As a golf coach (and parent) I spend most of my day helping others. In my free time, I like to play golf, but when I do, I notice my game has some holes. Some of this is due to the fact that I don’t spend enough time working on my own game. It’s also a result of bad habits becoming ingrained after long layoffs.
My son is a big golfer as well — and to make sure he doesn’t fall into the same bad habits I do, I make sure he gets regular instruction. I take him to the new studio of Eric Dietrich and GOLF Top 100 Teacher Stephen Sweeney for help with his putting, and sometimes I even take a lesson myself.
As we’ve continued taking lessons at the studio, I’ve been compiling some tips for others to get the most out of their own lessons. Check them out below.
1. Focus on your technique
When we first started taking lessons, my son mentioned my stroke was looking a bit off. I’ve been putting ok, but after getting help from some fellow pros, I could see he was right. I was doing some things I’d never suggest my students do, but I did not even realize it. The lesson reminded me that I truly need to work on my technique.
2. Take advantage of technology
Technology has made diagnosing flaws in the golf swing easier than ever before. Most coaches you visit will have some sort of technology there to aid in this diagnosis, so take advantage of it. It takes the guesswork out of swing diagnosis and will make your progress much faster.
3. Don’t get embarrassed
It’s natural to get self-conscious during a lesson (I know I do from time to time), but don’t be embarrassed when you struggle. Teaching pros are there to help you, not judge you. They want to see you succeed as much as you do — trust me.
4. Embrace training aids
Training aids are great tools to help you correct certain flaws. After my most recent putting lesson, I went home and bought the same putting mirror we used in the studio. If you get solid use out of a training aid during your lesson, it might be worth investing in one of your own as well.
5. Don’t be afraid of change
Good instructors will make changes to your swing that might feel uncomfortable, but don’t let that intimidate you. Making meaningful changes should feel uncomfortable. Trust that your teacher is making the changes for a reason and embrace them.
6. Accept your mistakes
When I teach students, I expect them to hit some bad shots during the lesson — and that’s totally OK! Mistakes are a part of the learning process and are expected.
7. Lock in mentally
It’s important as a student to be engaged during your lesson. Give your instructor your full attention and lock in mentally for the best results.
8. Take notes
Don’t be afraid to take notes during your lesson. Much like taking notes during a lecture in school, taking notes during your swing lesson is a great refresher to look back on later on.
9. Go practice
No swing coach will be able to fully fix your swing over the course of a lesson. To get the most out of it, you need to take the things you learned in the lesson and go practice them on your own.
10. Schedule more lessons
Players who get the most out of golf instruction are the ones who stick with it on a consistent basis. Keep going back for more lessons and you’re sure to see more improvement than just going when you’re really struggling.
