Golfers never graduate
That’s what my wife always says to me as I head to meet with the pro for another lesson. I’ve been swinging a club since high school and I turn 70 years old in 2 months. I still take lessons regularly. I find that I can’t improve my game without the help of someone who really understands the dynamics of my swing, my stance, etc.
Some people have a difficult time asking for help
The problem with that is that if you’re practicing your swing the same way over and over, you’re actually developing bad habits that will follow you around the course over and over and over again. In golf, setting up a few lessons with a pro can make all of the difference in not only how you play, but how much you actually ENJOY playing (because as golfers we all know that the frustration is real).
Forget thinking that a Pro will critique you harshly.
All of them that I’ve worked with have been honest, positive, and very helpful. Lessons at the local course aren’t as expensive as you might think and they are worth it because your game will improve rapidly and cause you so much less frustration, making the game much more enjoyable for you. Many places offer group lessons. ME? I prefer to work one-on-one with a pro that I’m comfortable with. I like the fact that he videos my swing so that I can SEE what I’ve been doing wrong and his tweaks make more sense to me.
Be open and honest about your game
Your golf pro knows that you’re no Tiger Woods. The Pro will ask you what you want to start with
- driving
- chipping
- putting
- or whatever you feel you need help with.
Listen carefully and follow the instructions. You may have doubts if the Pro changes your stance, your grip, or your swing; but remember that the Pro knows best (that’s why they’re pros).
Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Don’t worry about if the question or concern is stupid-they’ve heard it all before and will not make you feel like an idiot for asking. If you don’t “get it”, tell him/her that you’re not getting it. You are there to learn and you’re PAYING for instructions. You should never walk away from a lesson with unanswered questions.
You may want to concentrate on one thing during a lesson, or several. You might start with a lesson in driving; learn the right grip, the right stance, the right swing, and the right follow-through in one lesson, and then practice it. Get out to the driving range OFTEN. It’s important for all of this to become natural. For your next lesson, you might work on your short game, or putting. It takes time! Don’t expect to walk out of your lesson without knowing that you’ve got to practice as often as you can.
You’ve invested in the equipment, doesn’t it make sense to learn how to use them to their advantage and improve your abilities.
Have you taken a lesson lately? Summer is the perfect time to get out there and perfect your golf game.
