If you’re considering taking golf lessons you stand at the precipice of a decision that could transform your relationship with the game. 

I was able to shed my handicap from an 18+ to a 15 just a month or two after my first lesson. I got down to a 7.5 after taking my second lesson. All of this occurred over the course of 1-1.5 years. It goes to show how profound a good golf lesson can be.

But it also raises an interesting question – one I see asked all the time. How many golf lessons should I take? It’s clearly not a one-and-done type of thing. 

On the other hand, getting lessons too frequently can actually do more harm than good as it prevents you from really engraining the new swing patterns and other changes you make with your coach.

So, how many golf lessons do I need? This guide is your roadmap to figuring out exactly that. You’ll discover the factors influencing how many golf lessons you should get and tips for maximizing the value of each session. Let’s start with an overview of why you need golf lessons.

Understanding the Allure of Golf Lessons 

There’s no denying it – golf is hard to learn. But lessons can help you get through the frustrations of just starting out and the roadblocks that come with progression. Knowing the cost of golf lessons, though, are golf lessons worth it? 

Absolutely. 

Think of it like this: you have a goal in golf, and the only thing stopping you from reaching your goal is a vast, sprawling river with freezing temperatures and aggressive rapids. Sure, you could try and cross it yourself – and maybe you’ll even reach your goal eventually! But there’s no guarantee you will.

Instead, you could pay someone to build a bridge for you and effortlessly stroll across the river to the other side. You’re investing in an easier, more structured way to reach your goal – without the frustrations and discomfort along the way.

Ok – enough weird metaphors and analogies. How many golf lessons do you need? Let’s take a look at some of the factors influencing that number. 

The Number of Golf Lessons You Should Take is Based on These Factors…

The journey of golf is individual and varied, with each golfer carving their unique path towards mastery. 

But if there’s one question that bridges the gap between all golfers, beginners or seasoned, it’s this: how many golf lessons should I take? 

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It rests on several key factors:

Start By Determining Your Goals

It’s crucial to define your destination before setting out on your golfing journey. What do you aim to achieve with golf? For some, it’s a fun weekend activity to enjoy with friends, while others might be looking to compete at amateur or even professional levels. 

Knowing your end goal helps tailor the number and depth of your lessons. If you’re looking to simply enjoy casual games, you might not need as many lessons as someone striving for competitive proficiency.

Assess Your Current Skill Level

Golf is a layered game. Your current skills play a significant role in determining the lessons you need. 

Are you a complete newbie, struggling to get the ball off the ground? Or are you an intermediate player looking to sharpen specific techniques? Perhaps you’re an advanced player getting ready for a year on a pro tour and want to dial in before the season begins.

A golfer looking to refine an already decent swing will have a different lesson trajectory compared to someone starting from scratch.  

Factor in How Quickly You’re Progressing

Everyone learns at their own pace. Some might grasp the basics in just a few lessons, while others might need more time to get comfortable. Regular assessments with your instructor can gauge your progression rate. 

If you’re picking up techniques rapidly, you might need fewer lessons. On the other hand, if certain skills are proving challenging, a few extra sessions might be beneficial.

Consider the Budget Side of Things

Let’s face it: golf lessons can be an investment. While they’re undeniably valuable, it’s also essential to align them with your budget. 

Some opt for intensive lessons in a short span, while others spread them out over time to distribute the cost. It’s crucial to find a balance between what you’re willing to spend and the quality and frequency of lessons you desire.

All that leads to the main question you came here with today: how many golf lessons do I need?

So, How Many Golf Lessons Should I Take?

The number of lessons you take is linked to how long to get good at golf. That being said, how many golf lessons should I take if my goal is to get better as fast as possible? 

We’ll highlight some of the common factors below and give you insights into how many lessons you should take.

How Many Golf Lessons Should a Beginner Take?

There are two schools of thought surrounding the best way to learn to play golf. On one hand, you can learn the basics for free on YouTube or here in our blog on how to start golfing. Then, you can hit the range and practice, practice, practice.

By getting reps in on your own, you can get more value out of that first lesson – saving on the overall golfing cost. The theory is that you don’t need to pay an instructor to teach you how to hold a club, or how to connect with a golf ball. You just need to get reps in. 

But, on the other hand, getting golf lessons from the start can help you cement your love for the game – and prevent you from getting frustrated and retiring before you even really get going. 

You’re able to press the fast-forward button on those frustrating early rounds where you can’t even keep track of how many strokes you recorded on each hole.

You’ll have to decide for yourself what makes the most sense. That being said, eventually, you should take golf lessons as a beginner. Whether that’s before your first tee time or after a few months of working in the trenches on your own is up to you.

But, when the time comes, how many golf lessons should a beginner take? Generally, beginners benefit from a set of 6-10 lessons to cover these foundational skills thoroughly, ensuring they’re well-equipped to step onto the course with confidence.

These can be spread out over the course of 6-12 months or even longer. You typically want to give yourself a good 4-6 weeks between lessons to apply the changes you and your coach have made.

How Many Golf Lessons to Break 90?

Breaking 90 is a goal many golfers set their sights on. It represents a shift from a novice player to an intermediate one. 

But how many golf lessons to break 90 should you expect to take? The answer varies, as it heavily depends on individual effort, talent, and practice outside of lessons. 

However, after mastering the basics, many players find that an additional few lessons, focusing specifically on course management, shot selection, and advanced techniques, prove pivotal in achieving this milestone.

I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but it took me just a single golf lesson to break 90. That’s because I played well over a hundred rounds before taking my first lesson and started playing with a solid set of technical skills that transferred over from hockey (hand-eye coordination, touch, power, etc.).

I tell you this to show you that while some may lead you to believe you need 10+ lessons to break 90, it’s such a nuanced question that you can’t really get a concrete answer. 

Frequency of Lessons: Regular Sessions vs Refresher Lessons

Golf, much like any other skill, requires maintenance. Think of it as keeping a musical instrument in tune. 

Regular sessions are beneficial when you’re trying to master or change a specific aspect of your game. These could be every few months or twice a year, offering consistent feedback and guidance.

However, once you’re comfortable with your skills, refresher lessons or ‘tune-ups’ come into play. These aren’t as frequent – maybe once or twice a year. 

They serve as check-ins, ensuring bad habits haven’t crept back into your game. They’re also great for addressing specific issues you’ve noticed during your rounds.

Tips on Maximizing the Value of Each Golf Lesson You Take

Embarking on a golf lesson is much more than just showing up. It’s about being an active participant in your growth and forging a collaborative relationship with your instructor. 

So, how can you extract the maximum value from each session? Here’s a guide to ensure every minute counts.

Preparation Going Into the Lesson

Have a clear idea of what you’d like to achieve before stepping onto the practice range. Whether it’s perfecting your swing, improving your short game, or just grasping the basics, having set objectives gives the lesson focus.

You should also take some time to review notes or feedback from prior sessions if this isn’t your first lesson. Refreshing your memory ensures continuity in your learning journey.

Of course, you don’t want to waste precious lesson time warming up. So, give yourself a nice 5-10 minute cushion before your scheduled slot to stretch and warm up. This ensures you’re physically ready to dive right into the lesson, maximizing your allotted time.

Active Participation During the Lesson

Never shy away from seeking clarity. If there’s a technique you don’t understand or a golf slang term that’s unfamiliar, ask. It’s crucial you comprehend each aspect of the lesson. After all, you’re paying for this! 

So many golfers just nod their head in approval without actually having a clue what their instructor is telling them – whether it’s because they’re afraid to look foolish or don’t want to interrupt the flow of the lesson. 

It’s essential to listen, sure. But actively trying out what’s being taught, even if it feels uncomfortable at first, aids in internalizing the lesson.

Sometimes, seeing is better than hearing. If you’re struggling with a particular technique, ask your instructor for a demonstration.

Homework and Practice Between Sessions

One lesson won’t transform you into a pro. Taking time to practice what you’ve learned, especially between sessions, cements the techniques. See if your coach can provide you with a few drills you can leave with to perform either at home or at the range.

Jot down key takeaways, drills recommended, or areas of improvement after each lesson. This practice helps in tracking progress and serves as a reference for future lessons.

Building a Relationship With Your Instructor

View your instructor as a partner in your golfing journey. Be open about your struggles and triumphs. The more they know, the better they can tailor lessons to your needs.

Constructive feedback works both ways. While it’s essential to receive it, occasionally offering feedback on the teaching style or pace can help the instructor adapt to your learning style.

If possible, stick with one instructor. Building a rapport means they become familiar with your strengths, weaknesses, and goals, making each lesson more effective.

Final Thoughts on How Many Golf Lessons You Should Take

So, how many golf lessons should I take? It’s important to remember that golf is a journey, not a destination. I know you’re eager to improve but taking 10 lessons in a few-month period is simply not feasible – you won’t be extracting the maximum value from each lesson.

The number of lessons you’ll need hinges on your personal goals, current skill set, and commitment to the game. There’s no magic number, but one thing remains consistent: quality over quantity. 

It’s not about how many lessons you take, but how much you absorb, apply, and practice from each one. Whether you’re looking to break 90 or simply hoping to feel more confident on the course, every lesson is a step forward.

Our blog is your guide to loving the game of golf more and more. Read about when can kids start golfing or get tips on the golf gear you need, such as the best starter clubs for beginners. Otherwise, take what you learned today and schedule those first few lessons – it’s time to shed some strokes and start enjoying the game in a whole new way, one golf lesson at a time!