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Golf lessons - Do you take them?


RRLavigne
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  1. 1. do you or have you taken formal golf lessons?

    • Yes
      52
    • No
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I am a retired public school teacher who retired after 38 years. I highly endorse lessons for the following reasons:

My daughter, Kelly, began lessons at age 11, at first in a group at a local community college. After she said she enjoyed them, I got her private lessons at a local club from the assistant professionals. (They charge a lot less than the head pro and are better with kids.) To make a long story short: Kelly lettered 4 years in high school and won her high school section title as a senior. She has been working in New York City, but because of the training she received as a youth, can still play once or twice a year when she comes home and still have a more than respectable game, hitting the ball over 250 off of the tee.

My wife began golfing only after she saw what a great time Kelly and I had together on the course. After finding an inexpensive set of clubs, I took her to the driving range. (It must be noted there was golf in her genetics, as her grandfather first shot his age at 66.)  When she seems to enjoy the driving range, I got her a better set of golf clubs and encouraged her to take groups lessons with a local female instructor. Now she is a golf addict and loves playing 9 holes and going to dinner on a weekly basis. We also do a number of couples events with friends every summer. (On a funny note, when she began golfing, her goal was to make a score on any given hole with a name:  bogie, par, snowman, etc. Now that is not an issue.)

I took my first and only lessons at age 26 from the Golf Digest Schools in 1976. I was single at the time and had spent one month's salary on golf clubs and another month's salary gong to the golf school. Being a teacher, I took careful notes, practiced religiously, and became a 6 handicap. I am now a "Happy 9" handicap 37 years later. When I need a refresher, I go back to my original notes, or I utilize the tips and experiences that I have gleaned over the years. I know that if or when my game would go south, I would not hesitate to seek the advice from a local pro. [One note about the Golf Digest School I attended. The instructors were Bob Toski (leading PGA money winner in 1954 and member of the World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame), John Elliott (former tour pro and noted instructor), but I spent most of my week working with Peter Kostis (CBS golf analyst).]

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Originally Posted by dfreuter415

My wife began golfing only after she saw what a great time Kelly and I had together on the course. After finding an inexpensive set of clubs, I took her to the driving range. (It must be noted there was golf in her genetics, as her grandfather first shot his age at 66.)  When she seems to enjoy the driving range, I got her a better set of golf clubs and encouraged her to take groups lessons with a local female instructor. Now she is a golf addict and loves playing 9 holes and going to dinner on a weekly basis. We also do a number of couples events with friends every summer. (On a funny note, when she began golfing, her goal was to make a score on any given hole with a name:  bogie, par, snowman, etc. Now that is not an issue.)

Bolded text is seriously impressive

Yours in earnest, Jason.
Call me Ernest, or EJ or Ernie.

PSA - "If you find yourself in a hole, STOP DIGGING!"

My Whackin' Sticks: :cleveland: 330cc 2003 Launcher 10.5*  :tmade: RBZ HL 3w  :nickent: 3DX DC 3H, 3DX RC 4H  :callaway: X-22 5-AW  :nike:SV tour 56* SW :mizuno: MP-T11 60* LW :bridgestone: customized TD-03 putter :tmade:Penta TP3   :aimpoint:

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I know this site is run by a professional golf instructor, and I'm not against lessons ... it's just not for me.      It all comes down to what you want to get out of golf - I have a bad back, bad knee and am an absolutely awful putter (my hcp would be 8-10 points higher if I was even an average putter).     I have always had above average coordination & am an above average ball striker & green side chipper (part of the game I've worked the most at).    I am so enfatuated with the game (played over 100 rounds the last 2 years since I started golfing), I've been able to learn so much from all the online , video & TV resources we have today,     I'm happy with where I'm at without lessons.      Like I said, seems to me it's all about what you want to get out of golf ... for the guys who want to compete, sure lessons make sense - I know I'll never be a scratch golfer, but if I ever get any confidence with putting, will be better than average, which is all I'm looking for out of the game ...

PS - I think there's a population who dive right into lessons without even putting in the effort to try to figure it out on their own.    We have it made today - there is so much information available online & on TV to help a person learn about the golf swing ... alot of people don't put the time into trying to learn what they can themselves, they rely on being taught, which I don't agree with.

John

Fav LT Quote ... "you can talk to a fade, but a hook won't listen"

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Originally Posted by inthehole

I know this site is run by a professional golf instructor, and I'm not against lessons ... it's just not for me.      It all comes down to what you want to get out of golf - I have a bad back, bad knee and am an absolutely awful putter (my hcp would be 8-10 points higher if I was even an average putter).     I have always had above average coordination & am an above average ball striker & green side chipper (part of the game I've worked the most at).    I am so enfatuated with the game (played over 100 rounds the last 2 years since I started golfing), I've been able to learn so much from all the online , video & TV resources we have today,     I'm happy with where I'm at without lessons.      Like I said, seems to me it's all about what you want to get out of golf ... for the guys who want to compete, sure lessons make sense - I know I'll never be a scratch golfer, but if I ever get any confidence with putting, will be better than average, which is all I'm looking for out of the game ...

PS - I think there's a population who dive right into lessons without even putting in the effort to try to figure it out on their own.    We have it made today - there is so much information available online & on TV to help a person learn about the golf swing ... alot of people don't put the time into trying to learn what they can themselves, they rely on being taught, which I don't agree with.

Two words: putting lessons.

I know a lot of pretty decent golfers who are self taught but it takes a certain affinity and natural talent to do so, I have neither I've never taken lessons and that is probably why I suck so bad. I'm starting evolvr in the next 2 weeks or so provided the snow melts...hopefully I can start to break 100 regularly instead of once in a blue moon.

Yours in earnest, Jason.
Call me Ernest, or EJ or Ernie.

PSA - "If you find yourself in a hole, STOP DIGGING!"

My Whackin' Sticks: :cleveland: 330cc 2003 Launcher 10.5*  :tmade: RBZ HL 3w  :nickent: 3DX DC 3H, 3DX RC 4H  :callaway: X-22 5-AW  :nike:SV tour 56* SW :mizuno: MP-T11 60* LW :bridgestone: customized TD-03 putter :tmade:Penta TP3   :aimpoint:

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Originally Posted by David in FL

I imagine that a session with me could make Erik or Mike seriously consider giving up teaching!

I'd take that bet. Your swing is not the confusing mess you seem to think it is. :)

Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

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I believe in lessons from a "good pga pro".   Without lessons, I've created a lot of bad habits which affect every aspect of my swing.  Over the last 8 weeks, I've improved immensely with the help of my local pro.

From the land of perpetual cloudiness.   I'm Denny

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Wished some of the players in my weekly group would take a hint and find some lessons in all facets of the game (putting, short game, etc etc). If not for them, but for us who have to see the countless whiffs, misses, slices, hacks, duffs, shanks, skulls, chili-dips, etc etc etc........

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Hell... yes...

The key is finding effective instruction. Not easy.

I think many people are turned off by instruction, justifiably, because much of it doesn't work.

Steve

Kill slow play. Allow walking. Reduce ineffective golf instruction. Use environmentally friendly course maintenance.

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Originally Posted by David in FL

Nope.

I've never even seen my swing on video, though I've been told that I look like I'm trying to kill a snake with a stick.  One of these days I'll grow a big enough pair to do a video and post it here.....just for the entertainment that it will likely provide.

I imagine that a session with me could make Erik or Mike seriously consider giving up teaching!

I almost spit my drink all over the keyboard!

The first time I saw myself on video I was dismayed at how old and in-flexible I looked.  But after the initial horror, I focused on what to correct.  I also alway wear a hat so I don't have to see my bald spot!

Scott

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So far in my 1st lesson I was shown how to start my back swing and bend my left knee (i play right handed) enabling me to do a full back turn without swaying "out of the barrel" which as a 55 YO beginner i thought i was unable to do, so THAT's a good thing and has helped my swing a lot already. I was also shown how to have a STRONG grip rather than a beginner's weak one, problem is i now have two very painful blisters on my right hand from usinging this new grip. They are on the two center fingers knuckles on the sides which face my left gloved hand. Bistered and skin removed within one hour long session of practice. (I've still been hitting almost everyday through the pain but am considering wearing TWO golves until i work this thing out. Bandaids haven't helped much. I have my second lesson this coming Thursday and will discuss the issue with my teacher, can't wait to see what he recommends. Am I doing something wrong? We shall see.

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I found that any significant swing change or even short game/putting change wouldn't necessarily show improvement right away - but after several weeks/months sometimes.  People sometimes expect instantaneous results. Gotta stick with changes if you believe in the instructor and what he/she's telling you.

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I understand what you're saying but the missing skin on my fingers don't quite agree. ;-) I'll see what the instructor thinks and follow his recommendations. I suspect i'm doing something incorrectly or I won't be blistering. I'm new to the game and he seems to know his stuff so I fully intend to "follow instructions." His guidance and advice is what I'm paying him for! ;-)

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i haven't.  i personally have no motivation for lessons as i think my mechanics are pretty good.  i think i need a lesson on how to adjust my cochlea though, as i miss about 50% of putts within 1" per round!

i'll reevaluate the lesson thing when i get to scratch

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Took my 2nd lesson tonight. Worked more on my swing and then worked on chipping. Apparently my swing still needs work, I still have a little too much movement during the back swing, but my form chipping is good. Next week we'll review THEN start doing some bunker work. All in all I'm very happy i made the decision to take some lessons. I may not take them for a long period of time because they can be expensive but if I can get the fundamentals ironed out or at least know what to work on I will consider it money very well spent.

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how much practice/work do you do in between lessons?  I think for every hour of lessons you should work on your swing x1-2 times that in addition to playing.....I know people who expect dramatic changes without doing the homework/practice.

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Originally Posted by Rick Martin

how much practice/work do you do in between lessons?  I think for every hour of lessons you should work on your swing x1-2 times that in addition to playing.....I know people who expect dramatic changes without doing the homework/practice.

I have have backed off full swing practice for now as I'm starting evolvr lessons soon and don't want to ingrain my bad habits any deeper prior to the lessons. Lotsa putting at the moment.

Once I start lessons I'm planning on sending in a video twice a month and getting in a good 4-5 hour long practice sessions between lessons. This is of course dependant on a lot of factors including family life and responsibilities, cash flow (for range sessions and golf) and how well I'm progressing on any particular lesson's material.

I won't be able to PLAY a ton of golf this year but plan on investing in a membership next year. This year is going to be all about getting my technique somewhat sorted out .

Yours in earnest, Jason.
Call me Ernest, or EJ or Ernie.

PSA - "If you find yourself in a hole, STOP DIGGING!"

My Whackin' Sticks: :cleveland: 330cc 2003 Launcher 10.5*  :tmade: RBZ HL 3w  :nickent: 3DX DC 3H, 3DX RC 4H  :callaway: X-22 5-AW  :nike:SV tour 56* SW :mizuno: MP-T11 60* LW :bridgestone: customized TD-03 putter :tmade:Penta TP3   :aimpoint:

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