Set short and long-term goals for yourself, and ask the teacher if he or she feels your goals are realistic. If you’re a 15-handicap expecting to play in the U.S. Open next year, the teacher should be the first to inform you that your goals are unrealistic.
Full Answer
Do I need a golf teacher?
Every golfer learns differently, and many teachers can pick up on that and adjust their style. However, they are not mind readers, and if something is not coming across clearly just let them know. Additionally, if you feel like you need help in other areas of the game just ask for it.
Can I Ask Any Questions about golf?
Feel free to ask any golf-related questions. I'll do my best to respond but I can't guarantee that I'll get to everybody, especially if I've already answered the question here on the site.
How many lessons should you take before quitting golf?
If you continue without any real focus or plan, it might permanently damage your enjoyment of the game and make you want to quit. Even if you took 3-4 lessons with a good teacher, they can give you some ideas on a more efficient way to spend your practice time on the range so that you can actually put productive work in on your swing.
Who is a good candidate for golf lessons?
Personally I believe the prime candidate for golf lessons is a player who has completely lost direction with their swing. On any given day they don’t know which direction the ball will be going. They seem to be on an endless search for the answer, and are constantly demoralized with their golf game.
What should I look for in a golf lesson?
A good golf lesson should always result in better ball flight, or at the very least less of the predominant miss you came in for. It may feel different, but you should hit some 'wow' shots that you should really enjoy. It's ok to hit poor shots — that's part of a lesson.
What makes a good golf instructor?
"Energy, enthusiasm and passion. I think you need all three of these qualities to be a great golf coach," he says. "This can be infectious, which is obviously a good thing for the student. "You also need to be patient and constantly be offering encouragement."
Is it customary to tip a golf instructor?
The good news is that you do not need to tip your golf instructor. The tipping is completely voluntary and something you can make the ultimate decision on. Truly, golf professionals are not accustomed to being tipped in a way that they will expect it.
What do I need to know before taking golf lessons?
In general an instructor will want to know where you've been as a golfer and where you feel you want to go. You may have played golf for three years or for 30 years—we will want to know that. If you've had an injury or a surgery or there's a medical issue, obviously the professional should be checking into that.
What is a golf teacher called?
A golf coach is a person who helps a team or individual COMPETE at golf.
How do you become a professional golf instructor?
How to Become a PGA Teaching ProYou must be 18 years of age or have a high school diploma to be eligible. ... You must meet the PGA eligible employment requirements. ... Pass the PAT (Player Ability Test). ... Register to be an apprentice by filling out the apprentice registration form on the PGA website (see References).More items...
Are golf Lessons Worth the money?
Golf lessons are absolutely worth it. You won't become a scratch golfer overnight, but in 10 weeks I shaved six strokes off my handicap by getting regular lessons with a good PGA professional. Lessons are essential for beginners who are trying to learn the basics, and can lay a solid foundation for a good golf swing.
What should I expect from my first golf lesson?
You can expect your first lesson to be a mini-interview. Answer questions truthfully. Don't tell your instructor what's wrong with your swing. Instead, talk about what's been going wrong.
Do you tip the starter at a golf course?
Again, keep in mind that you normally won't tip a starter, especially at a private club, and certainly no tip is expected of you. But if your local public course is badly backed up on a Sunday morning a $10-$20 tip may just go a long way in getting your round to commence at an earlier time.
How do I approach my first golf lesson?
1:274:50How to PREPARE for your FIRST GOLF LESSON! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust warming up and hitting balls. So the extra two pounds you might spend on some balls is gonna beMoreJust warming up and hitting balls. So the extra two pounds you might spend on some balls is gonna be hugely. Worth it. So thing number three is gonna be go prepared for your golf. Lesson.
How long should my first golf lesson be?
There may be occasions where a slighter longer lesson is needed, for example, if you need to polish up your skills before a big tournament. However, for the most part, a golf lesson should be between 30-45 minutes.
How often should you take golf lessons?
We typically recommend a minimum of two weeks in between lessons and at least 2-4 practice sessions/rounds of golf in between lessons. If the golfer is able to practice and play more often, then the frequency of lessons can be increased and positive results will still be seen.
Where do you look in the golf swing?
At address, try looking at the very back edge of the ball and hold your eyes there throughout the swing. If you are trying to hit a specific kind of ball flight, such as a fade or a draw, you may want to look slightly to the inside or outside of the back of the ball as your ideal contact point.
Who has the best swing in golf?
Most people will say either Ben Hogan or Sam Snead had the greatest swing of all-time, but Hogan, himself, said it was Mickey Wright's move that was the best he had ever seen. It was simple, rhythmic and perfectly balanced. Wright's peers even said she could hit a 2-iron like a man.
How to know if a teacher is a good fit?
Larkin: "Most good instructors will be happy to chat on the phone to answer questions or do a short interview and you can get a feel for their “bedside manner” before you move forward with a first lesson. A good sign is if they are asking you questions about what your goals are and suggesting what type of programs or classes would be a good starting point. Even if the teacher has an amazing track record and reputation online, you still need to see if they are a good fit for YOU."
What does Morris say about teachers?
Morris: "At a certain level, most teachers teach the same things. They might pick different priorities, and they definitely communicate it differently with different styles and analogies. What you need to do is figure out if those analogies are translating into performance.
Do teachers work with elite golfers?
Larkin: "The rankings and things like working with tour players are important, for sure, but teachers that work with a lot of elite players may not be the best in communicating or relating to a newer golfers or higher handicappers. Some coaches are more technical and use a lot of technology—others are not, and focus on more simple swing cues. Depending on your level of play, needs and learning style, you might be better with one type of coach or another."
Is friction a part of coaching?
There's an argument or some friction and they make a change. But friction is a normal part of a coaching relationship, and it's especially important for junior players to see that they need to participate in a relationship where they don't just get what they want and what feels good.
1. Have you carefully selected a coach and are you aware of the type of tuition you are about to receive?
Think about it like you would a doctor. You wouldn’t show up to a dentist for an eye exam. Do some research ahead of time.
2. Do you have a rapport with your coach?
Being able to connect with your coach on a personal level is an intangible, but very important, element of a student-coach relationship.
3. Does your coach articulate things in a manner that you understand?
The best coaches know how to communicate in a manner their students understand.
4. Do you understand, from an intellectual perspective, what your coach wants you to do?
Along those same lines, it’s important for a student to understand the logic behind the changes.
5. What are your previous swing thoughts and how do they match or contradict what your coach is telling you?
Along those same lines, it’s important for a student to understand the logic behind the changes.
6. What are your physical limitations?
Make sure to tell your coach what you can and can’t do, physically, and they teach based on your unique body.
7. Do you really want to change your action?
This one should be considered deeply before ever having a lesson. Half-hearted rarely works; you need to want to make a change.
Why are golfers nervous about taking lessons?
How to take a lesson. So many golfers are nervous about taking lessons simply because they are embarrassed to hit poor shots in front of a professional. Many golfers think they have “the worst swing in the world.”. Or worse, the teacher will ask them to do something they’re incapable of doing.
What to do if you leave a lesson unsure?
If you leave the lesson unsure of something, it will not become clear later… believe me. If you feel intimidated or inept, look for another teacher. I work my students pretty hard, but they know they can always back off when they feel pressed. It’s all about timing, establishing a flow and comfort level, and participating in the process.
Can recreational golfers improve their scoring?
I’m totally convinced the majority of recreational golfers can make the quickest and biggest improvement in our scoring if we will just dedicate the time to learn good chipping technique and to practicing that technique with a purpose.
Should golfers arrive early to lessons?
Again, external distractions are not conducive to optimal learning. Golfers should also arrive early to their lessons, if possible, so they can hit a few balls to warm up.
Does V1 Golf have a teacher app?
Although my videos cover everything — club recommendations, drills, specific changes and general encouragement — V1 Golf has a great app that allows golfers to send swings to their teacher when they have further questions. You can do the same thing through text messaging and email now, too. Most transient guests in my schools use this this feature. Follow up is crucial as swing changes take time!
Can golfers focus on making changes?
The minute any golfer becomes overly concerned about results, they cannot focus on the process of making changes. Golfers take lessons to learn, not to show the teacher what they can do. [quote_center]I want to see your problem shots, not your good ones. quote_center]
Do you putt with a lighter club or putter?
In employing this technique, however, realize that the club you are “putting” with weighs much less than your putter, so you want to grip the club much lighter to make the club feel heavier. It takes just a little practice to see what different clubs will do with this putt/chip technique.
What is the starting direction of a golf club?
Answer: Clubface angle is the primary determinant for starting direction, upwards of 85 to 90%. Data from Doppler radar-based launch monitors such as Trackman and Flightscope has confirmed this. A surprising number of pros will tell you that the swing path determines the starting line, but as is often the case in golf instruction, what the pros tell you and what they actually do in reality are two very different things.
What side of the golf ball do you hit when you hit a draw?
This simply has to do with the arc of the swing (picture a semi-circle transcribed on the ground). Players who hit draws hit the ball on the “back” side of the circle when the club is still swinging outward and downward to the golf ball.
Can a golfer's right knee be flexed?
Answer: True. If the golfer’s right knee stays flexed the hips cannot turn to the proper extent and they do not maintain their tilted angle. It is at this point that the arms lift excessively and the beginnings of an over-the-top motion are in place.
Why do we need golf lessons?
Golf lessons are arguably the most efficient way to improve as a golfer. The main vehicle to scoring in this game is your golf swing, and there isn’t a golfer on the planet who does not need help. This website was actually founded so that you can get advice on every other part of the game, which I believe to be equally important. However, for this article I wanted to discuss when it makes sense to take a golf lesson.
What to do if your golf game is sick?
If your golf game is sick, see a doctor.
How long does it take to fix a swing?
Then they need to form a plan for how to fix them. You need to follow the plan. It could take weeks or months to see it through. It takes work to make changes on your swing. If you are doing the right kind of work diagnosed by a teacher, then your chances of improving will increase.
Why do I laugh when I play golf?
You might laugh because I possibly just described a large part of the golfing public. The hard truth is that if you fall into that category, and are on a downward spiral in your game, it probably makes sense to see someone who can help. If you continue without any real focus or plan, it might permanently damage your enjoyment of the game and make you want to quit.
Is there a shortage of golfers who are willing to look at your swing?
I am always joking on Twitter about the things I have overheard at the driving range over the years. There is no shortage of golfers who are willing to look at your swing and offer what they believe is the fix.
Can golf swings play tricks?
The point I want to make is that the golf swing can play tricks on you. Players generally don’t have a great idea of what their mechanics are, and what are the best ways to fix them. It’s not to say that you can’t improve your swing by yourself, but I believe it makes sense to work with a teacher at some point if your goal is to truly improve. Think of it as an audit or a tuneup of your golf swing.
Is it possible to diagnose a golf swing?
It takes a lot of experience and training to properly diagnose a golf swing. When that guy tells you what the fix is for your slice, I would be willing to bet a large sum of money that he is wrong. His answer might actually make your swing even worse.
