Lessons

[Addicted2Golf]

I've been playing for about 5 or 6 years, but only been serious (at least multiple times per month) about it for the last year because of school and work. I've been considering getting lessons for quite some time now, but haven't yet done it. My hang up is I'm not exactly sure who to go to. I have many Stack and Tilt elements to my swing, but I wouldn't say I'm a S&T golfer. I don't want to take lessons from somebody who is going to try and steer me away from those elements, yet I'm not sure I want to focus on all of the idiosyncrasies of the S&T swing. Any suggestions on what type of teacher I should be looking for? Any suggestions in the Salt Lake City area?

[RIduffer]

I've been playing for about 5 or 6 years, but only been serious (at least multiple times per month) about it for the last year because of school and work. I've been considering getting lessons for quite some time now, but haven't yet done it. My hang up is I'm not exactly sure who to go to. I have many Stack and Tilt elements to my swing, but I wouldn't say I'm a S&T golfer. I don't want to take lessons from somebody who is going to try and steer me away from those elements, yet I'm not sure I want to focus on all of the idiosyncrasies of the S&T swing. Any suggestions on what type of teacher I should be looking for? Any suggestions in the Salt Lake City area?

I think it's a good idea to call up several instructors (or meet in person) and ask some questions about how they teach. Just a brief interview. If they roll their eyes and act like you're wasting their time, then you know you don't want to take lessons from them anyway. If you're going to spend money on lessons, you want to make sure you are comfortable with his/her personality and teaching goals.

I've had 8 lessons in my life, 4 from one teacher, and 4 from another. One experience was great, one was terrible. I think if I had talked to the "bad" teacher for 5 minutes prior to signing up, I would've saved my money. If you know some good golfers in your area, ask them for referrals. And I wouldn't get hung up on the whole method thing. IMO, a good teacher should accept that there are many ways to play good golf. Good luck.

[leezer99]

I have to agree with the previous reply in that you should ask some of the lower handicap guys at the course who they would recommend. I would also recommend trying to play with the better players at your course... you'd be amazed at what they are completely willing to teach a high handicaper.

[Gerardv]

As someone already said, asking good players and "interviewing" instructors is the way to go. Every instructor has specific views on the swing and finding one that fits your natural swing is the path to success at the beginning. I'm in the process of "hiring" an instructor and the first person I went to, who was highly recommended, clearly knew what he was doing. However, his idea of the perfect swing had a lot of leg drive which won't work with my physical limitations. Due to spinal cord, brain and brachial plexus surgeries my flexibility is limited and I can't do what he wanted. Another instructor had completely different views on how the lower body should move during the swing that fit with what I can do.

Neither way is right - but one way was more right for me, and that is what is important.

The better my swing gets, the more open I am likely to be to ideas out of my comfort zone. Until then, I want someone who teaches the way I already think about the swing.