First Lesson with Pro

[VanillaEps]

Background

I started playing golf about 6 weeks ago. A friend of mine invited me to play 18 holes. Never played before. Went to the driving range for fun, but never hit balls with any sound form or purpose. So I decided to buy a set of Adams Tight Lies from Dick's Sporting Goods. Then for the next 2 weeks prior to the 18 holes, I read a couple of books and checked out golf tip sites. I formed a grip using the books and off I went. I sliced pretty badly and hit a couple of solid shots. Everything else was skulled, shanked, sliced, or hooked.

Between Now and Then

I started to go to the driving range more often and tried to perfect my swing on my own. I hit the ball more consistently and figured out what my problems were. Still couldn't iron them out on my own. Participated in my first pro lesson yesterday. She noticed a slight flaw in my grip, taught me how to formally address the ball and properly line the club to the ball. Really great lesson. I ignored my driver and have started to focus on the wedges, and 9/8 irons. So far have been very consistent and can probably average about 135 yards on my 9 iron.

Flaws

She moved my right thumb off the shaft.
Straightened out my posture.
Clubface to ball directs address of hands at setup.

Questions

How long did it take most of you to master the driver swing? I can hit the 9/8 irons pretty consistently, but once I touch a 7 iron, my shots start to vary much more so. So interesting how much one club makes a difference.

Just wanted to share my experience and encourage others to take lessons. They help a lot. I've already scheduled a second lesson in two weeks!

[psychosnoman]

When you hit your driver where do you have it in your stance? towards the back or up to your front?

[Shindig]

Background

Shortly after my second lesson, I was able to hit every club I owned with whatever consistency you can expect from someone who hadn't been playing very long. I didn't own a driver at that point, but I owned a 5-Wood that used to scare me. When I picked up a driver - after my fourth lesson or so - I was able to hit it (in the sense of making contact and sending the ball in the right direction, give or take 45 degrees).

[VanillaEps]

When you hit your driver where do you have it in your stance? towards the back or up to your front?

Anytime I have hit the driver, the ball was usually lined up with my left armpit. Towards the front.

[VanillaEps]

Shortly after my second lesson, I was able to hit every club I owned with whatever consistency you can expect from someone who hadn't been playing very long. I didn't own a driver at that point, but I owned a 5-Wood that used to scare me. When I picked up a driver - after my fourth lesson or so - I was able to hit it (in the sense of making contact and sending the ball in the right direction, give or take 45 degrees).

How long were your lessons and what was covered in this lessons?

[psychosnoman]

Well you've got it in the right position then. The only thing i can say is to not be afraid of it. Just go to the range and hit hit hit.

[VanillaEps]

Well you've got it in the right position then. The only thing i can say is to not be afraid of it. Just go to the range and hit hit hit.

I think that its already in my head. I need to get away from the club, build confidence in my irons, so I can clear my head. With a clear head, I can probably be successful with the driver.