What would be more beneficial?

[OneThree]

Hey everyone,

I am looking to take a golf lesson, but I'm not sure which type of lesson would be most beneficial. I could go to a place like Golfer's Warehouse and have them teach me on the range mats with video recording in order to analyze my swing, or I could go to a pro at a golf course and take a lesson on a real course.

The problem is that my swing is extremely inconsistent. I'm not horrible on my good days, but there is just no consistency and my shots with my driver off the tee are atrocious most of the time. This is leading me towards getting the video recorded lesson to see exactly what I am doing wrong, but then again hitting off the mats is much different than teeing up on a course (unfortunately! ;))

Considering both types, which would you guys prefer if you were to take one?

Thanks for any help!

[CuppedTin]

Have you ever considered online lessons?

[parbreaker]

Personally, I always will go to an outdoor range over indoor mats. The turf is ideal. It creates the same conditions on the course and gives you the same markers.

Most pros at courses and outdoor ranges will make use of video cameras as well, so you don't need to be at a specific place for that.

Until your swing gets to a certain point, videos shouldn't be required for diagnosis and help. I do think they have an effect though when someone can see their own swing.

[Grumpter]

If you decide to go to a pro do yourself a favor and ask around who other people have tried. Not all pro's are created equal. In my experience some do more harm than good by trying to completely revamp each persons swing to the ideal swing. I find players who go to a pro that help them work on one or 2 things at a time see much better results and get less frustrated.

[OneThree]

Alright thank you for the help guys, I'll probably do some research on the local course pros and take it from there.

And as for online lessons, I just feel like I need someone physically with to tell me what I'm doing wrong and give me tips on how to improve, I feel like I wouldn't learn as much from an online lesson because even though I watch technique videos, it just doesn't translate =/

[CuppedTin]

Originally Posted by OneThree

Alright thank you for the help guys, I'll probably do some research on the local course pros and take it from there.

And as for online lessons, I just feel like I need someone physically with to tell me what I'm doing wrong and give me tips on how to improve, I feel like I wouldn't learn as much from an online lesson because even though I watch technique videos, it just doesn't translate =/

Just be careful of local yokel pro's that want to give you "tips"... If you truly are in the 30 handicap range then what you need is someone long term that will build  and teach you the proper swing. I've never had online lessons but I truly like the concept. You get instant feedback on your swing and you are given things to work on in steps until you reach your ultimate goal.

Best of luck man and welcome to the forum...

[OneThree]

Originally Posted by CuppedTin

Just be careful of local yokel pro's that want to give you "tips"... If you truly are in the 30 handicap range then what you need is someone long term that will build  and teach you the proper swing. I've never had online lessons but I truly like the concept. You get instant feedback on your swing and you are given things to work on in steps until you reach your ultimate goal.

Best of luck man and welcome to the forum...

To be honest I'm not even sure how to calculate my handicap, I just put +30 because that is around what my outcomes usually are for 18 holes. I've had days on 9 hole courses where I'll score a ~48, but those are my really good days which unfortunately don't happen much ;)

Thanks again for the advice!

[lumpuckeroo]

I too would choose lessons from a golf pro, IMHO, they have a vested interest in growing the game and will work with you long term to make sure you improve and continue to play.