I played occasionally until about 4-5 years ago and have only played twice since then. Once in a scramble a few years ago and a casual round last Friday. I'd really like to start playing regularly and try and improve. I'll try and hit on a few things that I think might be relevant;
-I work for myself and my schedule is flexible enough that I can get away almost any weekday for a bucket of balls or a lesson.
-I'm a big guy and my swing speed is fairly high. I'm not consistent by any means, but my good shots are almost always longer than the good shots of my playing partners. At the scramble I won the long drive prize.
-I think my clubs fit me ok, but I'd like to upgrade most of them and get something that I *know* fits and might be more forgiving. There's a PGA Superstore relatively nearby that has some kind of launch monitor set-up and they do fitting.
-I'm just *really* inconsistent. With my irons, if I fit it well, it's a nice, long draw. I also top the ball and hit it thin A LOT. If I hit my 4 iron, I'm as likely to top it 20 yards as I am to hit a 210 yard draw. I also sometimes hit my shorter irons with what feel like good shots but are pulled to the left. I never slice my irons. My 3 wood is also spotty. If I hit it good it's fairly straight, but I also top it too. My driver is almost always a slice.
-The only specific swing mistake I *know* I make is a "chicken wing" finish. I've had that since I first picked up a club and don't know how to get rid of it.
And here are a few options I have available;
-There's a course nearby that offers a "player improvement program" where you can hit unlimited range balls and participate in a couple of weekly clinics for ~$40/Mo. I like the idea of this, especially the clinics.
-Obviously I could take private lessons. I'm sure someone at the local course offers lessons. And the PGA store offers video lessons (and apparently you get to take home a video CD) and the prices are fairly reasonable.
-I could get fit for clubs that are more forgiving than what I have. This sounds like fun, but would there be any point before I work on some of my swing flaws?
So...where would you start?