| If you've been thinking about taking up golf, or if | | | | you were playing on your own, stopping to chat with |
| you're a golfer in search of a better game, you may | | | | friends along the way. But others say the simple fact |
| have considered golf lessons. But are golf lessons | | | | of having someone scrutinizing every move and |
| really beneficial? And how do you find a pro who will | | | | offering constant advice is more distracting than |
| offer good advice? | | | | helpful. Decide whether you're one of those who |
| There are some who swear that lessons are vital | | | | accept direction and works well in that situation. |
| and others who say that practice is the only thing | | | | That's a major clue as to whether golf lessons are a |
| that will improve your golf game. The truth seems to | | | | good idea. |
| lie somewhere in the middle. But before you drop | | | | Remember that a golf coach's job is to teach you to |
| your coach or sign up for lessons, consider what it is | | | | golf correctly. That means that there are some |
| that you hope golf lessons will accomplish. Outlining | | | | habits that he (or she) will be trying to ingrain and |
| your goals may help you decide whether you truly | | | | others they'll be trying to break. While golfing |
| need lessons or simply more time on the course. | | | | correctly is a terrific goal, many golfers have some |
| If you play with others who play exceptionally well, | | | | bad habits that they tout as benefiting their game. |
| you may want to find someone to give you some | | | | Changing your grip, adjusting your stance or even |
| help with your game. Whether that's a paid coach or | | | | using different equipment may be among the "must |
| merely a friend who plays well is strictly a personal | | | | do" list from your coach. You may resist those |
| choice. Getting some pointers and tips may be a | | | | changes. You have two options. You can do your |
| good way to ensure that you don't totally embarrass | | | | best to follow the instructions, or you can explain |
| yourself in front of other players. | | | | that you aren't planning to change that particular |
| If you're serious about the game, you've probably | | | | habit. If you don't plan to change, you may need to |
| been involved long enough that you don't need | | | | reexamine your decision to take lessons. Without |
| advice on whether to get a coach. But if you've only | | | | following directions, lessons may become a waste of |
| recently discovered the joy of golfing, you may find | | | | time and effort on both parts, and money on yours. |
| yourself looking for a way to improve your game. | | | | Golf lessons are great for some people. It's a |
| Golf lessons could very well be the answer. | | | | personal decision whether you are one of those who |
| Some people say that lessons give them a set time | | | | will benefit from a coach - formal or informal. But |
| to practice and an opportunity to completely focus | | | | remember that the most important thing to improve |
| on the game. You'll typically be less interrupted than if | | | | your golf game is simply practice. |