If you’re new to golf or have been playing for a few years, there comes a point in every golfer’s life when they consider taking golf lessons. It makes sense–golf can be very technical and is a fairly complicated sport. You can’t win a round of golf by running faster or throwing a ball further than your competitors. Golf takes precision and a thorough understanding of the game.
If you find yourself wondering whether you should take golf lessons, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll take a look at what golf lessons typically entail and whether or not they’re worth it. We’ll also recommend some options for beginners looking to learn the game or high-handicappers looking for ways to improve.
How Do Beginners Learn to Play Golf?
Most beginner golfers learn to play from someone else who has some experience with the sport, oftentimes a parent or friend. Learning to play golf this way can be really fun because you’re getting to spend time with people who are important to you. It’s also free, which is a definite bonus. But, unless your dad is Tiger Woods, one of the major downsides of learning from a parent or friend is inheriting any bad playing habits they inadvertently teach you.
If you don’t have anyone close to you that plays golf, you can always try to teach yourself how to play. There are countless guides and instructional videos showing beginners how to play golf everywhere on the Internet, so you have no shortage of resources to choose from. Golf is a tricky sport to learn, but it’s absolutely possible to teach yourself how to play if you’ve got time and dedication.
When Should a Beginner Consider Taking Lessons?
Taking lessons isn’t mandatory for beginners who want to learn how to play golf. If you just want to get out on the course and blow off some steam or if you’re on a budget, you can absolutely teach yourself how to play golf. However, if you’re the type of person who takes their hobbies seriously, you might enjoy taking lessons right off the bat. Golf lessons can also be fun in a group setting. If you enjoy playing golf with buddies, consider taking a group class together.
If you want to eventually play golf competitively, then golf lessons are definitely a reasonable investment to make. Playing golf at that level will require extra dedication, practice, and technique refinement which is something a golf instructor can provide.
How Many Lessons Should a Beginner Take?
How many golf lessons you should take is largely a matter of opinion. Before answering this question, ask yourself what your end goal is. Do you want to learn how to dial in each and every shot and maximize the distance on each club? If so, you’ll probably need a few lessons over a longer period of time. Alternatively, if all you want to know is how to swing the club the correct way, a single lesson might be all you need. Once you’ve got the swing down, you can work on dialing it in at the range before hitting the course.
Most experts say it takes beginners anywhere from six months to a year to even become proficient enough to play a round. What counts as ‘proficient’ is up to interpretation, however. Our advice? If you really want to start playing golf, don’t wait six months to play a round. Get out on the course and play, even if you end up bogeying (or worse) most of the holes. It’s the experience that counts, and you’ll probably learn something along the way regardless.
What Do Golf Lessons Cover?
With golf lessons, you can learn everything about golf, from the basics to advanced techniques. Golf lessons for absolute beginners typically revolve around how to hold and swing your club–you may not even hit the golf ball in these lessons. The more lessons you take, however, the more you learn about each club and how to use them, how to hit particular types of shots, and more. Many instructors will also give you ‘homework’ in the form of exercises to do in between lessons which will help improve your game.
How Much Do Golf Lessons Cost?
The price of golf lessons can vary wildly depending on the setting, length of time, the experience of the instructor, and the subject matter being covered. Teaching yourself is, of course, the least expensive option, whether you watch free YouTube videos or pay $25 for a pre-recorded video. One-time in-person lessons, on the other hand, are typically around the $100 range. The more involved the lesson is and the more technology used, the greater the price tag. If you’re serious about taking golf lessons, expect to pay a few hundred dollars right off the tee.
5 Golf Lesson Options for Beginners
Ready to get started? Here are some ways to get golf lessons, from convenient and cost-effective to more intensive, expensive options.
1. Online Golf Lessons
Remote learning has grown just as remote work has grown, which means you can even learn how to play golf by taking lessons online. Sites like Udemy host countless pre-recorded lessons that can teach you how to master your golf swing, get better at chipping, and even break 100. Pricing varies, though many of these online learning platforms offer specials and discounts regularly, making this a convenient option to learn golf on a budget.
2. Topgolf
Surprisingly, Topgolf offers legitimate golf lessons for players of any skill level. You can sign up for individual lessons where you receive one-on-one instruction or take lessons as a group. You can also attend a public golf lesson for a much lower price point than a private lesson if you don’t mind meeting new people. Best of all, the atmosphere at Topgolf is very relaxed and fun, making this a great option for players who are a little intimidated by getting into the sport.
3. Indoor Golf Simulators
For more hands-on learning, indoor golf simulators have become increasingly popular. Businesses like GOLFTEC exist all around the country and aim to help players improve their golf game. These simulators are incredibly insightful because they utilize sophisticated technology to compile personalized data about your golf swing, allowing their instructors to give precise directions on how to improve. Golf lessons at an indoor simulator can be pricier than previous options, but the high-tech, hands-on instruction you receive in exchange can really take your golf game to the next level.
4. Golf Clubhouse Lessons
Golf clubs are a bit old school, but they’ve been around this long for a reason. Signing up for lessons at a golf club is beneficial for a few reasons. First, you will likely get to practice and play on an actual golf course, something you really aren’t able to do with the first few options listed. Second, you get immersed in a golf community right away, which is especially appealing if you don’t know anyone else who plays golf.
It goes without saying that golf lessons at a clubhouse can be expensive, but if practical instruction and a golf community are what you’re looking for, it’s absolutely worth it.
Learn more: Beginner's Guide to Golf Rules and Etiquette
5. A Private Golf Instructor
Do you want long-term, hands-on instruction by someone who tailors lessons specifically to your goals? You might need a private golf instructor. A private golf instructor can observe your progress in real-time and refine each lesson to help improve specific areas of your golf game. If this type of instruction is what you’re looking for, expect to see very positive results–and to pay a pretty penny.
Final Thoughts on Golf Lessons
When it comes to golf, there’s a lot to learn, but there’s no reason to overcomplicate it. Taking golf lessons is just one way to learn to play this amazing sport. All that matters is that you get out there and enjoy your game.
At Stix, we believe golf should be accessible to anyone. That’s why we’ve created high-quality golf clubs and golf gear that don’t cost a fortune. Our clubs are designed to look sleek, sophisticated, and modern while also giving you a good amount of forgiveness so you can enjoy playing the game.
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