Lesson Question

[FutureSound]

I've been playing golf for about a summer now and can shoot in the 90's. But I seem to have hit a wall and feel like I might need some actual guidance to continue improving my game. Should I go to my local pro, or someone outside of the course or a camp etc. Which do you think would help me the most?

[Shindig]

I've been playing golf for about a summer now and can shoot in the 90's. But I seem to have hit a wall and feel like I might need some actual guidance to continue improving my game. Should I go to my local pro, or someone outside of the course or a camp etc. Which do you think would help me the most?

How old are you? If you're young enough that there are golf camps for you, that may be a great (and cost-effective) option. Of course, there are golf camps for adults (at least, that's what I call the week-long golf schools. It isn't demeaning, I intend it to sound fun!)

I've found my ability to play greatly helped by taking lessons from a pro that I get along with great. He quickly figured out exactly how I learn best, and teaches me in that manner. It also helped that I saw him teach a scratch player and then a little girl back to back when choosing who to take lessons from. In short, find a pro you get along with, get him to take a look at what you're doing, practice that, play with that, and go back to him when you hit a wall or seem to regress. And occasionally otherwise, just for 'tune ups'. My first six months of lessons dropped me from shooting 80 for 9 holes to shooting low-100s for 18 holes. I can't wait to break 80 and tell him he cut my score in half. I wish you the best of luck in finding a great teacher.

[gogolfing]

I have had lessons here and there over the last few years after getting back into golf after about a 7 year layoff as we started a family, career etc... I played a lot as a junior and had some lessons on the fundamentals, but I hadn't had a series of them. I figured it was time to build a repeatable swing, instead of trying to find 'what worked best for the day' , which is what I have been doing.
I asked around and ended up going to a local golf academy for a program they call "The Coaching Program"; it includes 12 lessons, video, unlimited practice balls, and cost about $600. They have a great practice facility, and I'm really starting to see the benefits. My swing has become much more sound after six lessons, and we have also been working on pitch and chip shots. It took me out of my comfort zone, and I had some frustration after the initial lessons as I changed my swing, but with determination it is paying off.
I agree to make sure your personality matches your pro, and if the pro suggests that there is a quick fix to tings that they teach to everyone, then go elsewhere. I know some people who have gone to this academy and they were all happy with the individual attention they got. The pro I am working with is younger (26) with excellent credentials (she played NCAA div.1 and was in 2 US Womens' Amateurs) but her approach at getting a point across and making sure I understand it have been a great match for me. It has been a hell of a lot better than going for a lesson after my swing fell apart, and getting temporary remedies for it as I have done in the past. After the long post, I guess my advice is to find a good fit and then commit to some long term work.

[powerhitter]

Its really all personal preference I believe, that is of course until you get into the 70's. I know I like hitting about 3 balls whenever I play by myself on the course. I will do a normal shot, a risky shot, and a conservative shot. When you get down course management you should be shooting in the 70's-80's. If you feel there is nothing else you can teach yourself that is the best time to consult a pro. Camps are great but 1 on 1 is best for dramatic improvement, since the things they will tell you are tailored towards you and your swing.