Buying Good Golf Equipment (instruction) - By: Dusty Rhodes

Even if you buy the priciest golf equipment in the world, playing on the finest course in the country, it is without the other side of the equation: quality golf lessons. I cannot emphasize quality golf lessons for the beginner. Those instructional sessions may come in the form of public group lessons (at a much reduced fee) or private lessons with a pro. A combination of both is ideal because you get to struggle with others and you get a chance to hone in on your individual weaknesses. Taking private lessons from a professional has clear advantages: let's face it, if you are paying $40-130 per hour learning how to play the game, you will do what you can when you're not with the professional to improve your game. A paid teacher can take you further than a friend or family member could ever take you. Secondly, the professional is able to objectively critique your swing and mannerisms on the course, whereas a friend will not feel as free after the tenth or twentieth fault. Equally important, a pro will help you in your strengths, and getting encouragement from a professional goes a long way in your game confidence. Thirdly, the pro is a pro. This is his/her chosen profession. He/she does it for a living. The pro has been good enough to be called a pro, so that person had better be good (if you don't think the instruction is, well, up to par, drop the person and find a new teacher. There are plenty of instructors who would be willing to teach you). To be fair, not all pros are good instructors, and that's something you need to think about as well. Lastly, a pro will help you with your stance, grip, swing, control, follow through, aim, strategy, club selection, and game psychology. You will be able to enjoy the game more fully. The professional instructor is normally worth the extra money you spend to learn the game. In fact, you will need to budget a good instructor into the mix when learning the game. He or she is essentially is an extension of the golf equipment you have so carefully selected to purchase. without the other side of the equation: quality golf instruction. I cannot emphasize good golf lessons for the beginner. Those educational sessions may come in the form of public group lessons (at a much reduced rate) or private instruction with a pro. A combination of both is ideal because you get to struggle with others and you get a chance to hone in on your individual weaknesses.