Do It Yourself Golf Lessons? Not!

The innocent novice golfer who is intent upon learning the golf game on his or her own can plan on months and, some times years, of effort and frustration. Golf is not a do-it yourself sport! If you would like to master the game quickly, then an absolute commitment to a significant amount of golf instruction is necessary.

There are several ways to obtain this training.

Be advised, within the instructional process itself, there are significant differences in what to teach and how to teach it. The novice golfer, as part of his education, needs to be aware of these nuances. There is very likely no "swing for all people" Each golfers physical attributes dictate his or her capabilities. In other words the swing itself, and the basic fundamental moves which make it up, have variances within so called "correct" movements.

Look for those instructors who teach with this basic understanding, or you will surely have performance issues later.

Do some reading about the game and its special physical attributes. Golf is a physical experience but mental golf technique should be introduced early in the novice lessons.

A particularly good read about the "mental" part of golf is The Inner Game of Golf by Timothy Gallwey. Do not underestimate the importance of this part of the golf mystique.

1. The least expensive and most basic of golf instruction is the golf clinic. Conducted at almost all driving ranges, public and private golf courses, the clinic consists of weekly lessons of 30-45 minutes duration in groups of 6-10. (The less the better). These clinics are conducted by local recreation departments, usually less experienced and non-professional instructors. Also many employers sponsor these clinics.

The curriculum is "basic" basic, and assumes you know little if anything about golf fundamentals. The costs vary by location but under $100 for five lessons is characteristic. Pay particular attention to the instructors understanding of your individual needs. Shop for your instructors--some are much better than others. The importance of communicating to you as you learn, (how you process information, logical, emotional, visual?) is the mark of a experienced teacher. There is no one size fits all. Usually a lawyer and a dancer do not process information in the same fashion.

2. After your introductory lessons you are ready for the next stage. By now you will have an indication as to how the mechanics of golf work, and your own capabilities in applying what you know.

The next lessons should be private or semi-private instruction from a well qualified (and friendly) instructor. There should be no more than 2-3 students in a class of students with similar skills. This ongoing instruction is the most common means of lesson taking and the most expensive cost per hour.

3. Less helpful , but growing in popularity is online internet instruction, with or without professional guidance. The most significant online asset is the online free video presentations. However one must be cautious here as these videos range widely in quality and helpfulness.

4. Storefront golf course simulators with appropriate video equipment also provide some limited levels of instruction.

5. The most effective form of golf instruction is arguably the multi hour golf school experience. A golf school is a 2 -4 day immersion in golf fundamentals. One should not not attend these intensive sessions without some golf background. By nature many schools are less customized and assume some student proficiency in understanding the golf fundamentals. The best schools will emphasize the students individuality and not a "system". School classes should have a 4:1 ratio of student to instructor maximum. The curriculum is 4-5 hours of daily instruction. The cost typically is under $1000.

Overall the golf school is the best program to achieve and maintain a higher level of golfing performance. Deciding what learning process is best for you is a matter of commitment time, finances, and desire. The game is worth the effort! However, the message is -Take the lessons, and --Practice, Practice, Practice!

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