Wanting to take lessons, but have a couple of questions.

[flguy]

So I'm finally biting the bullet and going to start taking some golf lessons. My only problem is, how do I find a good teacher? I know there are a ton here in Orlando, but how do I find one that would work the best for me? Any suggestions? How did you guys go about finding a teacher?

[uttexas]

there are several types of lessons.

1. fundamentals--grip, posture, address position, stance, etc----probably any PGA professional would suffice

2. short game--bunkers, chipping, pitching----ask around to see who is good in your area

3. putting

4. full swing--make sure video recording with computer/graphics software available. this really helps you "see" what you are doing and how to correct it

5. mental game and course management--sports psychologist

Decide which type of lesson or all 5 types you want. I would ask around at merchandise stores, driving ranges, golf courses to see who is recommended in your area. I'm sure there is someone else here on this site from your area.

When I started with lessons, I worked from the flagstick backwards. My first lesson was putting--two years ago. Second lesson was short game. I just started full swing lessons three weeks ago.

[Shindig]

So I'm finally biting the bullet and going to start taking some golf lessons. My only problem is, how do I find a good teacher? I know there are a ton here in Orlando, but how do I find one that would work the best for me? Any suggestions? How did you guys go about finding a teacher?

There are also plenty of board members in Florida. I'm hoping one (or more) of them will reply to you and offer a suggestion on who to try.

As for how to find a teacher, what style of lessons do you want? I want feel instead of video analysis. And I wanted someone who can teach a variety of students. So I observed one potential teacher one day (by accident, but it worked out). First he gave a lesson on trajectory control and shot shape to someone who was pretty good, low single digit handicap (estimate). The next was a 6-year old girl who hadn't hit a golf ball before. By the end of the lesson, she was hitting shots out to the 40 yard marker.

[TMO]

I am not sure how far away Amelia Island is from you but Anne Cain is solid. I would highly recommend her.

[flguy]

Well, here's the update. I found a guy who teaches at a golf school ( Advantage Golf School) not to far from my house. I called him up yesterday and he seemed very knowlageable and understanding of what I want to accomplish and my expectations. I have my first lesson next weekend and I'm really looking forward to it. I'll keep an update on how things go.

[TomDonS]

Look into GolfTec and see if one is in your area. They have THE best set-up for lessons/instruction with a wide variety of goals and instructors, with different specialties. They are also on the Cutting Edge of technology when it comes to analyzing capabilities.

[golfnuub]

this is how i found the pga pro in the ft. lauderdale area.

http://www.pga.com/profinder/

http://www.pga.com/2009/instruction/...hes/index.html

from there i just asked if i could have a meet and greet with him to sit down and chat about his experience, his teaching methods etc to decide if its going to be a good fit. after i met with my instructor he asked me how much money i wanted to spend on lessons. i kind of looked at him funny and was like why do you ask. he said because it will help him tailor his lessons for me better so he knows how much time he can spend on each aspect of the the game!!

good luck!

[enduro]

I'd recommend that you listen to your instructor and practice what they teach you. Some things feel awkward initially and you won't see great results right away all the time. But being stubborn and going back to old habits will kill you.

I have an instructor right now and it has 100% changed my game. We rebuilt my swing upon my request and I've never been more conscious and aware of what I'm doing at every phase of my swing as I am now. I can analyze misses very easily and adjust accordingly. You shoot and feel it and if you miss you know what went wrong technically and you feel your way around to correcting it.

But none of this happens if I don't trust him and practice a lot. Some lessons took some time to happen. I had developed a consistent shot but something of a push and had fairly weak distance for the effort I was putting into a swing. We adjusted a little posture and I got a few backswing drills and worked with him to create a better angle between my hips and shoulders. Then worked on swinging and releasing the club, which I wasn't doing well. I was picking at balls, flipping and leaving the face open. The only thing I had going for me was an inside-out swing path, lol. But we worked on all that and a lot it was weird at first. But its become natural and my game took off. And I can't believe the distance (and accuracy) I have even on half swings.

So listen to your teacher and trust his advice. Practice what you are taught and don't fight their instruction because you have other ideas. It just won't work if you do.

[Nayfac]

The best thing to do is tell the guy upfront.. Im not paying for another lesson so if you try and change my swing completely it wont work .. then at the end if you like him.. reschedule

[golfnuub]

the instructor i chose, i asked him what his philospy/teaching method would be with regards to my swing. He said i wont rebuild your swing from the ground up unless you ask me to. ill work with what you have now and just make some minor changes to get you swinging correctly!

[aca247]

I'd recommend that you listen to your instructor and practice what they teach you. Some things feel awkward initially and you won't see great results right away all the time. But being stubborn and going back to old habits will kill you.

same here i learned more in 1 hour than i had in 1 year but it only happened because i trusted him and practiced hard

[golfnuub]

same here i learned more in 1 hour than i had in 1 year but it only happened because i trusted him and practiced hard

ditto!!!!!

[kpaulhus]

Not to barge in on how you spend your money, but what kinda rates are you guys getting for lessons? The best I could find was 10 lessons for $690....I dont exactly have that kind of cash laying around. Most everyone says, "oh we work on your 6 iron because its a medium length club and any swing flaws will be amplified with longer clubs". I tell them that I only want to focus on hitting consistant straight drives and that my 6 iron swing is completely different than a driver swing. Anyone have any input on this?

[golfnuub]

Not to barge in on how you spend your money, but what kinda rates are you guys getting for lessons? The best I could find was 10 lessons for $690....I dont exactly have that kind of cash laying around. Most everyone says, "oh we work on your 6 iron because its a medium length club and any swing flaws will be amplified with longer clubs". I tell them that I only want to focus on hitting consistant straight drives and that my 6 iron swing is completely different than a driver swing. Anyone have any input on this?

i got five one hour lessons for $360. yea, my teacher watched me with my 3 wood and driver for about 5-10 swings each and was like ok, lets try this and handed me my 8 iron. at that point i realized my swing sucked and i was all ears for anything he said or any tips. since my first one hour lesson and listening to what he said i am now hitting it straighter and longer!!

[kpaulhus]

Once a few more people chime in with their local rate maybe I really will give lessons a shot. I would much rather learn outside watching the ball flight vs hitting indoors into a net.

[golfnuub]

kpaulhus have you looked for a local pga pro in your area?
http://www.pga.com/profinder/

[steve8820]

Not to barge in on how you spend your money, but what kinda rates are you guys getting for lessons? The best I could find was 10 lessons for $690....I dont exactly have that kind of cash laying around. Most everyone says, "oh we work on your 6 iron because its a medium length club and any swing flaws will be amplified with longer clubs". I tell them that I only want to focus on hitting consistant straight drives and that my 6 iron swing is completely different than a driver swing. Anyone have any input on this?

But you 6-iron swing should NOT be completely different than your driver swing.......

[ninetwothree]

But you 6-iron swing should NOT be completely different than your driver swing.......

you're right that it shouldnt but theres a good chance it will be. its the longest club that goes the farthest. human nature is to swing it the fastest, which can lead to some problems.