Lessons

[Want2PlayMore]

When you decided to go and get lessons, what was/is your criteria? Any suggestions for lessons in the KC metro area?

[evinkc05]

Also, does any one know how or where or what resources to use to find a good and qualified instructor in the my particular area?

[Doctorfro]

I went to one of the top 50 schools in the country. Found a no-nonsense teacher who uses video.

[Matt10]

  Want2PlayMore said:

When you decided to go and get lessons, what was/is your criteria? Any suggestions for lessons in the KC metro area?

Hey - I decided as soon as I got back from being a hacker in Thailand that I wanted to get real good. I have tried pretty much EVERY type of golf swing out there, and it's not good.

I advise you to get lessons right away. Do not get caught up in the internet hype - because the internet is a terrible place to learn how to swing a club if you are a hands-on learner (like me). As far as where in the KC area? I'm from Overland Park and I took lessons from Liz Smart from the OPGC (Overland Park Golf Course) http://www.opkansas.org/_Res/Parks_a...on/private.cfm , she is great - used to be on tour - was taught by Tom Watson's old coach. Another one, which I haven't been to (wanting to check out the range), would be Robin Nigro - http://robinnigrogolf.com/ they use the ModelGolf approach, so you could get a real in-depth look into your swing and what model you would like to try to swing like. Might be more $$ though.

[msd3075]

The best advice in choosing a teacher is to find one that doesn't talk all that much. Too many teaching pros will give instruction non-stop, constantly talking about this or that instead of letting the student soak in what they can. You need someone that will teach at a pace where you will be able to get the most out of it. He/she should be watching your swing and listening to your thoughts, not just babbling on about anything and everything.

[Bourbon and Coke]

A friend of mine was a Pro for a few years and I trade him beer for lessons.

I think a patient instructor that you trust is the most important factor. I think it's also important for your instructor to keep you improving, but also ensure that you're having fun and able to play.

[birdiemachine]

For me personally, I get a lot more out of friends who are good golfers giving their 2 cents here and there. Dont be to over zealous to get a quick fix from an instructor. Once you get the fundies down, go and play. Learning to grind out a round is more valuable than being able to "work" the ball every 3rd shot. The guys who learned their swing on their own, and how to fix it, are much better served. That being said, learn the fundamentals!

[Chief Broom]

I wish I knew? Probably word of mouth is a good place to start and then try to find out what you can about the instructor. See if you like what you see, if so maybe taking lessons from them will be beneficial. Just because someone says they are a teaching pro doesn't mean they can help your game. I've taken lessons in the past that ended up being a waste of money.

[goblue107501]

As Chief mentiond, word of mouth is a good start. Especially in a metro area where their might be several good instructors. I know Golf Magazine lists their Top 100 teachers in America on their website so that might be a place to look. A couple of other magazines might have a list that you could look at also. Some of them might even break it down by state and/or metro areas. They used to in the past anyway. I took some lessons several years ago and was fortunate that we have one of the 'top 100' guys in my area and he also came highly recommended.

[wannabe]

I'm currently taking a series of lessons, and I found my (great) teacher by

1. Finding out what teachers were available at the nearby courses/ranges.
2. Checking out the different teachers qualifications. Teaching experience and love for teaching has more to do with it than actual performance as a golfer. Meeting the teacher is a big part of this also.
3. Comparing prices/convenience/packages.

For me, a novice with a lot of head knowledge but not a lot of ingrained feel, as long as the teacher and I have good rapport, the teacher's enthusiastic about teaching, I can trust him, and he can communicate to me what I need to be adjusting, I'm going to learn what I'm doing right and what I need to do to improve.

[Azwildcat]

What do you guys think is a fair rate for lessons? I have the opportunity to take lessons with Chi Chi Rodriguez's brother for $50/half hour or a package of 5 lessons for $200..

[lumpuckeroo]

Several years ago I took lessons from Jay Lispi at Tomahawk Golf Course. I would highly recommend him. IMHO, he taught a very simple and easy to repeat golf swing.

http://www.jcprd.com/parks_facilities/tomahawk_golf.cfm

I'm sure fees have probably gone up but I paid $250 for 6, one hour lessons.