My first "formal" lesson

I bought my first clubs about 2 years ago and went to the range 8 or 9 times, doing the best I could with a very basic understanding of the mechanics of the golf swing. However, I started getting really serious about golf about 2 months ago. I've been at the range almost every day, trying to work out the kinks by myself. I finally decided the best thing to do was to invest in some lessons before I developed some really bad habits. I caught up with the local golf course manager, who is also an instructor. I scheduled some time and had my first formal lesson with him two days ago.

He had me start by hitting about 5 balls for him. He commented that my grip and stance were OK for the time being but that my body mechanics were a bit off. He noted a few things I was doing wrong, gave me some tips on how to correct them and watched me hit, or try to hit, about 20 or 30 more balls. After about 35-40 minutes he gave me a verbal list of things to work on and said, "When you've got those things worked out give me a call and we'll do another lesson."

His lack of enthusiasm was a bit disappointing. The fact that he sat in the golf cart for the entire lesson didn’t make me feel too good either. Plus, he seemed much more interested in watching the two really cute 20 year old girls in shorts and tube tops about three slots down on the range attempt to hit some balls than he did in giving me the instruction I needed and was paying him for. In short, his actions and lack of attention to the job at hand didn’t do a lot to engender any trust in his teaching methods. Frankly, I feel I can do better on my own with a David Leadbetter instructional DVD and a lot of range time.

I'd appreciate some feedback on what an instructor is supposed to do for a new student, what a real lesson should be like, and if instructors have to have some sort of verifiable credentials.

Thanks,
Tim

One thing you must realize is that every instructor is different and has a different patience level. But for him to not even give you the time of day while you are paying him to help you is rediculous. You might want to try and go to another instructor at a country club maybe, or at a different driving range because an instructor should never act like that during a lesson.

Ask around, talk to people, try some other instructors. You’ll know it when you find a teacher you "connect" with. Everyone has their own style of teaching AND learning.

And no, you probably cannot do the job, by yourself, with a book.

Sorry that happened to you Tim, and welcome to the party. He probably doesn't really know much about teaching golf or at least did not know how to communicate what he does know. Either way, go someplace else.

David Ledbetter is a waste of your money too IMO.

Never try to learn yourself, unless you have natural ability it won't work and you will end up wasting months of your time, find yourself a new pro, the one your with sounds like a muppet,

Yeah, definitely go look around somewhere else, I would've asked for my money back. First decide whether you want to learn the FEEL of the game or do you want to learn the game in a mechanic sense.

I've stopped taking part in any instruction forums for the very reason I'm dedicating myself to 100% feel with my PGA instructor. If you want to learn the mechancis, learn here, online, from the best of the best. Don't get too analytical, you'll regret it - paralysis by analysis is ringing all over the internet/golf channel, so watch out for that.

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