Advice about Lessons

[Golf Novice]

Hey everyone,

I'm pretty new to the game, and just last week purchased my first full set of clubs at Golfsmith (Callaway X-18R's 4-SW, TaylorMade Burner Driver, TM Rescue 19* hybrid, TM 3-Hybrid, Odessy White Hot 2-ball Putter) and while there, talked about lessons with one of the Golftec reps (they have an office and bays within this particular Golfsmith. I really want to take lessons, as I've only played about 15-20 times in my life and don't want to develop too many bad habits before having to correct them. There are several options, but the basic question is-how many lessons should I be taking? One plan offers 12 months to take up to 52 lessons, or 1 lesson per week on average. Another offers 12 months to take up to 25 lessons. Is 1 per week a lot? It seems like it.

I've really fallen in love with the game and it's something I really want to to become the best I can at. However, I just don't want to go overkill on it, either in the #of lessons (or the $$ it costs). Note that each lesson is a 1/2 hour, but outdoor lessons are 1 hour (and count as 2). Any advice? How much will it benefit me to take the 52 vs. the 25?

Any help is appreciated.

[Randy4h]

One lesson per week seems like a lot for someone just starting out. You've got to allow yourself enough time to absorb each lesson, then to practice what you have been taught. Weekly lessons would, I think, result in too much information and, the dreaded paralysis by analysis.

Regarding, indoor or outdoor; I would mix it up. Maybe a couple of lessons indoors to have your teacher go over your swing. But then an outside lesson to verify ball flight, solid contact, etc. And don't forget that the short game rules. You can only get good feedback on that outdoors. Good Luck!

[WUTiger]

  Randy4h said:

One lesson per week seems like a lot for someone just starting out. You've got to allow yourself enough time to absorb each lesson, then to practice what you have been taught. ...

Randy is on target with his advice. 25 or 50 seems to be an awful lot of lessons to buy in one block. What is the cost per lesson? How long is each?

For one thing, you need a lesson or two to see if you are comfortable working with that pro. You might try for a lesson method in which the pro gives you a video summary of the lesson. It'll show your swing at the start of the lesson, and then the adjustments the pro made. You can play this video before you practice, so it refreshes the key points the pro made. And the first couple of times I play back a summary, I pick up a couple of things that didn't really sink in during the lesson. Just a thought. And, I've met several players who really like the X18 and X18R models.

[Golf Novice]

I did receive an initial 1.5 hour assessment that includes the web video, swing analysis, etc. that I can access online. I am comfortable witht the instructor as well. I just don't want to sign up for something that's way "overdoing it". With the 25 lesson package, that's one lesson every 2 weeks if I want to stretch it out over a year. Or, I can take a lesson every week and just buy more when the 25 are completed. Just not sure if 1 lesson per week is too much, or if 1 every 2 weeks would be more optimal.

[grantc79]

Depends on how fast you can absorb what they are telling you.

I would go for one every 2 weeks though. Every week is too frequently unless you are really hitting a ton of balls everyday in a controlled environment and really practicing.

The biggest issue that many have with golf instruction is assuming they have something down and trying to move on before they truly understand and can reproduce it every time.

You shouldn't get another lesson until you can do what he wants you to do in your sleep without even thinking about it.

[brn14me]

i'd have to say it's going to depend on how much you're going to practice

if you're taking a lesson weekly but can only get to the range one more time per week, you're not going to have enough time to work on what they're showing you so really you're paying for practice time

in my very short experience with lessons i'd say every 2 - 3 weeks is optimal - even with 2-3 range days and an round per week.

i did once per week for 3 weeks and for me it was overload. i had to take a week off to get back to enjoying what i was doing.

[JetFan1983]

  grantc79 said:

I would go for one every 2 weeks though.

+1 for this.

But buying 25 lessons at once is pretty risky. What if you don't like the guy? I'd buy just five to test the waters.

[aca247]

If i had the option i would go with 52 but you should go with 25. I am out at the course 6 days a week either hitting range balls, on the practice green, or playing 9(afterschool) or 18 on weekends

[brn14me]

if i was on the course 6 days a week i would very likely go once a week if i could afford to do so