Where Can I Get Golf Lessons?

    Golf lessons are available almost everywhere there is a golf course or golf equipment. Most golf courses and driving ranges have pro golfers and maybe an assistant who give golf lessons. Also, large golf retail shops and sporting goods stores with large golf departments often have golf professionals on hand who offer golf lessons. Simply call your local driving range, golf course or golf retail store and ask if it offers golf lessons.

Who Teaches Golf Lessons?

    Golf lessons are usually taught by PGA Professionals, who are certified by the Professional Golfers' Association. Certification requires several years of work, study and training. PGA Professionals must learn about every aspect of golf, participate in continuing golf education programs and pass a Playing Aptitude Test (pga.com). A golf instructor doesn't have to be PGA certified, and being certified doesn't necessarily make someone a good golf instructor. A personal recommendation is one way to find a good instructor. Ask a friend who has taken golf lessons for a name. They may be able to point you in the right direction (McGann).

How Many Golf Lessons Should I Take?

    There is no single number of golf lessons you must take. Attend as many golf lessons as you need to achieve the level of playing you desire. If you just want to learn the basics so you can play with your friends, take only a few. If you have dreams of playing competitively, take more golf lessons.
    There are a few considerations to keep in mind when signing up for golf lessons. Although most lessons are each sold separately, some golf instructors give discounts if you sign up for a package of golf lessons. For example, a package of 90-minute lessons, once a week for four weeks can cost you less than buying four separate sessions. If you plan ahead and decide how much you want to learn, you can save some money.

How Much Will Golf Lessons Cost?

    The cost of golf lessons varies widely. One private lesson from a well-known pro at a private golf course can cost over $100, while comparable lessons from the pro at your local driving range may only cost $40. In general, private lessons cost more than group lessons, upscale golf courses charge more than local driving ranges, and head pros charge more than their assistants. A good place to start your research is by visiting the Find a PGA Instructor Web site. You can find local pros in your area, the services they offer, their rates and their contact information (pga.com).

Should I Take Group or Personal Lessons?

    There are differing opinions about which type of golf lesson is best. In general, if you are serious about improving your game, you need private lessons (Palmer). The focused attention provides the feedback and tailored advice necessary to hone your game. If you are just starting out, looking for some fun with friends or want to save money, group lessons will better fit your needs. Although you won't get personalized attention, it is nice to have others slicing the ball along with you.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Golf Lessons:

    To get the most out of your time and money, keep these tips in mind:

• If you don't know what you want out of your golf lessons, neither will your instructor. Have a clear goal in mind for every lesson, and work to achieve it.

• Communicate to your instructor what you want to achieve so he or she knows how to help you better (Stenzel). Instructors can't read your mind, even if they are PGA Professionals.

• There is no one perfect swing, only correct swing principals. If instructors make you play their way, and only their way, they are doing you a disservice, according to PGA Director of Instruction Rick Martino (pga.com).

• Focus on your swing and what you hope to achieve rather than how the ball flies. If you are constantly worried about where your ball is going, you won't be thinking about the most important part, why it is going there and how to fix it (Stenzel).

• Listen more than swing. Golf lessons are for learning, and driving ranges are for practicing. You won't perfect your swing in a lesson, but you can learn how to perfect it.

    Golf lessons can increase your confidence, improve your swing and enable you to have more fun while playing. Besides, all of the world's best golfers took golf lessons at one point. Why shouldn't you benefit from quality instruction as well? Remember, a great golf swing is made by hard practice, lots of patience and proper instruction.