to about an 18 handicap before doing it, also you need to get a half decent swing grooved in first and get a bit more consistent or you would be wasting his time and yours.