Golf lessons are a good way for beginners to sharpen their skills and learn techniques they might otherwise have never learned. However, not all professionals have taken lessons, and with many golf legends being self-taught, people often wonder if golf lessons are worth the money.
Although some golf lessons cost more than others, they can be worth the money for beginners who want to learn more about the game or intermediate players who need to work on problematic areas.
Keep reading to learn more about golf lessons, how much they cost, and how you can get the most from your next session.
What Are Golf Lessons?
Golf lessons are, as the name suggests, lessons that are taught by either a certified or uncertified golf instructor. Lessons range in intensity, and instructors may approach lessons differently. People often take lessons as beginners to get a better understanding of the game and how it is played. Additionally, people will choose to take lessons to find and work on problem areas, such as their swing.
Beginner lessons typically walk a person through the various parts of the game, helping them with their grip, swing, chipping, and putting. Higher-trained instructors can help intermediate players spot problems with their game and find solutions that will work for them.
How Can Golf Lessons Help Me?
What you get from a lesson will depend on the type of lesson you take and who your instructor is. Golf courses will often offer the widest variety of lessons, and may offer things like:
- Lessons for Beginners
- Lessons for Women
- Lessons for Children/Teens
- Lessons for Intermediate Players
- Targeted Lessons
- Fault Finding
- Game Checks
- One on One Coaching
- Lessons for Elderly People
- Family Lessons
- Corporate Team Building Lessons
- Much More
What is taught during each lesson will vary, but instructors will typically focus on things like:
- Rules of the Game
- Golf Etiquette
- Proper Stance and Grip
- Identifying Clubs
- Swing
- Driving
- Pitching
- Chipping
- Bunkers
- Putting
- Long Shots
- Awkard Shots
- Much More
These lessons may be one on one with an instructor or group lessons. How each one can help you and your game will depend on what the instructor offers and where you are in your golf career.
Beginner Players
Lessons can be particularly beneficial to beginner players who simply do not have the time to teach themselves or do not care to learn by trial and error. Beginning lessons can help you learn how to hold and swing a club correctly, identify shots, learn good habits, and avoid making common mistakes. These courses will typically spend time teaching the fundamentals of golf, which might seem boring at first, but will help your game dramatically.
Intermediate Players
Most intermediate players have been playing for a while and have likely already taken some type of lesson. However, lessons can still be beneficial. Intermediate courses often focus on certain areas of the game and instructors will help players find problem areas and offer solutions. These courses can be particularly helpful with breaking bad habits and increasing endurance.
Professional Players
Believe it or not, even professional players can receive help from taking a lesson now and then. They might seek out guidance from more experienced players in certain areas of their game, or they may want to brush up on skills they do not use as often. Higher-level classes are often taught by well-respected instructors who have years of experience and are often retired professionals themselves.
How Much Do Golf Lessons Cost?
The price you pay for a lesson will depend on the type of lesson it is, the duration of the class, and the level of skill your instructor has. For example, group lessons are often cheaper than private sessions, but you may not all be at the same skill level. Longer lessons will cost more than shorter lessons, and a certified instructor will charge more than a local who freelances lessons to the public.
Although prices will fluctuate depending on many factors, such as the type of class, you are taking, and where you take the course, the average prices can be found below.
| Type of Lesson | Average Price Per Lesson |
| Individual Lessons Often run between 45 to 60 minutes long. | $70 – $100 |
| Junior Lessons Often run between 45 to 60 minutes long. | $75 – $100 |
| Couples Lessons Often run between an hour and two hours. | $100 – $150 |
| Group Lessons Typically charge per person for one-hour sessions. | $25 – $50 |
| Lesson Packages They typically offer six to ten 60-minute sessions. | $300 – $800 |
Source: Thumbtack
Of course, this is just an average, and some instructors will charge their students more or less than the prices listed above. Additionally, special classes may cost more than generic classes. Another common trend is instructors who offer to watch a video of your game and critique you over a zoom session. These meetings are a good way to save some money while still getting professional feedback on your game.
Golf Lessons: Pros and Cons
If you are still on the fence about taking golf lessons, the pros and cons list below might help you make your decision.
Pros
There are some major advantages to taking lessons, especially if you are a beginner. Some of these advantages include:
- Not having to take the time to teach yourself
- Learn the rules of the game
- Learn the physics behind the game
- Learn the basic etiquette of golf
- Find your weaknesses
- Find your strengths
- Improve your skills
- Work on your swing
- Practice driving, chipping, and putting skills
- Meet other golfers
- Socializing with people who also enjoy the game
- Spending time with a loved one or your family
Cons
Although there are a lot of advantages, there are some disadvantages as well; these include:
- Instructors who are not qualified
- Instructors who are not motivated to teach you
- Spending money on lessons in which you do not learn anything new
- Being promised something you did not receive
- A waste of money
- Expensive
- It is more work than you expected
- You find you do not like golf
- You do not have the time to meet multiple times a month
How To Get the Most from a Golf Lesson
Whether you opt for individual sessions or a group lesson, you will want to make sure that you get your money’s worth from the class. We have compiled a list of ways to ensure that you get the most from your golf lessons.
Find a Good Instructor
Not all instructors or lessons are the same, and you should shop around a bit before committing yourself to an instructor. Ask about certifications and qualifications to ensure your instructor even has the credentials to teach you. More importantly, find someone you like and with which you are comfortable.
Relax
It can be intimidating to play in front of someone who you know is critiquing your every move, but that is what they are there for. They expect you to miss a swing or struggle in some way.
Do Some Research
If you really want to get the most from your lesson, it is a clever idea to do some general research before attending class. This is especially true if you are a beginner. Having basic knowledge will help you keep up with the lesson and ask important questions.
Warm Up Beforehand
Some instructors will give you a few minutes to warm up before the lesson, while others may dive right into the lesson. Either way, give yourself some time before each class to warm up and get your body ready.
Be Prepared
You never know what might come up during the lesson, and you might want to switch between different areas of your game, so make sure you bring all your clubs.
Be Inquisitive
One of the biggest ways to waste money on a lesson is to not take part or be involved in the lesson. You are paying for the instructor’s knowledge and expertise, so make sure to get your money’s worth.
Be Yourself
You do not have to impress your instructor. They do not care whether you want to be the next Tiger Woods or if you secretly hate golf. The only thing they care about is helping you improve your game and being able to get to know the real you will help them do that.
Never Be Afraid to Disagree
Just because something works for most people does not mean it works for you. If you have an instructor that is insisting you do things one way, but you know that will not work, tell them!
Speak Up
Instructors will typically have a loose itinerary, but if they want to work on an area that you know is one of your strongest points, and you would rather tackle an area of your game in which you struggle, speak up!
Take Notes
Never feel foolish about taking notes or writing things down. Instructors know that they are throwing a lot of information your way, and they will appreciate you taking the initiative to learn.
Enjoy Yourself
Sure, this might be a lesson, but there is no reason that you cannot enjoy yourself while you are on the green! Relax, loosen up, get to know your instructor, and, most importantly, have fun!
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