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Maybe you or a friend had a negative experience with an golf instructor. It could have been a personality conflict or some other problem. Golf instructors are like college professors. Good teachers have the knowledge, but great teachers can explain it in a simple yet fascinating way. If you took a lesson in the past and didn't see immediate results, try a different instructor. Not all problems are easy to fix, but you should get a firm understanding of what you are doing wrong, why you are changing it, and what you need to do.
It is also possible that you just don't take the game serious enough.
You might be perfectly happy with your game and just don't have the
time to improve. Besides, golf is just a game. If you don't put in the
time, you have no right to get upset, throw clubs, and embarrass
yourself. Simply put, if you are confused or frustrated you are ready
for instruction.
Private Lessons vs. Golf Schools
Let's just say that I've managed to peak your curiosity about golf
lessons. There are several ways to go about it. If you have a lot of
time and would like to stretch out the learning process, take private
lessons.
A typical series of private lessons works like this: You take one
private lesson every two weeks. By the end of a series, you hope to
have your swing down and be able to try it on the course. This could be
two months later, or a shorter or longer period of time depending on
your schedule and dedication to the process
I'm not against private instruction. In fact I teach hundreds of
private lessons a year. It's just not the fastest way to learn the
game. This is because what you usually get from a traditional golf
lesson is a swing lesson. And a swing lesson can be great. It can be
the difference between quitting the game and playing it forever. But
after a few of these swing lessons we get trapped into thinking our
swing is why we are not doing very well.
The reality is that the game is more than having a good golf swing. The
game is assessing the lie, the wind and the terrain; it's selecting the
right club, course management, pre-shot routine, trouble shots, rules,
etiquette, scoring, and the camaraderie of others. These are all parts
of the game not usually covered in a traditional golf lesson. Trust me,
PGA Tour players are not taking traditional golf lessons. They are
looking for a lesson that evaluates their entire game. For a full game
evaluation, sign-up for a one-day golf school. Like many golf
instructors, I offer them in two formats. A "New Golfer School" and a
"One Day School."
New Golfer School
A New Golfer School is the best and quickest way to learn to play golf.
You will learn all of the basic techniques for golf, and how to apply
them on the course. In this small group setting, you will have plenty
of one-on-one instruction and the camaraderie of others. We will start
a relationship that will last long after the day is over.
During a New Golfer School you will learn how to safely play the game
and how to avoid embarrassment. O.K. I can't guarantee all of the
embarrassment part. You will learn the rules, etiquette, safety, dress
code, pre-round and post-round duties. We will be on the course
experiencing many situations that happen in golf. You will leave with
the confidence to entertain clients, and learn the proper attire and
lingo to fit in with the culture of golfers. I'll admit your game will
not be perfect, but at least you will know how to play the game and
what to expect. And you will learn it all in a day!
1 Day School
A One Day School is for intermediate and advanced golfers. These are
players who have been playing golf for a while but are frustrated or
would like to take their game to the next level. In this small group
setting you will have plenty of one-on-one instruction and the
camaraderie of others. We will cover several facets of the game, have
lunch, and spend the afternoon on the golf course. On the course, I can
see how you play and will have a clear understanding of what is really
holding you back.
In My Opinion
I'm not always right, but I'm never in doubt. I feel the best way to
take instruction is to take a series of golf lessons that focus on basic
technique. Learn basic techniques for putting, chipping, pitching,
bunker play and the fullswing. Then, at some point during the series,
you need an evaluation of your ability to play the game. Take an
on-course private lesson or join a One Day Golf School. On-course
instruction is very beneficial, and could be the best way to increase
your fun meter!
About the Author:
Perry Andrisen is a PGA Teaching Professional at The Bridges Golf Club
in San Ramon, California. He teaches over 2,000 lessons a year. He has
previously worked at Montreux Golf Club and Hazeltine National Golf
Club. Perry has coached players from the PGA Tour, Nationwide, Hooters,
Teardrop, Spanos, Pepsi, Dakotas, and Golden State golf tours. Among
his PGA Tour clients is his former college teammate Aaron Barber. Perry
has found a Profession that he absolutely loves, and it shows in every
lesson he gives. For more information, visit Perry's Web site at
http://www.perryandrisen.com
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