Taking a lesson vs. technology

IT IS ALWAYS AMAZING TO ME to see a golfer play a bad round of golf, get in their car and drive to their local golf retail store to buy a new golf club. We always want to blame it on the “Arrow and not the Indian”. The truth is their money would be much better spent taking a 45 minute lesson with their local golf professional (avg cost $65) as opposed to spending money on a new club (avg cost $175).
Technology really has not changed much in the past 10-12 years and the avg score for the club golfer has not lowered much either. Your basic golf company, let’s call it “XYZ Company,” needs to sell golf clubs. Every 12-24 months companies re-package technology throwing in a few new big words and tell you that the driver you just paid $350 for a year ago is now obsolete and you need the “NEW” one! Amazing how most amateur golfers buy in to this. Guess what, the “NEW” one is not going to help your slice, correct a shut club face, fix a bad grip, alter your ball position or any other swing flaw you might be faced with. How about the new driver that gives you a full tool kit to change weights in your driver so you enhance your hook or reduce your slice. Just what we needed to help speed up the game, the mechanic changing weights every other hole! If I remember correctly, lead tape has basically been doing the same thing for years. Give me a driver that will reduce tension in your swing and the sky is the limit to what I would pay for it!
Now don’t get me wrong if you are playing with persimmon woods and old Tony Penna bladed irons, today’s technology will definitely help, but this re-release of technology in a different package with higher prices has gotten out of control.
TIPS FOR TAKING A GOOD LESSON
1. Have specific goals when scheduling a lesson. A good instructor will ask you what your goals are before you start.
2. Be patient! If getting better came in a bottle at Walmart, we would all be better players. It takes work, no matter what level player you are. Only about 30% of improving is working with the instructor, 70% will be practice of the lesson. I’m not saying you have dedicate your lives to practice, but you would be surprised how much 20 minute sessions, 3 days a week would help.
3. If you are not sure what the instructor is trying to get you to do, ask him to explain it in a different way. A good teacher will be able to explain the same thing many different ways.
4. Don’t assume you have to make major changes! Most of the time at the club level, small simple things such as ball position, alignment, or stance could be the
problem. I think a lot of people shy away from lessons, because they are afraid of major changes.
5. Practice! Practice! Practice!
If you have any questions on equipment or instruction, please stop by the golf shop. We would be happy to answer any questions regarding the game.