Posted: 12/1/2012 6:54:11 PM EDT
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So I desperately need to learn to play golf. I just graduated from law school and I have had quite a few people who would be helpful to my career invite me to go play golf with them. Problem is I don't know squat about golf so I had to respectfully decline.
I did an intro lesson at the local Edwin Watts golf academy and explained my situation to the instructor. He feels that if I commit to lessons every other week and practice at least 2x a week, by spring I will be able to handle myself on a course, and by December 2013 I would be competent. Is this a reasonable assessment? I don't know what I don't know here. Cost would be $1,100 for 24 1 hr lessons, and unlimited practice at their indoor facilities, as well as a couple of rounds of golf on a course, payable in quarterly installments. He will also teach my 7 year old as well, no extra charge. (of course, the kid is about 10x better than me after our 1st lesson  )
I have an old who knows what set of clubs that I got used sometime around 1995ish. Golf instructor says they are fine for now and that I shouldn't rush into a new set anytime soon. Thoughts / opinions? Anything I should ask this fellow, or look out for? Thanks! |
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I am a golfer (well, I have clubs and swing at the ball). Take it from me, don't believe the hype of all the indoor lessons. You are going to pay way too much and learn way too little. If you live near McKinney, call Golf Course of McKinney and ask for Kevin. He is a pro there and is very patient and helpful. Do a little research, the DFW area is a huge area with a lot of great golfers. |
| Former golf pro here for 11 years. You have a potentially good pro there. He isnt pushing new clubs and isnt pushing for lessons every week. I would hesitate to commit to that many lessons though because not everypro wkll be suited to teach you. I highly recommend getting one lesson a week from a different instructor and find one that you click with. Then go from there. The thing about golf is it is extremely difficult to get anywhere without good instruction. If you have any other questions feel free to pm me. |
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Quoted:
Former golf pro here for 11 years. You have a potentially good pro there. He isnt pushing new clubs and isnt pushing for lessons every week. I would hesitate to commit to that many lessons though because not everypro wkll be suited to teach you. I highly recommend getting one lesson a week from a different instructor and find one that you click with. Then go from there. The thing about golf is it is extremely difficult to get anywhere without good instruction. If you have any other questions feel free to pm me. Understatement of....well, ever. |
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When I was playing I had a 7 handicap.
When I took lessons I wanted to hit off real grass and see real ball flight. Feel real wind and see it affect the ball. On the other hand, if I could take lessons from Michael Breed inside the Golf Channel studios I would jump at that chance. Technology has come a long way.... if you aren't a good athlete with good hand to eye coordination, golf will be a very frustrating endeavor. I agree that the pro saying that a lesson every other week is a good thing... But make sure you practice what he teaches you several times between lessons. And, depending on your personality, golf can become very addicting. You get better.... and that makes you want to get better... which makes you want to get better ..... and it takes time to get better. Better get your wife to play. |
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Lessons are the best investment you can possibly make regarding the game. And practice right behind that. Lots and lots of practice / playing.
I'd hit balls since I was a kid but never really tried to get better until about '91. Took a few lessons at GolfSmith (still a very good place to start btw!!), played a round at least three times a week and got reasonably decent. Meaning for me I could do a round in mid-80's most of the time. Then I stopped playing for various reasons until about 2 years ago. And man, I SUCK!!! You have to play / practice consistently. I can still putt better than anyone I've ever played with, but the swing skills must be kept up. Yes, I'll be taking lessons again. |
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OK so I went to Golfsmith and talked to the Golftec people there.
The guy there feels that you need computer based feedback like they provide. I told him I took a lesson at Edwin Watts, and he didn't trash it; just claimed his way was superior because of the all the sensors and stuff they have. He did say that wherever I go, don't go anywhere without video feedback and when I mentioned just taking lessons from the PGA pro at the golf course 2 blocks from my house he said that is the absolute worst way to learn. He also feels 7 is to young to learn to play golf, as he would be missing the ball all the time and get frustrated. I thought that was a little  , as Edwin Watts had no problem with the boy, even supplied him with proper equipment, nor did he have any problems hitting the ball.
Costs there are $200 for an intro + follow up lesson, then $85 per lesson, with prices coming down if I purchase them in bulk. Practice at the facilities is an additional charge. He feels I need lessons at least once a week. I feel like I am being sold a line because of my lack of knowledge. What say you all? |