Lessons

[MMouse]

So I have heard alot about the benefits of lessons, and I myself dont doubt them at all.

I've considered taking some, but I currently use a swing style that I feel wouldnt mesh with a teacher.
Over the summer I've adopted a hitting style ( golfing machine ) getting my right arm involved. It has lead to improvement in control and consistency.

If you were me would you take a lesson with someone who will coach back into a swinging style, or just keep at the hitting style ( no teachers in my area who use it )

[hippyboy]

I'm taking a course of lessons at the moment (paid for 8 & so far I've had 6) I thought I had a good swing & was hitting the ball rather than swinging. I really went to have the pro "fine tune" my existing swing but it quickly became apparent I would be far better long term rebuilding the whole swing.

As you can see from my profile I was playing off 21 but in the last 2 weeks my scores have been

39 (9 holes par 36)
82 (18 holes par 74 & a long course)
40 (9 holes par 36)
84 (18 holes psr 74 & long course)

As you can see I have improved dramatically over the course of 3 months or so, my ball striking is also better than it has ever been. My distance is around 1.5-2 clubs longer as well (I'm still getting used to it as I keep over hitting greens) All this is with a lot less effort, I have no problem playing 18 holes then going to the range for 2-3 hours (wife permitting) where with my old "grip it & rip it" swing I would be getting tired towards the end of normal round.

Is your handicap 36? how long have you been playing for?

[uttexas]

If you are new to golf, I would take five or so lessons on the fundamentals (grip, posture, tempo) It will save you months/years discovering the fundamentals yourself.

Then, if your handicap improves at a pace you are happy with don't take lessons.

Take lessons, if you have plateaud and are unhappy unless you take strokes off your game.

This all depends on whether you play golf for fun (don't care what you shoot) or if you want to improve and lower your handicap. Obviously, the person that doesn't care what their score is may never lower their handicap.

[imtomtomim]

I used to be a hitter. I got along alright with it but the problem is that if you're timing isn't on, it's gonna turn on you. After getting some lessons and made the slight transition to a swing, I've found much more consistency. Also, a swing is the key to more effortless power which will last you much longer than hitting. That kind of intense force on your body can't be good after 100+ swings a round (including those crazy practice swings). After a few years, you're body is gonna break down bit by bit. The swing is much more user friendly.

[royemunson]

I personally never took a lesson in person. I would find videos though and as a caddy would model not only well playing amateurs but also professionals.

I had a gary player video that i learned a ton from. Not only that but would go out and practice as well as observe other great players.

However, I've heard that folks who take lessons don't tend to regret it.

Joe

[CG031]

Take lessons, it's well worth it. It can save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run - and the sense of knowing "your doing it right" with the basic fundamentals will give you more confidence.