Took my first lesson

[The Golfing Polack]

I had my first lesson ever on Monday. First off he said that for never taking lessons that I have a very good golf swing and he thinks I should be able to get down to a 6-8 handicap. That being said he had me change 2 things: first off my takeaway was too vertical and now I'm dragging the club head straight back from the ball to start my backswing. This had immediate improvements with my over-the-top move and straightened out my long irons almost immediately. Secondly he had me narrow my stance and point my toes inward and push me knees out to try and lock out my lower body. Turns out that I'm not using my core muscles much at all (all leg action generating power) which is why it's so hard to get a consistent swing. My core is killing me after going through 2 large buckets and 18 holes me my new swing, but things are improving. At first the swing seemed cramped and unnatural, but I got used to the feeling and started to hit more solid shots that were all landing within 5 yards of each other. Not bad for an hour of work.

After my lesson I hit the course for 18 and was so frustrated after the first 9 (52) that I almost stopped playing. The back didn't start out much better but I parred 4 of the last five and finished with a 94. I'm excited to work some more and hopefully get a good groove going before winter hits.

He did say that the shafts in my 57s might not be fit right, but didn't recommend changing anything until I have my swing down straight. Overall a very good $50 spent on my game.

[Wekims]

Glad to hear your lesson went well. I was disappointed with mine. My wife and I had group lessons (myself, her and another guy.) First the instructor said since it was only 3 of us instead of the usual 4, the lessons would only last 40 minutes instead of on hour. Then he tried to change one of the days of the lesson. But the worst was the last day when he said he could get us on the course to play instead of the driving range lesson. We agreed and he set us up with the starter. And then he left us at the first tee and said goodbye. I tought he would at least walk with us for a few holes.

Maybe group lessons don't pay as well or something. But, I'm leary of lessons now.

[The Golfing Polack]

I think that I'm getting a very good deal. The guys charges $40 for a 45 min lesson plus the cost of range balls ($4/bucket). Our lesson ended up lasting 1 1/2 hours and he still only charged me the $40 plus my 2 buckets. I'm going to wait a couple of weeks and do some range work and then take another.

[dave s]

Excellent read! And you'll probably take a small step back before the swing gets grooved for you.

One thing you mentioned was about your stance. So many people feel that a wider stance is more stable when in fact, the narrower stance provides BETTER balance and rotation than the wide stance.

Good point for you to put out there.

dave

[MPS67]

  dave s said:

So many people feel that a wider stance is more stable when in fact, the narrower stance provides BETTER balance...

I disagree, as it's all relative to how far apart your feet are to begin with. IMHO, a wider stance, up to a certain pitch, will brace against the forces and dynamics of your swing better than a narrow stance. How is it a fact that what you're stating is true? Do golfers driving the ball put their feet together? No way.

Regards, Mark

[gogolfing]

  Wekims said:

Glad to hear your lesson went well. I was disappointed with mine. My wife and I had group lessons (myself, her and another guy.) First the instructor said since it was only 3 of us instead of the usual 4, the lessons would only last 40 minutes instead of on hour. Then he tried to change one of the days of the lesson. But the worst was the last day when he said he could get us on the course to play instead of the driving range lesson. We agreed and he set us up with the starter. And then he left us at the first tee and said goodbye. I tought he would at least walk with us for a few holes.

Your experience has nothing to do with it being a group lesson and everything to have a Pro with a poor attitude. I've had group lessons where we had 2 there when there were supposed to be 5; the pro still spent the entire hour with us (I now see him for private lessons because I was impressed with the group lessons I got from him). I would go elsewhere and try to get a better experience. Brutal the guy left you on the first tee. Sounds like the guy isn't big on the people skills.

  The Golfing Polack said:

I think that I'm getting a very good deal. The guys charges $40 for a 45 min lesson plus the cost of range balls ($4/bucket). Our lesson ended up lasting 1 1/2 hours and he still only charged me the $40 plus my 2 buckets. I'm going to wait a couple of weeks and do some range work and then take another.

I did (have 4 left) a Coaching Program this year. Cost $600, was one playing lesson, 12 half hour lessons, and unlimited range balls while I was in the program. I've had a lesson once every 1-2 weeks, and they've been the best I've ever had. When I saw $600 for them I thought they may be a bit steep, but then would you break it all down, it has been a good deal. As well, most of my lessons go from 45-60 minutes instead of the half hour they are supposed to be.