Newish Player: Should I get lessons?

[BostonSully]

Hey All,

Im a 22yo working for an Investment Firm in Boston. Started to play golf 2 years ago even though I had worked at a course for 4 years before then( I guess I didnt want to combine work and play).

Anyway I was a duffer first year my goals were for the ball to go into the air. Played alot of 100yd worm burners that year. Next year My goal was to hit all my balls into the air at my target. I wound up as a pillar of inconsistency.

I also purchased clubs my 2nd year 2004 Callaway Big Bertha Shovels 4-10/W/SW Warbird 3wood and a Great Big Bertha 10.5 Driver. All Graphite shafts. I had made some serious progress that year.

But this year I seem to have made leaps and bounds in my game Consistent drives of 270 yards and some great improvement on my irons due to one hint that I got(choke up). I hit my 7 iron about 170. Im pretty big and athletic and was the SlapShot specialist on my high school hockey team so getting power through my hips/back hasnt been my issue its a natural movement for me.

I have the harderst Time aiming alot of times Ill hit my 7 iron 170 straight but I was aiming 30ft left of the green and I cant really figure out a way of aiming that is consistent for me. or I think I could put up some good #'s if I keep my focus.

So I make improvements every year being completely self taught but one of my friends a former HS Golfer who almost always beats me is considering lessons. Dont Know what I should do, if he gets way better im screwed, but I dont want to waste $$ if lessons would be a joke.

Opinions?

[he4dhuntr]

Lessons are definitely not a waste of money. Just make sure to find a good pro. Ask around or do some searching in your area. You would be surprised what a good pro and lesson can do for your game. I think it's a great investment, but it's a personal choice I guess! Have you tried recording your swing and analyzing it yourself?

Cheers,

[No1CeltsFan]

just out of curiousity where in Boston

[BostonSully]

Thanks HedHunter Ive never recored my own swing haha. Seriously wonder what that looks like, but Ive been told that I have a "sweet swing" from basicly everyone I play with. Everyone says its smooth and I try to follow through on just a few fundamentals. Straight back, contact with ball, follow through and just make that natural.

Curiously what do you think "Good" golf lessons would set me back and if this is the right time to get lessons now that I think I am a decent swinger.

@Celtics

Downtown is where I work, live in the burbs south shore.

[mostman]

Lessons are absolutely worth it. Get trained now before some bad habits sneak in! Just make sure you find a good pro. Ask around at the club you play at.

Like you, I just started playing a few years ago. I started going to lessons about a year ago when I was a 29 index. A year of lessons and a lot of work in the winter have made a significant impact on my game.

A good pro will teach you the science of the swing instead of just tweaking you and sending you on your way. Armed with this, you'll get better at analyzing your faults on your own.

[he4dhuntr]

I pay about $39 for an hour lesson with my pro, but this is semi-private (me and my gf), and I shopped around for a decent pro for a reasonable price. Private lessons can run you quite a lot more than that, depending on the pro you choose and the length of the lesson. If I were you, and your friend is considering taking lessons, I'd pair up with him and try to find some semi-private ones. It's almost as good as a private lesson, and quite a bit cheaper. You can also usually buy packs of lessons (5 or 10) which come up cheaper. If not, there are always group lessons which are cheaper as well, but obviously not as personalized.

Cheers,

[2bGood]

Get lessons for sure, this is a great way for an adult golfer to get into golf. Most place do have a group lesson package for new golfers. There is a good chance, you will be paired with a bunch of women who will likely not show up all that much and you will get plenty of attention. You will also likely get free range balls before and after and some other perks as most places try hard to get more people into golf.

[Jack Lee]

I found in my game that working with a pro has helped me to see what I am doing wrong. I found someone whose teaching style worked for me and I have been working with him for several months now.

If your mind is open and you are willing to listen to a pro, then yes, the lessons are worth every penny. If you aren't ready to listen to someone yet, then you would be wasting your money. The other thing is that you have to be willing and able to spend time working on what you learn. You won't get better without working outside the lessons as well.

Understand, I am no great player, I still shoot over 100 each round, but I also am getting better each round.

That is just my opinion and worth exactly what you paid for it.

Jack Lee