If
you’ve been thinking about taking up golf, or if you’re a golfer in search
of a better game, you may have considered golf lessons. But are golf lessons
really beneficial? And how do you find a pro who will offer good advice?
There
are some who swear that lessons are vital and others who say that practice is
the only thing that will improve your golf game. The truth seems to lie
somewhere in the middle. But before you drop your coach or sign up for lessons,
consider what it is that you hope golf lessons will accomplish. Outlining your
goals may help you decide whether you truly need lessons or simply more time on
the course.
If
you play with others who play exceptionally well, you may want to find someone
to give you some help with your game. Whether that’s a paid coach or merely a
friend who plays well is strictly a personal choice. Getting some pointers and
tips may be a good way to ensure that you don’t totally embarrass yourself in
front of other players.
If
you’re serious about the game, you’ve probably been involved long enough
that you don’t need advice on whether to get a coach. But if you’ve only
recently discovered the joy of golfing, you may find yourself looking for a way
to improve your game. Golf lessons could very well be the answer.
Some
people say that lessons give them a set time to practice and an opportunity to
completely focus on the game. You’ll typically be less interrupted than if you
were playing on your own, stopping to chat with friends along the way. But
others say the simple fact of having someone scrutinizing every move and
offering constant advice is more distracting than helpful. Decide whether
you’re one of those who accept direction and works well in that situation.
That’s a major clue as to whether golf lessons are a good idea.
Remember
that a golf coach’s job is to teach you to golf correctly. That means that
there are some habits that he (or she) will be trying to ingrain and others
they’ll be trying to break. While golfing correctly is a terrific goal, many
golfers have some bad habits that they tout as benefiting their game. Changing
your grip, adjusting your stance or even using different equipment may be among
the “must do” list from your coach. You may resist those changes. You have
two options. You can do your best to follow the instructions, or you can explain
that you aren’t planning to change that particular habit. If you don’t plan
to change, you may need to reexamine your decision to take lessons. Without
following directions, lessons may become a waste of time and effort on both
parts, and money on yours.
Golf
lessons are great for some people. It’s a personal decision whether you are
one of those who will benefit from a coach – formal or informal. But remember
that the most important thing to improve your golf game is simply practice.
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