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Article By: NadiaEshott
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Golf Instruction: Questions before you Leap
Ever wonder where those pro golfers got their sweet swings and perfect putts? They certainly weren't born with superhuman golfing abilities. The learned the hard way: through old-fashioned golf instruction. And so can you.
Golf is an age-old game that is enjoying a new lease on life. Over the past decade, as more and more young and young-at-heart golfers have taken up the sport. To meet with this new demand, many clubs are offering golf lessons. Students of all ages can take group lessons at golf schools, clinics and camps, or they can opt for one-on-one instruction with the resident pro.
If you're looking for a little extra help with your game, the choice is really up to you. Before making your decision, however, there are some important points to keep in mind about golf schools and instructors.
First, ask yourself a few important questions and give yourself straight and honest answers:
* Do you really want to play golf?
How often do you play? Do you love the game enough to invest in lessons? Or, are you the type of person who excitedly takes up a new interest, then lets it drop when it becomes difficult or redundant? How much have you learned? Do you want to learn more? You should only invest the time and money in golf lessons if you are seriously interested in the game.
* What's Your Skill Level?
Are you a beginner, just learning the basics of the game? Are you an intermediate player with some skills? Are you an advanced player that just needs to polish a few areas? Again, be honest with your answer. Pretending to be more advanced can lead to your missing out on some valuable tips and advice.
* Pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses
You should be able to recognize the precise areas of your game that need attention, particularly if you're an intermediate or advanced golfer. Should you fine-tune your swing or your stance? Would you like to hone your current style of play and just add a few new techniques? Maybe your entire games could use a complete overhaul. Lessons are available for all types of golfers. Know what you need to learn, and what to expect from your golf instruction, before seeking the right learning environment.
Once these areas have been established, you should be able to determine the skill areas in which you need to become more proficient, and your degree of basic game knowledge. Only then can you begin to train in an appropriate golf school. Taking part in golf instruction can seem like a crash-course. Many lessons are fast-paced and reams of information are doled out in encyclopedia fashion.
Players of all levels of expertise should be able to find appropriate and accessible golf lessons. You should expect to be placed with a group of students who match your similar skill level. Watch their development and you'll be able to learn from their progress, as well as your own.
If you are a beginner, ask lots of questions and insist that you receive full answers. Instructors are paid to help you learn, and must be willing to offer assistance when you need it. A more experienced golfer with a lower handicap should be sure that areas of special interest are properly addressed.
Attending a golf school is a little like your own career. You are expected to work hard, but of course there is a reward for your efforts. The instructors should drastically improve your play, and you should realize great value for your money. Expect to leave the course with a new understanding and mastery of the game. That is the whole point of golf instruction, and that is why both you and your instructor are there.
A golf instruction classroom is no place for ego, so check your self-worth and your hot head at the door. Learning is all about the ability to realize our mistakes and work through them. It's not always easy to have your shortcomings pointed out in a group setting but, if you're good-natured, it can be the source of great laughs. This is critique, and not criticism. The comments made about your style are an important part of the instruction, and are meant to improve your game. Leave your ego at home and get the most out of this valuable opportunity.
Ask about technology and teaching aids before committing to a particular school or golf instructor. Some classes focus on only one area of play, although most will offer assessments of overall style, technique and swing flaws. Some golf schools will actually videotape students' performances, and then use a computer program with swing and movement enhancers to assess their skills and style. This can be the best means of teaching new techniques, and allows each student to clearly see his or her own faults. Schools that utilize this type of videotaping can help students to recognize and analyze their swing problems. It also allows them to visualize their own improvements over the course of instruction.
Taking golf instruction in a school setting can feel like a pressure cooker of data, information and constructive criticism. This stress pays off, however, when you're able to play a better game. If you don't feel that this type of golf lesson is best for you, consider a smaller group or even a private lesson. Check with your local high school, college, community center or golf course to see what options are available.
Article Source: ArticleZones.com
About the Author
Columnist Nadia Eshott is a writer for a variety of Internet magazines, on outdoor recreation and recreation outdoors themes.
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