First Lesson this Sunday. Thoughts?

[marshallrocks80]

Hey guys and gals! I'm new to the forum, but have been lurking about a month.

I've recently picked the game back up after a ten year hiatus. I never really developed my swing as I was more of a casual golfer, but now I've got the bug. Anyway, after three weeks of the driving range, and a couple of shots that I was really proud of mixed in with a ton of shots that made me want to hide my head in shame, I've decided to take lessons.

I've been playing with a set of Dunlop Supermetal irons, but I recently picked up a set of Callaway Hawkeye VFT woods and irons (my dream clubs ten years ago), for a song on Callaway's preowned website. I haven't hit these irons yet, because my thought was, I'm not good enough to play the irons.

My question is, do I carry my dunlops to the lesson and wait until I'm better to use the Callaways, or do I go ahead and learn with the Callaways and risk tearing them up in the process.

Thanks, and I love the website!

[Jeremie Boop]

I'm not totally sure what you think is going to happen to the clubs if you use them now. I've never had clubs get broken/damaged by using them. If you plan on using them later you may as well use them now and get used to them.

[Dave2512]

Unless you're fond of hitting sparkies probably not much to worry about.

[marshallrocks80]

haha, I guess you're right. I guess it's just apprehension about using "new" clubs that were so expensive when they first came out. I feel like a kid that just got his learner's permit trying to learn how to drive in a Bentley. Don't know if it makes sense, but I'm going to have to learn how to use them at some point. I guess it may be now.

[dfreuter415]

Originally Posted by marshallrocks80

I've recently picked the game back up after a ten year hiatus. I never really developed my swing as I was more of a casual golfer, but now I've got the bug. Anyway, after three weeks of the driving range, and a couple of shots that I was really proud of mixed in with a ton of shots that made me want to hide my head in shame, I've decided to take lessons.

I've been playing with a set of Dunlop Supermetal irons, but I recently picked up a set of Callaway Hawkeye VFT woods and irons (my dream clubs ten years ago), for a song on Callaway's preowned website. I haven't hit these irons yet, because my thought was, I'm not good enough to play the irons. My question is, do I carry my dunlops to the lesson and wait until I'm better to use the Callaways, or do I go ahead and learn with the Callaways and risk tearing them up in the process.

Hi marshallrocks80,

Answering your question about which clubs to use:

1) I have always said when you have a solid golf swing, it really doesn't matter what make and model of club is in your hand.

2) At the lesson you will be focusing on creating good habits in the areas of pre-shot routine, grip, posture, swing plane, weight transfer, etc.  Again, none of these areas are dependent on the make or model of the golf club.

3) Having said that, I would recommend that you start from the beginning with the Callaway's.  Since this seems like the club that you want to use on the course, it just makes sense to take it to the lesson. Ask the instructor to evaluate the clubs. Your instructor may determine that the clubs you purchased are not a good fit for your body type or swing. Factors such as flex of the shaft and grip size are important to developing your swing.  Keep an open mind, because finding the right club is one key factor in the overall picture.

Other things to consider:

1) Take notes either during or after your lesson. These will prove invaluable when you are practicing or even on the course.

2) Remember to establish a regular time to get to the range and practice your lessons.  I taught private music lessons (brass instruments) for more than 35 years, and the thing that upset me most was when a student had not practiced the drills and etudes that had been assigned. So, make sure you get to the range and carefully follow the drills, and then try to take it to the course with you.

3) Establish goals to go along with the lessons.  Areas for goals would be fairways hit, greens in regulation, short game and number of putts.

4) Finally, REMEMBER: The journey is more important than the destination.