Indoor Instruction

Hey guys,

I'd like to get your opinion on something. Its been a hot debate in the industry will all sorts of "experts" on both sides pounding pages and pages of opinions, but they aren't the ones that count. The learners are the one's that count.

So, I'd like to get some general opinions on having lessons indoors in a properly equipped teaching facility. By properly equipped I mean: good mats to hit off, video swing analysis (like CSwing / V Pro), launch monitor, ball flight simulation (video enhanced thorugh something like Achiever), etc. etc.

Would you have lessons there, positive points, negative points?

How about short game instruction on an indoors short game setup with a similar facilities and a quality artificial green?

Yes / No?

From an instructors point of view, a golf swing is a golf swing - indoors or outdoors, same-o-same-o. Except that indoors is more comfortable (positive) and less destractions for the student (positive) BUT, with potentially limited space, I don't always get to see those gorgeous golfing mommy's (big negative!) in the mornings.

__________________
Golf is easy ... once you know how.
Graham Arnott, teaching professional
Kelrosa Golf Studios
www.kelrosagolf.com
Class 'A' PGA Member
Full Member: World Golf Teachers Federation (GB&I)

Most students won't take an indoor lesson unless they are really motivated to improve their game. As a teacher, it would be better teaching students who really want to learn. But, as you mentioned, you lose a lot of the hot moms who are out to get some exercise and fresh air - just getting out of the house. If there is a vidoe screen to hit into, it makes lessons for the student much more enjoyable. Hitting into a net and then not being able what the outcome looks like is not as enjoyable for most. The average golfer who gets lessons expects immediate results and if the results don't show up in the lesson, they usually will not continue with the drills or advice. Serious golfers understand that it takes hard work and practice to get better and are not as worried about the fact that it will take a few weeks or a month for the results to really show up on the scorecard.

__________________
Gord

Quote of the month:
"It's easy to see golf not as a game at all but as some whey-faced, nineteenth-century Presbyterian minister's fever dream of exorcism achieved through ritual and self-mortification." ~Bruce McCall

I have had a wonderful experience getting indoor instruction. I started golf last summer and wanted to get some lessons before my first spring as a golfer. Just like my martial arts training, its the teacher that matters most, not any style.Everyone has a particular way of doing things so having instruction tailored to the individual is key. I used a modulator, hit off mats, video, chipping. He was able to point out flaws as well relate what I already do well and then tell me the things to work on when I come to the range. If you have the opportunity to get some lessons inside, get them, you can always put one in the bank for outside.

I think an indoor short game lesson would be fantastic - bunker shots, a decent putting green, a place to chip, even pitch?

I'm the kind of guy that likes to see my ball flight... so I'd need a range for full swing stuff.

As said, launch montiors are fine indoors, but even better outdoors (as you can see the end result).

Finally, the camera never lies - and indoors, you can have a ton of props to help!

I have never been able to hit comfortably off a mat. That is especialy true with short irons and wedges as I take a pretty good size divot. I will hit my driver indoors. Given a choice, I'd much prefer grass.

I think that indoor instruction has a lot to commend it. The benefits of video - replays, slo-mo, freeze, the ability to do geometry on the screen, etc, are all terrific aids and can generally be much better presented indoors. The one small negative I have is that when confronted with a long shot on a real course my "kill it" instinct takes control and all the other good stuff goes out the window.

D

I recently took a lesson where I was indoors, but I hit out to an open range. The room opened up with a big garage door, and they had video Launch monitors the whole works. I was truely the best of both worlds. We stepped outside briefly to videotape me hitting of grass. Not sure why but the instructor wanted to see this. But back to the point. i would definetly take a leeson competely indoors. I think it would let me concentrate on my swing rarther that where the ball is going. Although ballflight is as important as anything else, if your swing is feeling good chances are you ball flight will reap the benefits...

Nick Acquaviva
Handicap: 7.4

Hi Graham,

I am delighted you asked for opinion on this issue. I have been taking indoor lessons for about five years. This might sound excesive but I tend to be a perfectionist and will always look to improve every aspect of my game. My coach offers me every facility i need, from video to frame by frame analysis. he also offers lessons on sand shots from real bunkers, driving on 300yd fairway and putting on a real green. i have even been given the facility of a round of golf with him for not much more than the cost of a lesson. I wouldnt consider anything else other than these indoor facilities as the best method , but the bonus of reality golf on course is worth all one can afford.

__________________
"Play to your ability, not your expectation"

I Would Love To Have A Place Where You Can Work In The Diferent Phases Of The Game Would'n Be Fantastic Work In You Putting For A Full Hour (with A Pro Next To You) And Then Just Walk To The Next Room And Work In You Chipping (with Another Pro To Assist You) !!!!!fantastic!!!then Go To A Digital Drive Range And Start To Pound Driver,3 Wood And The Monitor Telling You ....distance 225 Yards Off Target 22 Yards To The Right Club Head Speed 100 Mph .....dream Come Thru!!

Graham,

I have given both. What I found is that the indoor was better for attentativeness on the student. But the results were artificial. Meaning that the student created a "this is me inside my head based on what the instructor wants me to be" performance.

Different from an outdoor expierence where the student was more aware of the overall affect of the world on them, the difficulties there, and that better simulated what a normal situation dictates.

Taking the climate into consideration and knowing that if the indoor expierence is a must (10 degrees outside, and this is about your only option), that a normal outdoor lesson is better overall...the student is going to take what they were instructed to do, replicate and retain better then an indoor lesson that had optium conditions that did not translate back to the outside world well.

__________________
I'm a golfaholic, no question about that. Counseling wouldn't help me. They'd have to put me in prison, and then I'd talk the warden into building a hole or two and teach him how to play. ~Lee Trevino

Hi Graham,

The teaching Pro at my local range has an enclosed Bay for teaching. This is good as it allows the student a degree of isolation but still has the benefit of experiencing ball flight. The bay is fitted with a mirror and has a video.

I guess we are fortunate in the UK as we can generally play golf most of the year, so other than the rain showers we can use the sand, practice and putting greens in the winter.

I can see the advantage of indoor facilities in places where the weather restricts teaching but personally prefer the real thing.

__________________
Best Regards
Brian

________________________________
Funny o'l game!

I'm thinking of putting a hitting booth into a spage garage that I have. It would only be for personal practice. (I need the practice)
Can anyone give me some tips and advice on the subject ie nets, mats, camera, size, etc.
Any reply would be greatly appreciated

teaching pro,
I would personally like to use one for checking alignment, ball position and swing mechanics becasue I would know the camera angles are set up right. Camera angle being off 5 degrees makes a huge difference
I do dislike not seeing the ball flight, even though you can see it on the computer, to me it is not the same. would I use it for lessons, sure if the instructor is good. would I like to use it often, No

Hi Rustic,

A full length mirror setup behind you is useful. When taking practice swings you can look back and see your check positions (takeaway, at the top, impact etc) The Pro at my local driving range has one, he has marked two lines across it to indicate the shaft plane at the top and in the release position.

Hi,

I took indoor lessons several years ago and have mixed reviews. I was hitting into a net approx. 20 ft. away. On the good side, I learned a lot about the golf swing itself. On the bad side, I developed a wicked slice which I didn't find out about until Spring and required a considerable amount of effort and time to get rid of. I would vote for indoor lessons if the facility was large enough to give some feedback on ball flight (e.g. a dome).

Tigress