Can I practice with my friend/instructer on the course instead of at a driving range?

[three7s]

I've never played before, but want to learn, so a friend has offered to teach me. The course that I'd like to play is at a hotel/resort near me, but it doesn't have a driving range. Would it be okay to practice on the course?

[minitour]

Just don't slow up play and follow the generals: Play it as it lies (can be tough for beginners, so you get a pass), and leave the course as you found it (I try to leave it better than I found it, but it's a good rule of thumb).

Don't expect to get everything at once.  It's a complex sport.  Welcome to the addiction.

[iacas]

I'd ask them, and their answer will likely be "no." The course is not a practice facility, and there's very little chance you could truly practice or "take lessons" on the course without getting in the way or something.

If your friend is an actual instructor, he could be in violation of professional codes of ethics.

My advice: find a local practice range and go there. You're in the U.S. - you can't be too far from one. It'll serve you better in the long run too - the course is not the place to learn a lot of the most basic things (like hitting the golf ball almost every time you attempt to, for starters).

[Ernest Jones]

Originally Posted by three7s

Would it be okay to practice on the course?

Not on the days I'm playing. No.