Well here I go.

[iacas]

Anyone who has been to a driving range can tell stories that would make you cringe about amateur teachers confusing "students" with BS and misinformation.

Or just look at this forum or any other out there...

[golfro]

Agreed. Bad idea.

Golf is definitely not as easy to teach to a beginner than most people think. There are a MILLION things that go wrong with a beginner's swing. For one, its generally a very very unnatural movement to swing a golf club for most people. It's best to leave it in the hands of someone who has years of efficiently communicating with the beginner to help them best understand the mechanics of a proper golf swing.

[Felenah]

Golf to a beginner is highly intimidating, having someone just giving a bit of incouragement is wonderful. Even an instructor can intimidate the beginner. I agree with those who state "have the beginner take lessons." But, perhaps at first a little incouragement, and a few club ball contacts would help lessen the intimidation factor. Give your boss a bit of incouragement then let the pro take over. My wife loves golf but has never hit a ball, she is intimidated by the idea of an instructor, she has severe arthritus and her wrists are fused so she believes she may always struggle. In my case I give her incouagement and reinforce that an instructor will be the best thing for her game. But nothing feels better then that first club ball contact. That starts the golf bug going.

[Greg]

If she knows nothing about the game of golf, then I dont see any problems showing her some basic principles like set up and grip and posture. She probably would feel uncomfortable going to a stranger and maybe a bit embarassed if she really doesnt know how to play. She probably would rather hang out with you because obviously she likes you and maybe doesnt really see it as formal instruction, just helping a friend have fun and do something together, maybe golf is more of a social activity to her and she just wants to get good enough to have fun and enjoy the game. I bet formal instruction is a bit intimidating to true beginner.

[RobS]

If she knows nothing about the game of golf, then I dont see any problems showing her some basic principles like set up and grip and posture. She probably would feel uncomfortable going to a stranger and maybe a bit embarassed if she really doesnt know how to play. She probably would rather hang out with you because obviously she likes you and maybe doesnt really see it as formal instruction, just helping a friend have fun and do something together, maybe golf is more of a social activity to her and she just wants to get good enough to have fun and enjoy the game. I bet formal instruction is a bit intimidating to true beginner.

Agreed..maybe we're taking this a bit too seriously!

[Shorty]

I dont see any problems showing her some basic principles like set up and grip and posture.

Here is the point where he is very likely to get it wrong.

You try explaining griop and posture to a rank beginner and see how easy it is. And that's assuming that the "teacher" has got those fundamentals down pat. Chances are he hasn't. This is a bad idea. It'll end up with the OP saying "Watch me" and she'll get even more confused. Especially if his swing and fundamentals aren't that good.

[imtomtomim]

I thought those who can't do.... teach! haha

Just kidding

I'd say if you could teach them how to hit a consistent chip, do that and then let her run her own path. Since my profession is in athletics, I will say that everyday, I am shocked at how many athletes know so little about athletics. Just take her to hit some balls or for a short 9/executive loop and make sure she has a good time. That way she'll go looking for some professional instruction.

[mtsalmela80]

Learning on your own is one thing. Ingraining bad tips for someone else over months of practice is another.

I took a few lessons last year, by one of the local range "pga pros". We never really talked about the mechanics of a swing, he told me to "release" the club, rotating the face from open to closed. When I pushed it, he told me I was late on the release. When I pulled it, he said I was early. This was advice from a teaching professional, and advice that I know, all very low cappers on this site hate with a passion.

[wrx_junki]

So what are some drills for beginners should start with after they've learned the grip, stance, posture, and alignment. I have a few friends that go to the range with me once in awhile but are not willing to invest in professional lessons at the time.

[colin007]

Is she hot?

um, why hasnt this question been answered dammit???

[Sanzabar]

I dont see why everyone is up in arms about this.

Alot of beginners are intimidating by the game enough. Let alone shelling out big cash for something they might even hate.

I think it is stupid to have never swung a golf club seriously, to go out and pay the local pro an arm and leg for lessons. What happens if his boss ends up hating the game???

Kennay... go for it. Show her the ropes and if she loves the game, then recommend a local pro to her!

[SpoiledRotten]

I dont see why someone who regularly plays golf cannot give someone else who is totally new some basic pointers. Going out and getting lessons before even trying the game out a time or two seems like extreme overkill.

That is insane! Anyone can pull teeth.

[Greg]

Is she hot?

I was wondering this one too