How Many Golf Lessons Does It Take For A Beginner To Improve?
By Ollie Neave | April 15, 2024
Attention golf enthusiasts! I am constantly asked what the optimal number of golf lessons is when students start their first lessons with me.
I always tell them that the learning journey in golf is ongoing, regardless of level.
I like to provide practical insights for both beginners and seasoned players. Find the right balance to refine your skills, set achievable goals, and enjoy the process of continuous improvement.
Let’s explore the world of golf, where improvement is a journey, not a destination.
How Many Lessons To Sign On For? READ THIS FIRST
How many lessons depends a lot on your athleticism, but for brand-new golfers, I will have you go from never picking up a golf club to being on the course in about 6 lessons (which I recommend taking over the course of one month).
For golfers looking to improve their game, education should be ongoing.
I recommend signing up for a larger number of lessons (say 20) to ensure your ongoing commitment to the game. The more lessons, the more we can get into the nitty gritty of your game.
That said, there’s no one answer that fits every scenario when it comes to golf lessons.
I’d also like to note that all golf is golf. We don’t have to train on an 18-hole championship golf course. If one lesson is all you can afford, go for it. At least you can hit some balls at the driving range to improve afterward.
Read on about the factors I think should go into your decision, and see how I structure my initial golf lessons with new clients.
Things to Consider When Signing Up For Golf Lessons
Type Of Lessons
Golf Clinics:
Clinics are a great way to start and are what I primarily offer to beginners. My clinics will help you save some time on fundamentals and get my elevator pitch on playing golf/good habits.
Online Lessons:
With online lessons, I’m not just talking about watching public YouTube videos (though those can be helpful, too).
Online lessons are more for the serious golfer who is looking for more feedback and stats on their game.
Obviously, the benefit here is being able to take lessons from anywhere and access the best coaches from all over the world. I am constantly watching this space!
Private Lessons:
Private lessons are almost always the best option. It’s important to find a great instructor and shop around until you do.
With my clients, I like to know as much as possible: their goals, time availability, budget, and more.
Assessing Your Current Skill Level
The best thing a client can do for me as their coach is to be honest about their current skill level in golf.
By understanding their current abilities, I can lay the groundwork for a tailored lesson plan that addresses their specific needs, ensuring each session contributes meaningfully to their golfing progress.
Setting Goals Sets The Groundwork
The number of lessons you take will vary depending on your goals and time investment.
And let me just say – you’re signing up for lessons – I already know you want to get better at golf!
I suggest that you establish realistic and measurable goals so that you and your coach can level up your game. For some people this might be understanding the rules of the game.
For others it’ll be trying to get more detail into why your swing is performing the way it is and how to improve that.
I love the scientific nitty-gritty analysis of golf and there are many tools for improving even the best players’ game.
Frequency of Lessons
Beginners
I recommend that beginners prioritize regular lessons in the initial stages to build a strong foundation.
Opting for weekly lessons during the first few months is advantageous as it facilitates the development of essential skills and a comprehensive understanding of fundamental techniques.
This consistent approach makes for a more confident and proficient golf game in the long run.
Intermediate Players:
For mid-level players, I recommend a more strategic approach to lessons. Consider bi-weekly or monthly sessions to delve into fine-tuning specific aspects of your game.
This allows us to address individual weaknesses, explore advanced techniques, and tailor our focus to enhance your overall performance on the golf course.
Advanced Players:
For seasoned players, a tailored approach to lessons is key.
Opting for a less frequent schedule, such as monthly or occasional lessons, allows me to concentrate on specific aspects of your game and delve into more advanced strategies.
This targeted approach ensures that our time together is dedicated to refining your skills and elevating your performance to new heights on the golf course.
Of course, this also depends on how often you’re hitting the greens. I recommend advanced players try to get in 5 to 10 touches or rounds of golf in between each lesson.
Beef’s Takeaways:
Remember those piano lessons you took as a kid? Yea. The practice you put in outside of lessons plays a massive role in how quickly you improve.
So when signing up for lessons, also consider the time you’re willing to put in beyond that. I can’t make you practice, but I can make you wish you had.
Feedback & Progress Assessment
I feel like tracking your progress is the true key to success.
There are plenty of one-off lessons you can take at local courses, where you’ll get a pat on the back and “well done” afterward no matter how poorly you perform. What good does that do?
When starting lessons with someone, I like to be upfront and say that I’ll provide my honest feedback. It’s helpful criticism, so plan on taking notes.
Also, make sure to find a coach who uses real-time tools to measure your capabilities. I use the Flightscope X3 with my clients, which helps us look at 50+ data parameters.
An Outline of My Golf Lesson Plans
I mentioned that new players should take a minimum of 6 golf lessons. Here’s an outline of how I structure that with my clients and start a baseline to get them out on the links.
Lessons 1-3: Laying the Foundation
Lesson 1 is obviously the most important, but I tell my clients that they’ll be able to save us both some time by studying golf fundamentals on YouTube before our meeting.
There you can gain an overview of the game, its rules, and proper etiquette. When we meet, we’ll work split the lesson into three parts:
- Setup (your grip posture and stance)
- Rotation and sequence (I’m watching nuances in what your body does)
- The lever system (your arm structure and strike)
I’ll follow a similar plan for lesson two, and by lesson three, we’ll be working on using a driver.
Lessons 4-6: Building Your Skills
Lesson four is typically my intro to chipping and putting.
Then, by lessons five and six, I’m usually starting to work on my client’s individualized lessons based on their current goals and progression made.
Beyond Lesson 6: Mastering the Game
For clients who want to continuing lessons, some things I will cover include:
Advance full swing techniques, controlling shot shape and trajectory.
Learn effective bunker play to navigate tricky sand traps.
Master advanced short-game shots, including lob shots and handling difficult lies.
Fine-tune putting skills, emphasizing reading greens and managing slopes.
Apply your skills on the course, focusing on strategy, decision-making, and the mental aspects of golf.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Do I need golf shoes for lessons?
Yes, if you have golf shoes (or plan to get good at golf), you should invest in some golf shoes as part of your equipment. The lateral traction will help your coach analyze your swing. That said, if it’s your first lesson and you’re unsure that golf is something you’ll do long-term, then you can absolutely wear a nice pair of running shoes.
What should I bring to my golf lessons?
At the very least, plan on bringing your golf clubs (though many coaches offer rentals to new golfers), golf balls, comfortable clothing, sun protection, and a great attitude. Bonus points for if you want to impress your coach include golf shoes and a notebook/pen to take notes.
What is a playing lesson in golf?
A playing lesson is when your coach takes you onto an actual golf course to work on techniques and strategies (course management).
Conclusion
As a golf coach, witnessing progress on the course is always my aim. If you’re a novice to the game, I recommend at least 6 lessons.
For my more seasoned players, checking in on your game every 5 to 10 rounds is ideal for continual improvement.
