Certified golf pros are experts at what they do, or at least they should be after completing the rigorous, multi-year training program. So, taking lessons from one is highly recommended. Golf is complicated enough even with professional help. However, just because you take a lesson doesn't mean you'll learn anything or improve. Don't immediately blame the instructor. It's just as much up to you as it is the golf pro. After all, it takes two to tango and take golf lessons.
The thing is, it's your money, so you have a vested interest in making the most of it. These tips will help you maximize the return on your investment. They're simple, straightforward and mainly common sense. But sometimes a helpful reminder can make all the difference.
Be Prepared Don't show up to your lessons without an objective. How's the pro supposed to know what you want out of the lessons if you don't? It's very helpful to write out a list of goals you want to achieve by the end of your lessons. The goals can be anything you like as long as they're realistic. No, beating Tiger Woods doesn't count as realistic. But goals such as curing your slice, minimizing three-putts, adding several yards to your drive and learning explosion shots are legitimate. If you have a clear focus, the golf pro will have a much easier time tailoring your instructions and guiding you. You'll waste less time, feel less frustrated and make concrete, observable improvements.
You're Not the Instructor Making a list of goals is one thing, but telling your instructor what your problem is, what's causing it and how to fix it won't do you any good. If you know all of that, then why are you even taking a lesson? Also, telling a golf pro all of that will only put him or her in an awkward position because they'll either have nothing to add or they'll have to contradict you. What you should do is present your golf symptoms and then explain what you would like to achieve. Symptoms could include a nagging hook, inability to hit long irons, plethora of three putts, failure to exit bunkers and slow club head speed. The golf pro will then be able to analyze your swing in light of those complaints and suggest changes so you can reach your goals. It's really that easy.
Learn, Don't Practice If you want to practice, go to driving ranges not golf pro shop lessons. You should learn how to improve during your lessons, and practice what you've learned on your own time. If you spend all your time trying to hit farther and straighter while at your lessons, you'll have no time left to ask questions and develop a plan for fixing your problems. It's that plan you want. Once you have it, then you can practice. So, if you want practice, save your money and visit a driving range, but if you want to learn how to practice better, then get golf pro shop lessons.
It's Not All About the Ball If you are focused on where your ball is going during your lessons, you're doing yourself a disservice. Rather than concentrating on hitting perfect shots, you should by trying to learn as much as you can about how to improve. The performance will come with practice once you learn how to fix your swing. But, if you spend all your time during your lessons worried about hitting straighter and farther, you'll never learn how. Then you'll be in the same position you were before you started taking lessons. It's not about how well you do in your lessons. It's about how well you do a month later after you've incorporated what you've learned into your game.
Give Yourself a Break Don't beat yourself up. Being negative and getting down on yourself will only make it harder for you to improve. If you give yourself a chance and don't get all worked up over a few mistakes, you'll be able to learn more. Think of it this way. Even the best pro golfers in the world have coaches and take lessons. If they still need pointers, isn't it okay if you do, too?
If you're new to golf or need to fine tune your technique, golf pro shop lessons can help. They are a great opportunity to get feedback from a knowledgeable golf professional. So, you'll want to make the most of your time. One way to help you do that is to keep those tips in mind. Your scorecard will look much better for it.
