Golf used to be a “gentleman’s game,” basically a game only for those who could afford to buy the right equipment and clothes required of strict club codes. However, as courses open to the public and the price of equipment becomes attainable, golf is quickly gaining mass appeal. This is even more so as America’s baby boomers begin to retire and look for relaxing means of enjoyment.
That said, golf is a game of skill and, unfortunately, the cost of private golf lessons still remains somewhat prohibitively expensive for many new golfers. To learn about some ways to save money on golf lessons as well as get the most for your money before you start, keep reading.
1. Work within Your Budget
Don’t rush into twice-weekly, full-round private lessons. Instead, take a look at your golf budget and see what you can afford.
If you have a low budget, perhaps you could get yourself into a group class or share a lesson with a friend. You will not receive one-on-one attention in a group class, but you get the advantage of working with other golfers, hearing their questions and concerns and watching how your coach teaches them.
Another option is to just book one or two private lessons to address any specific questions or problems you think you may have. If you’re comfortable with putting, maybe just book one or two sessions to work on your drives or fairway shots.
One other possibility is to sign up for training on an infrequent basis. Take a lesson on some specific aspect of golf where your need is greatest, and commit a few weeks to increasing your skill there before paying for the next lesson in another focus area. Normally, it is more reinforcing to practice consistently what you learn before moving too far ahead onto some other facet of the game anyway.
2. Try Home Study
If you don’t have the funds for private or group lessons, try learning at home with instructional books, DVD’s, magazines and even online tutorials that can help you with everything from your form during a swing to lining up a great putt.
DVD’s are a great way to watch a pro in action and see the full movement of an almost-perfect swing. You can often borrow these from the library or purchase them at a discount online.
3. Practice
If you decide to commit to an extensive private lesson plan, stick to it and practice outside your lessons. You’ll not only see improvement faster, but also ingrain the lessons into your memory if you practice your new techniques right away.
Practice may sound dull on the surface. However when you consider that the recommendation to practice revolves around something you probably love anyway, it puts a little extra spark in the enthusiasm for follow through.
4. Get Quotes
Shop around for a good price on golf lessons. Try calling different courses, schools and pros to check rates, and don’t be shy about asking for discounts.
Always ask for first-time customer discounts, pay-in-cash rates or volume rates, where if you buy a certain number of lessons and pre-pay, the price of each individual lesson is discounted.