have a free golf lesson coming, what should I focus on?

[clearwaterms]

I have been taking lessons with an instructor at the local Golf store and have made quite a bit of improvement. I intend on taking more lessons with him this year. However, that being said, I joined the local driving range and part of the joining fee is a free 30 minute lesson with one of the pro's at the range. I would like to know, given that I probably won't take any further lessons with this person (although i might) what should I focus on in that 30 minute window? a few topics that popped into my head while I was writing this were preshot routine, and practice routine. Please feel free to offer aditional suggestions

[Deryck Griffith]

I would say, short game. Improvement on Chipping and pitching techniques plus tips on how to gauge distances between 110 yards and in are skills that will help your game tremendously!

[killerduck]

there is a fair chance that the pro who gives you the lesson will find something for you to focus on in your swing, depending on which shot you're practicing. But one thing I find is getting a good pitching technique (50-75yds) will improve your full swing, too.

[clearwaterms]

My handicap is 21 (although last year, I played several rounds in which I broke 90, but they were easy golf courses) and last year my golf goal was to get on the green in regulation +1 or better for 18 holes. I never actually achieved that goal, but it tought me that if I don't 3 putt, and I achieve my goal, the worst I will score is 90 (assuming a par 72) and that helped my course management. THis year, I am working on increasing my short game, specifically shots from 100 yards and in. Last year, i spent alot of time working on shots of around 40 yards and in, and I still need to practice those, and to learn to judge those short distances better, but now I am hoping to learn the 100-40 yard shots because I need to get better with those.

[etlreams]

I've had two free lessons this year. One was with GolfTec. You know...the place that does the video and movement analysis thing. I told him I just wanted to be better at ball striking with my long irons. He watched me swing and identified a particular thing to work on - keeping my head behind the ball and shifting my weight to my backfoot on the take away.

The other free lesson I had a very specific goal with the instructor....help me straighten out my driver.

If you have a particular problem (like slicing the ball off the tee, distance problems, chipping inconsistancy, etc.) take advantage of your free lesson to work on that. If you don't have any specific problems, pick something general - like getting more distance with your irons, or ball striking with long irons, etc. Let the instructor look at your swing to find the problem and recommend solutions.

[Zeph]

I won't advice the short game, it is fairly easy to work out yourself.

What are your problems? Slice, hook, fat, thin? Tell the pro what you struggle most with and ask for his advice on it.

[CarlSpackler]

I would have them evaluate your fundamentals (grip, stance, ball position).

[clearwaterms]

I won't advice the short game, it is fairly easy to work out yourself.

My biggest problem is consistancy. I think it has alot to do with being fairly new to the game at this level. I have played for 10 years, but last year I started to take it more seriously, I got lessons, started to read books, was hanging out here at TST, etc. I see the ball, I know how to address it, grip the club, etc. I envision the shot I want to hit, and am often times unable to execute. I know that the things that cause me to be inconsistant are a combination of any of the following: starting my downswing with my arms causing me to come across and over the top, too much grip pressure resulting in the club face not closing at impact and slicing the ball, and lastly, quick tempo which generally causes me to hit the ball fat.

[DJYoshi]

all the faults that you mentioned are easy fixes...the more you play...the more you get comfortable with shots and your swing in general.. if you have a free lesson....see if he'll take you out onto the course...and work with you there... that was the best thing that someone ever gave me for my birthday..it wasn't a lesson...it was a golf pro coming out onto the course with me to teach me how to think like he does... helped me realize different things and see things in a different light....

[WUTiger]

I would say, short game. Improvement on Chipping and pitching techniques plus tips on how to gauge distances between 110 yards and in are skills that will help your game tremendously!

Great idea. You could go general, or you might focus on some short game problem your have, or some short-game skill you want to develop.

[DocWu1948]

Always been dubious of free lessons because in the end you get what you pay for. The lesson is often a promotional opportunity for the instructor to show you how he teaches, which is not a bad thing.

In your case, it should have more value as it's part of your range membership. Also, you will probably be seeing him often there with other students. so maybe it's a good move to sign on with him. Since you have described frustrations with your swing, maybe a swing critique.

[Zeph]

Learning and teaching golf is not a one time event, you need continuity and a plan. One lesson will likely not fix anything. You may see some immediate change, but it will likely not last for long. After the lesson, write down what the instructor told you and keep working on it if you see that it works.

[shaun]

Unless you know this guy is a good teacher whose opinions and advice you'll respect, I wouldn't bother. A one-off lesson with a pro from left-field could do more harm than good.

[senorchipotle]

ballstriking, ballstriking, ballstriking, and ballstriking. in that order.

[mattttt25]

Not knowing what you'll get out of it, maybe you should go into the lesson treating it in your mind as an interview with this particular coach. Enjoy the 30 min and then decide if he's someone you worked well with. You may be back.

[clearwaterms]

Not knowing what you'll get out of it, maybe you should go into the lesson treating it in your mind as an interview with this particular coach. Enjoy the 30 min and then decide if he's someone you worked well with. You may be back.

I went to the range today to use my membership for the first time. I purchase a promotional membership (half off) and it was so crowded they were taking numbers for matts, and when I asked for two matts next to each other (another friend is also a member) they refused and asked us to share a matt. I have to be honest, I don't know if I am going to keep my membership once the promotional period expires. My buddy has a membership because he works 2 min from the place and will use it during lunch.