Picture this – you’re walking off the 18th tee recording yet another triple-digit round. And that ugly score might be generous considering the foot wedges, the mulligans, the gimmes…I’ve been there myself. 

Maybe you’re finally considering biting the bullet and getting professional guidance to fine-tune your swing in hopes of shooting lower scores. Are golf lessons worth it for beginners, though? And, should I take golf lessons online or in person if so?

These are just a few of the questions we’re going to address today.

My opinion is that yes – golf lessons are absolutely worth it for beginners. In fact, I consider them a necessity. They can be your saving grace in keeping you engaged in the sport and ensuring you progress at a nice pace. 

Everyone has that friend who plays 1-2 times a week and still can’t break 100 after a few years. Chances are, that golfer is a lesson away from getting in the double-digits. I’ll walk you through my own personal experience with golf lessons and how they changed my game for the better. 

But first, let’s talk about the cost of golf lessons so we can set your expectations for what you’re going to pay.

A Brief Overview of the Cost of Golf Lessons

We recently wrote about the cost to start golfing in our blog, and lessons were one of the things we touched on. So, how much do lessons typically cost? As with most things, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

It depends on where you are, whether you’re getting individual or group lessons, and a whole lot more. Let’s break it all down to help you get a better sense of what you can expect to pay.

Individual Private Lessons vs Group Sessions

You’re paying for undivided attention when you opt for one-on-one sessions. Such lessons can range from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on the instructor’s reputation and location. Renowned golf coaches or those affiliated with luxury golf resorts can charge significantly higher.

Group lessons offer a more communal learning environment and are generally more cost-effective. They typically range from $20 to $50 per person for an hour. Remember, while the cost is lower, the instructor’s attention will be divided among the participants.

Our advice is to not even waste your time with group sessions. You’re not going to get the bang for your buck – at that point, just go to the range and eavesdrop to gain little insights. Save up your money for when you can afford private lessons.

Other Considerations for Cost of Golf Lessons

• Lesson Packages: Many instructors and golf schools offer lesson packages for those committed to improving their game. By bundling multiple golf lessons you get a discounted rate. For instance, a package of five individual lessons might cost you $400 instead of $500 if purchased separately.
• Technology-Aided Lessons: Some modern golf academies incorporate advanced technology like simulators, swing analysis software, and biometric tracking. These tech-aided lessons can be pricier, with costs ranging from $100 to $500 per session. However, the insights gained from such technology can be invaluable in understanding and refining your technique.
• Junior Lessons: These are tailored for children and teenagers and tend to be slightly cheaper than adult lessons. Costs can range from $30 to $100 per hour, based on the instructor’s expertise and the program’s comprehensiveness.
• Location, Location, Location: Just as with real estate, location can play a significant role in the cost of golf lessons. Lessons in metropolitan areas or prestigious golf clubs are likely to be more expensive than those in smaller towns or public courses.

All things considered you can expect to spend at least $100 for an hour-long lesson, if not more. That being said, are golf lessons worth it for beginners?

Are Golf Lessons Worth it For Beginners?

As we discussed in our guide on how long to get good at golf, getting lessons is essentially pressing the fast-forward button on skill progression. 

But, are golf lessons worth it for beginners who are completely new to the game, or are you better off getting the basics under your belt before paying for professional guidance?

We’ll look at the arguments for and against lessons as a complete beginner below and then help you determine if you should get lessons or not.

Do Golf Lessons Help If You Are a Complete Beginner?

Let’s be honest – golf is hard to learn! But do golf lessons help if you are a complete beginner who can’t even connect with the ball on every swing? Everything is relative. If you have nothing better to spend your money, then by all means, yes. Here’s why:

• Foundation Building: A golf instructor lays down the foundational techniques, from grip and posture to swing mechanics. Proper fundamentals are key to evolving your game.
• Avoiding Bad Habits: It’s easier to prevent bad habits than to correct them. Beginners can adopt incorrect techniques that can be hard to unlearn without good guidance from the jump.
• Customized Feedback: Everyone’s body and swing are unique. Instructors can provide tailored feedback that addresses your specific needs, ensuring you progress faster.
• Boosting Confidence: Knowing you’re on the right track can significantly boost your confidence. An instructor’s validation can be the encouragement a beginner needs to persevere.

The truth is, though, that spending money on professional guidance when you don’t know how to hold a golf club correctly or how to initiate your backswing may not be wise. You can learn the basics yourself for free and get some practice and reps in before taking your first golf lesson.

The Appeal of Getting Some Reps & Practice Before Taking Your First Golf Lesson

While jumping straight into lessons has its merits, there’s something to be said about trying your hand at the game first. In some cases you may be better off spending that money on what you need to start golfing, including the best starter golf clubs for beginners.

YouTube and our blog have a ton of resources on starting golf as a complete beginner to help you get a head start before leaning on professional guidance. Here are some of the benefits of this approach:

• Familiarity with the Game: Having a basic understanding of golf can help you better absorb the lessons when you do decide to get professional instruction. You’ll actually know what the golf instructor is talking about when he uses golf terminology for beginners like backswing, downswing, starting position, etc.
• Self-assessment: You get an idea of your natural inclinations, strengths, and areas that need improvement by trying golf on your own. This self-awareness can inform your lessons, making them more productive.
• Appreciating the Expertise: You’ll have a deeper appreciation for the instructor’s expertise when you’ve experienced the challenges firsthand. You’ll recognize the difference professional guidance makes, making you more receptive to advice.
• Cost Savings: Getting in some practice before investing in lessons can be financially practical for those on a tight budget. It allows you to gauge your interest before committing funds.

So, are golf lessons worth it for beginners? Only you can determine which side of the fence you fall on. That being said, we’ll help you determine the answer below.

So, Should I Get Golf Lessons? Checklist to Determine if You’re Ready for Beginner Golf Lessons or Not

So, should I get golf lessons? In my experience, it comes down to asking yourself a few simple questions.

You’re Serious About Getting Better at Golf

Have you caught the golf bug? It’s the itch to play whenever you have free time, the compulsion to watch golf videos, or even daydreaming about perfecting that swing. 

If you’re waking up on weekends thinking about hitting the green instead of hitting the snooze button, you’re showing signs of being ready for lessons. 

You see, lessons aren’t just about improving – they’re about channeling that passion in the right direction. On the other hand, if you’re just out there to drink with your buddies and pass the time, maybe save that money for some chilly ones!

That being said, there is an undeniable correlation between getting professional lessons and shooting lower scores on the course. And even if you’re just there for a good time we have to admit that going low is a whole lot more fun than shooting high scores!

You Own a Set of Golf Clubs and Plan on Sticking With Them for a While

If you’re changing anything – most notably your golf clubs – getting lessons isn’t a good idea. The changes you make to your swing may not end up complimenting your new set of clubs. 

This consistency can be crucial, especially when starting lessons, as it allows your instructor to tailor advice specific to your gear. 

If you’re practicing hitting cuts with your coach and then purchase a set of draw-bias irons (this is exactly what I did), you’ll have ended up wasting time and money.

You Can Afford the Cost of Lessons

Money matters. Golf lessons are an investment, not just a purchase. It’s essential to ensure it’s an investment you can afford before pulling the trigger. 

Have a candid look at your finances. Can you comfortably accommodate the cost of regular lessons without cutting corners elsewhere? If yes, that’s great! 

But even if funds are tight, remember there are different types of lessons, some more affordable than others, so don’t be too quick to rule them out. We’ll discuss this later on.

You’re Willing to Take a Step Back to Take Two Steps Forward

Golf is humbling. The truth is swing changes suck. It’ll feel like you’re swinging a club for the first time all over again. This leads to many ego-golfers just reverting back to their old ways because it’s comfortable and familiar. But you have to take a step back to take two steps forward sometimes.

You’ll find yourself hitting a whole lot more misses immediately after lessons. Those first few rounds might be a bit frustrating. But as you get the hang of that new swing you’ll start hitting better shots more consistently. 

I’ll talk more about a real-world example of this in just a moment. 

The Hidden Costs of Not Taking Golf Lessons

So, should I take golf lessons? You should have a better idea of if golf lessons are worth it for you or not by now. But to really leave you with no uncertainty let’s look at some of the hidden costs of foregoing golf lessons.

Reinforcing Bad Habits

Playing without proper technique can lead to ingrained habits that are tough to shake off later. What seemed like a harmless quirk in your swing becomes a stubborn obstacle to progression over time. 

Breaking these self-taught patterns later can be both time-consuming and frustrating. But if you can get help with them early on before they become solidified, the progression will come much quicker.

Potential Injuries

Like any sport, improper technique doesn’t just hamper performance – it can lead to injuries. It’s easy to adopt postures and swings that strain your back, wrists, or shoulders without proper guidance. 

And let’s be clear: golf injuries aren’t just about pain or discomfort. They can pull you away from the game for weeks or even months. Moreover, chronic injuries can have long-term implications, affecting not just your game but your overall quality of life.

In essence, paying for lessons is an investment in longevity. Health is wealth, after all!

Stagnation in Skill Level

Let’s face it, no one likes to be stuck in a rut. Finding yourself shooting the same score over and over again over a few-month span can leave you questioning why you even bother. Or – even worse – when you take a step back.

Progress becomes slow, and the game, instead of being a joyous challenge, starts feeling tedious. This stagnation can cause you to lose the passion and enthusiasm that drew you to golf in the first place. 

You will inevitably hit plateaus in your golfing journey. The question is, how quickly can you push through them and reach new heights? If you’ve hit a plateau in your game a lesson is what you need to break through the other side.

My Personal Experience With Golf Lessons as a Beginner: Why I Think Golf Lessons Are Worth It

So, are golf lessons worth it? Should I take golf lessons? Let me share my personal experience getting lessons as a beginner. We’ll need to go back in time to 2020 when I swung my first golf club.

I played hockey my whole life so I had the hand-eye coordination and the mobility to get a nice full swing. I picked the sport up fast and was breaking 100 within 6-12 months. But then, I got stuck. I couldn’t get below 90, and I actually started regressing and struggling to get under 95 at a certain point.

It was around this time that I was gifted professional golf lessons by my family – what a godsend they turned out to be. I took that first lesson and addressed a few things that were all wrong in my swing – most notably my grip, but also the fact that I swung way over the top and hit nasty slices.

While the swing changes were foreign and caused me to play worse for a week or two, something remarkable happened once they became more natural and engrained: I began breaking 90 effortlessly.  

I went from shooting in the mid-to-high 90s to the mid-to-high 80s in just a few months. I eventually hit a plateau again when I couldn’t break 80, and I decided to get a second lesson. This was around the time I also invested in a set of new clubs that certainly played a role.

But as you can imagine, that second lesson proved to provide the same benefit as the first. After an initial step back I took another big leap forward. I went from a 15-17 handicap to where I sit now – at a nice 7.5. I’ve since broken 80 numerous times with a personal best of 76.

Is this normal for a golfer who has played for less than 3 years? No – but I do think it speaks to the value of getting lessons. Every hour session spent with a professional instructor propelled me to a new level in my game. 

In fact, I’m actually on the brink of getting another lesson here soon. All of this is to say yes – golf lessons are worth every penny for beginners and seasoned players alike. The best players on tour all have swing coaches, why shouldn’t you?

Should I Take Golf Lessons in Person or Online?

The question is no longer – are golf lessons worth it – but rather, should I take golf lessons in person or online? Each has its pros and cons…

The Traditional Route: Benefits of Face-to-Face Instruction

There’s no replicating the personalized, present touch of in-person lessons. Having an instructor actually move your positioning for you and see your swing in person is something that simply cannot be replicated virutally.

• Personal Touch: Being physically present with a coach allows for real-time feedback. They can make on-the-spot adjustments to your stance, grip, or swing. It’s hands-on, quite literally.
• Immediate Corrections: If you’re doing something wrong, it’s instantly spotted and rectified. This immediate feedback loop can accelerate learning.
• Engagement: Engaging face-to-face can foster a stronger student-teacher relationship. This rapport can lead to a more personalized training experience.

Embracing Technology: How Online Golf Lessons Are Changing the Game

Now – what if you want to save some money, don’t feel comfortable working with someone in person, or simply don’t have a viable in-person option near you? 

Online golf lessons are undeniably changing the game and are something you should consider:

• Flexibility: One of the biggest perks of online lessons is the ability to learn on your own schedule. Whether it’s a late-night session after work or a quick morning recap, you decide.
• Diverse Expertise: You’re not geographically limited. Want a lesson from a coach halfway across the world? No problem.
• Review & Revisit: Online sessions can often be replayed. This means you can go back and review specific techniques or tips as many times as you need.

Cost, Convenience, and Comfort: Weighing the Pros and Cons of Each Option

So, should I take golf lessons in person or online? It comes down to a few key considerations:

• Cost: Online lessons, in general, tend to be more affordable than in-person sessions, primarily because there are fewer overhead costs for the instructor. However, you might miss out on some hands-on adjustments.
• Convenience: Online wins here, hands down. The ability to learn from anywhere, coupled with scheduling flexibility, is hard to beat. However, for those who prefer a structured learning environment, in-person lessons provide a set time and place, helping establish a routine.
• Comfort: Some people thrive in face-to-face interactions, finding the experience more enriching. Others might prefer the comfort of their homes and the perceived lack of pressure when learning online.

Tips on Finding a Coach For Your First Golf Lesson

Before we wrap up this guide on whether or not golf lessons are worth it for beginners we want to leave you with a few tips on finding a coach you can trust to help you reach your full potential. 

Credentials Matter

Just like you wouldn’t trust a self-proclaimed “doctor” without a medical degree, you shouldn’t settle for a golf coach without proper credentials. Here’s what you should look for when vetting a coach:

• Certifications: Look for instructors who are certified by recognized golf teaching organizations. These certifications ensure the coach is equipped with the latest techniques and teaching methodologies.
• Experience: An experienced instructor will have dealt with a wide range of learners and will likely have strategies to address common beginner challenges.

Recommendations play a role here as well in determining the worthiness of a coach – but we’ll dedicate an entire section to that in a moment.

The Personality Match

Golf isn’t just about swinging a club – it’s a mental game too. You’ll want a coach whose teaching style and personality resonate with yours. 

We know many women hesitate to get lessons from a man, for example. Similarly, many new golfers want lessons from a coach that doesn’t overwhelm them. It’s all about considering what matters to you in a coach.

Some coaches are more analytical, focusing on the nitty-gritty details, while others take a broader, more holistic approach. Find out what works best for your learning style.

One thing is universally true, though: you’ll want someone patient who understands that everyone has their own pace of learning if you’re getting golf lessons as a beginner.

Seek Recommendations

Word of mouth remains one of the most reliable ways to find a good golf coach.  you have friends or acquaintances who play, ask them about their instructors. Their insights can be invaluable.

Sites like Yelp or Google Reviews can provide feedback from other students. Look for patterns in the reviews, both positive and negative.

Where to Look Near You

While the perfect coach might not always be right around the corner, there are several places you can start your search.

• Local Golf Courses: Most golf courses have in-house professionals who offer lessons. It’s convenient and ensures that you’re learning in a practical environment.
• Golf Academies: These dedicated training centers often have a roster of coaches, allowing you to find one that fits your requirements.
• Community Centers: Many community centers or local clubs offer introductory golf courses, which can be an affordable way to start.

Of course, if you’re going to look online, it’s important to do your due diligence and find an online coach you trust. Social media is a great place to look for coaches in this day and age.

Wrapping Up Our Guide to Whether or Not Golf Lessons Are Worth it for Beginners

So, are golf lessons worth it for beginners? Should I take golf lessons? We hope this conversation has left you with clarity on your next steps. 

We feel that getting golf lessons is the best way to learn golf for beginners. It’s also the best way to get young kids to start golfing, as they can set out on the right foot. But, the truth is that not everyone needs lessons right away. You may be better off dipping your toes in the water and learning the basics for free.

But, if you’ve got the money to spend and want to skip to the good part in your golf career where you start shooting lower scores, then getting lessons straight away is a brilliant idea.

Remember, golf is not a lifelong love affair. So why not give yourself the best possible start? Dive in, book that lesson, and embark on an adventure that promises not just skill acquisition, but also moments of joy, camaraderie, and personal growth. 

Swing into your golfing future with confidence and gusto!