How Much Do Golf Lessons Cost? (Complete Overview)

Written by Todd in Uncategorized

On average a golfer can expect to pay between $50-$75 for an hour lesson.  However, few instructors will range in $100-$300 for the highly regarded, well known instructor.  This will vary depending on your location, the level of expertise of the instructor and the amount of technology that the instructor uses.

Golf lessons are a great idea for many golfers, especially the beginner golfer.

There are some major benefits to ensure you have a practice plan or path to head down in your golf journey.  Too often, golfers will spend months or years making a poor movement in their golf swing that leads to inconsistent contact, direction and a lack of overall speed.

The “why” is pretty clear when it comes to golf lessons, but a question that all golfers have to face is how much they need to budget.  While some golfers will spend top dollar, most want to remain responsible and see what they can get for their money.

How Much Do Golf Lessons Cost?

Personal Experience: I have used multiple online instructors to take a look at my swing via video. They often provide an overview and then I get to work for the next several months trying to clean several areas up. Over the past 5 years with this approach and now my swing now looks better than ever and has been holding up under pressure and I have played some of my best golf ever in recent months!

Technology can be an amazing tool to use as part of a lesson!

What Impacts the Cost of a Golf Lesson?

  • Location
  • Level of Expertise
  • Amount of Technology

Location

If you reside in an area with some high level country clubs or a golf mecca, you can expect to pay a higher dollar amount because of the supply and demand.  In areas where golf is highly popular and there is plenty of money, the cost of a lesson will generally be higher.  If you are out in a rural area, your access to top end instructors might be limited, but the cost will more than likely be more affordable.

Bottom Line:

Rural Areas: Less Expensive

High Density: More Expensive

Level of Expertise

If you want to take a lesson from George Gankas, Mike Malaska, Mike Bender or Butch Harmon you will pay a premimum dollar.  If you are just starting out, the PGA teaching professional at the local driving range will serve your game just fine.  The golfers who might want the high end instructors are typically more advanced in their game and want to get to an elite level.

Bottom Line:

Beginner Instructor: Less Expensive

Big Name: Very Expensive

Amount of Technology

With the amount of technology in today’s game that includes high speed video cameras, launch monitors and force plates a golf center that has these items will typically charge more because they are offering premium feedback and cutting edge technology to help your game improve.

Bottom Line:

No Technology: Least Expensive

Top of the Line Technology: Most Expensive

Additional Resource: How many golf lessons do I need?

In person allows the instructor to work hands on!

What Type of Golf Lessons Should I Consider?

Golfers should consider a package of lessons.  For example, if you are willing to pay for 5 lessons up front, you might get an overall discount.  We would recommend at least 2-3 lessons and ensure that you follow up with an instructor.

The best golfers in the world visit their coach often, amateurs might need the same guidance to reach their goals on their golf journey.

One on One

One type of lesson that you might prefer is a one on one lesson with your instructor.  This keeps the focus on you and your game.  You receive undivided attention and can work to improve in the 1 hour time slot. Often times the instructors is able to utilize technology to provided a deeper look into your golf swing.

Bottom Line:

One on One: More Expensive

Group

If you are just starting out and want some of the very basics, a group lesson can work for you.  The instructor will provide general overview instruction and then work his or her way around the group checking in on various items like grip, setup, posture, etc.  If you have played the game for a while and need more personalized attention, the one one one would be recommended.

Bottom Line:

Group: Less Expensive

Golf Schools

Another option is the golf school.  The typical setup is a 2-5 days experience where you spend time each day receiving group instruction with multiple instructors often working with those in attendance.  This could include time at the range and time on the course to help give you the full experience needed to improve your game.

Bottom Line:

Golf Schools: Expensive

On Course

As your game advances if you are having difficulty taking your driving range swing to the course, it might be time for an on course lesson.  Another benefit of this type of lesson is your golf instructor can take you through your on course thought process and give you feedback on the decisions you are making.

Bottom Line:

On Course: Very Expensive (Due to the amount of time to play 9 or 18 holes)

Additional Resource: Are Golf Lessons Worth It?

Putting in the time after a lesson is essential!

Online Alternative

Another quality option in today’s technology world is an online lesson.  With the use of video either live or recorded, an instructor can provide the advice needed to take your game to the next level.  The major advantage of this type of lesson is that regardless of where you live, you can have access to the best instructors in the world. 

Many have moved to an online option for those that do not live close by.

Whatever instructor you go to, they should leave you with a plan on what you should work on between lessons.  The plan or drills that the instructor leaves you is even more important in the online setting, since they are not there to help you reach certain positions in the golf swing.  Some of the best will use video analysis comparison or certain objects that you have to avoid when swinging the golf club.

Some reviews of some of the best online instructors:

Which Type of Golf Lesson Is Best For Me?

Here are some questions to consider:

  • Do I want one on one or group?
  • Do I want at the driving range or on the course?
  • Do I want a tech based or old school based in instruction?
  • Do I want in person or online?
  • Do I want a stand alone lesson or a package of lessons?

Golf Lessons: Number One Key

Make sure you are getting feedback and a plan for improvement.  All great learning starts with feedback and then how to improve and then further feedback.  This continuous cycle is important in your overall golf journey.  The online option can work out just fine as long as there is a feedback loop and you have drills to help you change and improve your swing.

Helpful Resource: How to lower your scores in golf

Take Action – What You Can Do Today to Get Better

What does this mean for you?  I believe in the following recipe to get better:

1 – Improve your motion in the golf swing by identifying a golf instructor.  Here are some options:

Here is a list of golf instructors that we have reviewed:

2 – Train to swing faster and improve your swing speed.  Here are some options:

Looking to gain more Speed and Distance in your swing. Two Options:

3 – Understand course strategy and work to break through your next barrier.  Here is a series on breaking through:

We have provided guides on how to break 100, 90, 80 and 70. Check out more below, if interested.

4 – Practice Frequently

Did you know that I build a golf simulator in my garage and have played over 500 rounds of golf on my SkyTrak system?  It has been a game changer and one worth checking out. Here are some of my other posts on golf simulators frequently asked questions:

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