Lessons and Fittings

[zunofan]

I am interested in getting some opinions on finding a facility for lessons and for a club fitting. In regards to the lessons, should I look for a facility with a grass driving range or would a range with mats be ok? As for the fitting, inside with alot of technology, or outside where you can see your ball flight, but with little to no technology? I do understand that the teacher and the fitters experience definatly play an important part in the decision making. I am new to The Sand Trap and I look forward to all your responses. Thanks

[Dave]

1. Grass
2. Outside

Jack Nicklaus in "Golf My Way" said 95% of all golfers would play fine with a standard set of clubs as long as they were adjusted for lie.

[zunofan]

Thanks Dave, I appreciate the input. I think I'm going to pick up Jack's book also.

[Shindig]

If your swing isn't horrible and isn't perfect, I believe a mat is fine. I take lessons on mats. If your goal is to get to a +, though, you may need the feedback that only turf can offer.

As for fitting, there's no substitute for seeing the ball flight.

Incidentally, an important factor for the teacher is whether or not you want technology in the lessons. I don't want to take a lesson with video. A friend of mine can't imagine taking lessons without them. It's a preference thing.

Incidentally, see if you can watch a lesson or two to see if you like the instructor's style. Style and your right level of technology for the lesson matter, in my mind, a lot more than turf style.

[zunofan]

Hey Shindig, thanks for the input. Part of my problem is my ball contact. I'm scooping not hitting down and thru the ball so I think grass will be better than a mat, no? I'm more concerned with the fact, do I need technology for a fitting not lessons. I think a good teacher with no technology will be fine. But can a thorough fitting be done with only a lie board.

[enduro]

Hey Shindig, thanks for the input. Part of my problem is my ball contact. I'm scooping not hitting down and thru the ball so I think grass will be better than a mat, no?.

Definitely grass. Mats have a way of turning bad shots into great shots. Especially if you tend to hit it fat. That board can make the club bounce right back into the ball creating a powerful shot. But obviously on grass the shot stinks. I know from experience!

Practice on grass whenever you can.