Putt Yourself in Golf Lessons
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Ever wonder where those pro golfers got their sweet swings and perfect putts? They certainly weren’t born with superhuman golfing abilities. The learned the hard way: through old-fashioned golf instruction. And so can you.
Golf is an age-old game that is enjoying a new lease on life. Over the past decade, as more and more young and young-at-heart golfers have taken up the sport. To meet with this new demand, many clubs are offering golf lessons. Students of all ages can take group lessons at golf schools, clinics and camps, or they can opt for one-on-one instruction with the resident pro.
Everyone can use a little help with their game, and the type of lesson to take is really a personal decision. There are a few points to consider before choosing between group instruction and personal lessons.
First, ask yourself a few important questions and give yourself straight and honest answers:
* Are you in it for the long run?
Are you really a lover of the game and, if so, how often do you hit the links? If you have a history of starting new interests, only to drop them when they become too stressful or boring, then golf lessons may not be for you. How much do you know, or care to know, about golf? Do you even like golfing at all? Make sure that you really have an interest in golf and want to play, before investing too much time and money in lessons.
* Know your skill level
Honestly assessing your skills can be a bitter pill to swallow. Are you a beginner, just starting to learn the basics of the game? An intermediate player with some skills? Or, are you a seasoned golfer who just needs to polish up on a few areas? Don’t try to kid yourself, or your instructor. If you pretend to be better than you really are, you just might miss out on some great tips and advice.
* Understand your strengths and shortcomings
It’s important to recognize the precise areas of your game that need attention, particularly if you’re an intermediate or advanced golfer. Do you need to work on your swing or your stance? Would you like to keep your current style of play, only add a few new techniques? Maybe you need a complete overhaul of your entire game. There are lessons available for all kinds of golfers. Know what you expect and need to learn, and then search out the right learning environment.
Once you’ve answered these questions, and have determined what you need to do to become a better golfer, it’s time to look for your lessons. Be prepared to work hard; taking golf lessons can seem like a crash course, with a barrage of textbook style information coming at you at a blinding pace.
Players of all levels of expertise should be able to find appropriate and accessible golf lessons. You should expect to be placed with a group of students who match your similar skill level. Watch their development and you’ll be able to learn from their progress, as well as your own.
Beginners should take the time to ask questions, and insist on receiving clear and complete answers. Your instructor is there to help you learn, so make sure that he or she is willing to offer assistance when you ask for it. Experienced golfers with lower handicaps should be sure that all areas of particular interest are properly addressed.
Attending a golf school is similar to furthering your career. You are expected to work hard, and there will be a reward for your efforts. A qualified instructor will drastically improve your play, and you should realize significant value for your money. You can expect to complete your golf instruction and leave with a new understanding and mastery of the game. That’s the whole point of golf lessons, and it’s the only reason for both you and your instructor to be there.
A golf instruction classroom is no place for ego, so check your self-worth and your hot head at the door. Learning is all about the ability to realize our mistakes and work through them. It’s not always easy to have your shortcomings pointed out in a group setting but, if you’re good-natured, it can be the source of great laughs. This is critique, and not criticism. The comments made about your style are an important part of the instruction, and are meant to improve your game. Leave your ego at home and get the most out of this valuable opportunity.
Ask about technology and teaching aids before committing to a particular school or golf instructor. Some classes focus on only one area of play, although most will offer assessments of overall style, technique and swing flaws. Some golf schools will actually videotape students’ performances, and then use a computer program with swing and movement enhancers to assess their skills and style. This can be the best means of teaching new techniques, and allows each student to clearly see his or her own faults. Schools that utilize this type of videotaping can help students to recognize and analyze their swing problems. It also allows them to visualize their own improvements over the course of instruction.
Taking golf instruction in a school setting can feel like a pressure cooker of data, information and constructive criticism. This stress pays off, however, when you’re able to play a better game. If you don’t feel that this type of golf lesson is best for you, consider a smaller group or even a private lesson. Check with your local high school, college, community center or golf course to see what options are available.
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