To get the most out of a lesson!

[Ron del Barrio]

I've been going over most of the post msgs regarding taking lessons. Rate of improving, getting worse before it gets better etc. It is typical to go backwards after a lesson or lessons for a while, during the swing change. The way I see it is, golf is very expensive and it takes money and time to improve ones golf game. That being said, wouldn't everyone want to know if they have the right professional teaching them? It has been my experience as a golf pro that the majority of golfers do not take the time researching the instructor and their ability to teach. As I'm sure you all know, there is really no certification to call yourself a teaching pro. Having the PGA of America (going through the program to be certified as a PGA Instructor) before your name on a business card doesn't mean that you are good enough to teach the game. The P.A.T (player ability test) for the PGA of America is set at 150 for two rounds. What that means is, if you can shoot 150 for two rounds of golf you will be certified to be in the PGA of America as a class "A" member. Now, I am not ragging on the PGA of America at all because it's a fantastic organization, however, I would feel more comfortable as a golfer to know that the person who is trying to teach me to break par can actually do it themselves. My point to all of this is, if you are taking lessons you should be prepaired to ask as many questions as you might have and to have them answered. If they can not be answered then you need to move on to another instructor. The student should also bring a note pad and pen, a video camera or a voice recorder so that you can retain all that is being said during the lesson. The learning curve in golf is tough so why make it tougher by missing one part of the swing or a position in the sequence because one forgot that little bit? After all, if you plan on playing golf for the rest of your life, your improvement and the work you put into it is all on you. You get out of it what you put in it and anyone who has ever played this game and is scratch or better had to do the same things everyone has done to achieve their goals! I vividly remember being a 30 hdcp and being excited to break 115 as well as the work and lessons I took to become a +3.
There are a ton of great instructors out there and it's a relationship that you develop throughout the years you will be together!
Regards,
Ron

[TN94z]

Very good advice. I played down to a 2.5 on my own and have now started working with a teacher to get to scratch. I put in a lot of time to find a good teacher (that was in my price range) and it paid off. The guy teaching me has a credential list a mile long and can pick up any of my clubs at any time and hit them perfectly. That gives me a ton of confidence in what he tells me every lesson. I have to exercise a lot of patience as my handicap has currently gone up to a 4.7 during my swing changes. But the good part is, I know that the 4.7 (or higher between now and then) will be really close to scratch once it's all said and done. I am willing to fall off the pace for now to be ahead of the game later!!

[Ron del Barrio]

Howdy TN94z,
That's the exact approach that needs to take place when it comes down to lowering your index to scratch and better. As you said in your post, you are willing to go through the pain and suffering to lower your index and believe you me, those few index points are tough, ie; going from a 3 to a scratch but when you make it there, your new bad rounds will be 75! Keep us posted and good luck to you!

[drocpdp]

I sllliigghhttllyy disagree... Some people know the theory behind a sound golf swing, can see it well, and can relay the feeling of it with drills, etc... THe application of principles, (i.e. the execution) is where it becomes VERY personal. (Person A may relate it to a different "feeling" than Person B).

I think rather than researching the INSTRUCTOR, you should be looking for the RESULTS (i.e. testimony of people that have been instructed by the instructor).

Not knocking on your method. I agree totally. If I was a soldier, I'd want to be led by a sergeant that's been in the battlefield, not a newb.
But, don't overlook someone purely based on his/her actual playing experience. YOu might be missing out.

Cheers!

[drocpdp]

p.s.... seriously... your advice is great... and the fact that you became a 30 hdcp down to a +3... I'd take lessons from you... :)

Truly inspiring...

[TN94z]

I sllliigghhttllyy disagree... Some people know the theory behind a sound golf swing, can see it well, and can relay the feeling of it with drills, etc... THe application of principles, (i.e. the execution) is where it becomes VERY personal. (Person A may relate it to a different "feeling" than Person B).

That is basically what I am saying as well. When I think of "rresearching" an instructor, I want to know that he can play golf as well as understands the swing. I look at his students progress ( I was referred to this guy by students) and then I looked at his background. It just so happens that he was a very good golfer. He has newspaper clippings all around his office including one where he was head to head with Sam Snead!

[marshmellaw1982]

So, is there a list somewhere of "good" instructors, VS "sub-par" or, if you will, "double bogey" instructors??

[drocpdp]

So, is there a list somewhere of "good" instructors, VS "sub-par" or, if you will, "double bogey" instructors??

I would first look at PGA-certified instructors... That, on paper, will give you the most legitimate pool to choose from. After that, I think it's about personal comfort. I'm on my 2nd instructor. It took me a few $$$ to find out, but once you find the right one, it will be worth it.