Golf Lessons

[lotus]

I've played golf twice in my life. In high school. I'm proud to say that I got through 18 holes with the same ball my second time, so proud that I still have the ball.

All that being said, I have a couple of buddies who have been suggesting that we go out and knock the ball around this summer. None of us are good, so our expectations are low, but I don't even know how to swing. There's a guy in town who specializes in people like me, people who don't want to play on the tour but just want to be able to play with friends and colleagues when it comes up.

I'm posting the link to the guy's site, just wanted to see if the golfers among you had an opinion on whether this is worth it. $225 for a three-hour lesson that promises to make you "respectable" for casual play doesn't seem like a bad deal to me. He seems pretty realistic about what you can expect to learn, but I don't have any context for it.

Anyway, any thoughts are appreciated.

http://www.instantbogeygolf.net/

[rabb]

I have been thinking about doing the same, so I approve this topic

[Jammer]

I have never taken lessons and typically shoot in the 90s. Having someone take a look at your swing and give you tips is always helpful but I would question him "curing your slice in 90 seconds". People give tips on the course all the time but it is you mentally making the adjustment and getting comfortable in your swing.

I turn my club head in when standing at the tee knowing that when I swing back and then follow through it straightens out. I hear all the time suggestions on changing it and when I try to adjust I don't hit it straight. So to me always listen to suggestions (especially from better golfers) but comfort is the key in your swing.

Since you haven't played much the first thing I will tell you is to put an electric fence around your driver and not touch it. It is one of the most difficult clubs to master and can be a nightmare to some when first starting out. I still to this day typically use my 5 wood on the tee because I hit it about the same distance as my driver and hit the fairway with a higher percentage.

Another key is to learn how to manage a course. When I first played I saw where the flag was and just tried to hit it there. Over time I realized that ball placement is key and while you want to kill the ball you need to make smart decisions. If you see a spot ahead that puts you in a good position for your next shot, that is where you want to go. Don't always try to hit the ball as far as you can.

Like I said, not a great golfer here so take my advice for what it is worth.

[YEM]

I wish I never stopped. I played a bunch when I was younger, 13-17yrs old. Would just hit around the park with my buddies for fun. That lead to real rounds on a course. Hell, many times we'd take a couple clubs (I'd take a 3wood, 4 iron, 9iron, and putter) and we'd sneak on a play

[Elwood]

I would recommend taking a lesson or two just to get the swing mechanics down. Then go to the range and work on it.

Another thing, check local courses to see how much the "pro" charges for lessons.

[lotus]

I would recommend taking a lesson or two just to get the swing mechanics down. Then go to the range and work on it.

Another thing, check local courses to see how much the "pro" charges for lessons.

I think this guy is actually at the range and course right down the street from my office. There are a blue ton of public courses around here, though, and I'm hoping I can get it maybe just a hour to be shown proper position at the tee, how to swing the club, etc.

It was fine to swing over and over again to try to hit it in high school, but I'm sad to report I would probably throw out my shoulder these days if I do it wrong. Or even right. If I can at least get to the point of being able to hit the ball, I can head to the little range down the street during my lunch hour and hit a bucket to practice.

[Elwood]

Definitely give the guy a shot and given the location it seems hard to beat. Let us know how it turns out.

As Jammer said, stay away from the driver.

[Lambshot23]

I would go to the range first and see how you actually strike the ball before spending the jack on lessons. I have seen lessons actually hurt people more than it helps but that is usually with more experienced players. Is it something you plan on doing for awhile or do you have that competive fire that you have to win than I would say get lessons. I have been playing for 10 plus years and I have come to terms with my skill level, I try and improve but dont have an issue if I shoot 105 or an 85, cause depending on the day I can do either.

[lotus]

I have no plans to become competitive in any sense of the word, but I am pretty sure I can't even hit the ball. I know that I don't know how to hold a club or swing.

[Jammer]

Hit the range first and sometimes guys there will give you tips. The only pressure you typically feel at the golf course is the first tee when others are waiting to play and watching you (unless it is a crowded day). You will also feel a huge intimidation when you have to clear water at any point when you first start out.

[lotus]

Maybe I'll watch some videos first and see if I can get a basic swing down. Need to go pick up the clubs I'm getting from my buddy, for the sky-high cost of a sixer of beer. Evidently the good deal is a result of the clubs being "not a set of Pings we're talking about here"...

[mort1mer]

I'd suggest lessons at some point early on. In golf its a lot easier to learn stuff right the first go round than to get in bad habits and have to unlearn.

[lotus]

to get in bad habits and have to unlearn.

This is going to be the title of my autobiography.

[RayRay]

Maybe I'll watch some videos first and see if I can get a basic swing down. Need to go pick up the clubs I'm getting from my buddy, for the sky-high cost of a sixer of beer. Evidently the good deal is a result of the clubs being "not a set of Pings we're talking about here"...

Exactly this, there are enough youtube videos out there to show you basic grips and stances. Take those, practice them a few times to get comfortable and go to the driving range. Get a big ass bucket of balls and do what feels good. If nothing at all works, get some help but at least you have a starting point. Like Jammer said you might immediately find that by overcompensating how you stand for example, you may hit fairly straight.

[lotus]

Overcompensating is where I shine.