How to find lessons to get yourself going

[TDRKZ]

Hello everyone,

I've gone to the driving range about 6 times now hitting around 150 balls each time and am starting to get used to making contact and finally figured out how to stop slicing badly. I am looking to have a pro fix my swing a bit and help me progress enough so that I might be able to start playing on the course for real. I was wondering how many lessons people normally need and where I might be able to find or what to look for in a pro. I live in San Jose so if there is anyone who lives here and knows a good pro thats not too expensive please advise ^_^. I really do not know how much I should be expecting to pay for lessons. I went to cinnabar hills to check their price and its $60 for 45 minutes. This seems really high to me as I was expecting more around the $40 range but I'm not sure at all.

Thanks in advance.

[AussieGolfBoy]

Re: How to find lessons to get yourself going

in australia i usualy expect to pay around $40 for a 1/2 hour lesson.

as for when you should go out on the course. You should do that more than going to the driving range in my opinion. The knowledge gained from hitting on real grass in a far from perfect lie is much better than playing on astroturf or grass on a driving range.

You might think you can hit a ball straight at the range, but go out on a course and do the same shot, i almost guarantee you won't hit it straight, or where u want it to go. I've been playing for 2 years now and am down to 19hc and i still don't hit balls straight. For me i get better practice from playing in comps and on a course than at teh driving range.

Don't get me wrong, teh driving range is good to change things like a new grip or change something minor in your overall game, but you'll find it can be just as cheap to play a round of 18 as it is to hit 150 balls. Not to mention you have that difficulty assiciated with playing on a course.

As for finding a pro to help u along, at your level (6 times at teh range), i would think any pro would be able to help you. Look at getting your swing, posture and ball striking looked at initially, practice for a few months and you will notice everything coming together, and you can work on your game further from there.

Hope i've helped somewhat and i hope your golf improves. Checkout this site and have a good read through most of the topics in the How To threads, there is a ton of useful knowledge here, not all of it will work for you, but you might spot something that will.

Good luck.

[mont86]

Re: How to find lessons to get yourself going

In North Dakota It'll cost about $40 hr....I've had one lesson and I believe
It was worth it. I have been playing for three years and this spring I decided
on my first lesson,mainly because I was having too many problems that I couldn't resolve and the pro pointed me in the right direction.
Hope this helps.

[mtngoat]

Re: How to find lessons to get yourself going

I South Carolina $60. for 45 minutes is about the going rate. As far as finding an instructor, do a local web search,or call local golf courses and driving ranges. They may be able to tell you where to find an affordable pro.

[msklar92]

Re: How to find lessons to get yourself going

The other option is a group lesson if you can find it. These are usually cheaper.

[TDRKZ]

Re: How to find lessons to get yourself going

How long does it normally take before you can start playing for real (albiet not very well)

[msklar92]

Re: How to find lessons to get yourself going

I would start out on a par 3 course. After you feel reasonably comfortable, ask somebody you know who plays to mentor you on a regular course. I would initially go out with people I know, otherwise it will be to nerve racking. Everybody progresses differently so it is hard to tell when you can tackle a regular course. I would think after 4-6 weeks of consistent range practice and several times on a par three or short course. Hope this helps Mike.