Different strokes

9/16/2020

Improving your game can involve
a variety of golf lesson scenarios

Wade Wilson, PGA

According to Wade Wilson, a PGA professional at El Niguel Country Club in south Orange County, there are typically three main reasons for taking golf lessons: to learn something new if you've been thinking of taking up the game; to fix something that has gone astray with your swing; and to validate your progress as you work toward becoming a better player.

But Wade is also quick to acknowledge that golf lessons aren't solely limited to learning how to hit the ball or swing the club, they can be about understanding the nuances of the game, learning proper etiquette or mastering the mental side.

Courtesy of Wade, here are a variety of golf lesson scenarios to help you navigate the process and make educated decisions:

5 steps to consider if you are new to the game

1) Talk to your golfer friends and see who they recommend for lessons.
2) What facilities in your area offer golf instruction?
3) Call and ask to meet with instructors. I recommend at least two.
4) Ask questions such as do they offer group instruction, private lessons, how long they’ve been teaching and what is the cost?
5) If you like what you hear and you feel comfortable after getting to know your golf instructor, make a schedule to see them on a basis that works for you.

When things are going well and you're ready for more

1) Call, email or text your golf instructor. Instructors love to hear from students when things are going well.
2) Have a plan of what you want to work on.
3) Have some stories ready to share of what is going well.
4) Make a schedule to meet next time to maintain success.

In case of an emergency

1) Don’t call, either text or email. The reason is that it is not ever life-threatening, even though you might think so at the moment. If you must call, stay calm and state your problem.
2) Be specific about your problem. For example, “I am shanking the ball and I can’t figure it out.”
3) Ask, “Can I meet with you later today or tomorrow?” Be flexible!
4) After you stop the bleeding and have stabilized your game, make an appointment for the following week to confirm and validate progress.
5) Once you are back on track, move in the direction to meet regularly so that you minimize another 911 event.

The bottom line

Most golfers have taken a golf lesson for these reasons a multitude of times. Notice that all suggest the idea of making the next appointment. When you leave the dentist office, you are asked to make your next cleaning appointment. Why do you make the appointment? So that you can be accountable and plan for future events.

To maintain the health of your game, you need to practice your business skills. Depending on your goals, time and budget, I encourage you to plan how and when to take your next golf lesson. If you truly want to improve your game you must treat it like a business. You must plan, be accountable, practice, and include your instructor to help you reach your goals.

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