When To Start Golf Lessons

Written by Todd in Online Golf Instruction

The best age to start a golf lesson is around 5-6 years old.  Many golf centers or instructors will offer group lessons at this age, which is a great way to get kids introduced to the game of golf.

But of course, not everyone starts at such a young age, which is perfectly fine.  Our recommendation is to take several golf lessons whenever you start the game.

Whether your kid is 5, 10 or 15, help them get started.

If it is for your game, take a lesson.  The goal is to build some key fundamentals, have a plan for building your swing and to grow your knowledge of the game.

Tapping into the expertise that a local PGA Professional carries is a great way to get started on the right path with the game of golf.

Some Key Tips For The First Golf Lessons

  • Be a good listener
  • Practice the plan and key learning areas taught
  • Understand that it might not feel perfect at the first attempt
  • Return for a follow up lesson
  • Enjoy the Journey
The best golf instructors will use technology as part of the golf lessons.

Key Tip #1: Be a good listener

Whether it is you taking the lesson or your kid, the key is to soak up as much information and learning as possible.  You want to take the advice since you are playing for the lessons and hope to apply it in future training sessions. 

I would recommend writing down right after the lesson the key areas of focus and inquire with the golf professional what he or she would recommend specific areas to work on prior to your next lesson.

What makes a good golf lesson?

Key Tip #2: Practice the plan and key learning areas taught

Hopefully, there is time during the lesson to work on the key areas while you learn and then attempt to apply the learning.  Any good instructor will provide a learning area of focus, some time to practice, followed by feedback.  

The key is to ensure you are getting the movements or drills correct and that there is understanding, so that you can continue to work and develop the skill or movement being taught.

Understand that it often takes many hours or practice to see some big time results.  Remain patient and continue to work hard.

Are golf lessons worth it?

Key Tip #3: Understand that it might not feel perfect at the first attempt

Too often, golfers taking a lesson feel that the move or skill might not feel right or is too difficult.  Understand that this is normal and you need to continue to work through the discomfort.  

Of course it is not going to feel right because it is a new movement pattern.

Key Tip #4: Return for a follow up lesson

Our recommendation is to schedule a series of lessons whether you are a beginner or an expert.  Keep in mind that Tiger Woods would take over a year to successfully make a swing change.  

Going for one lesson and thinking that is going to help your game is misleading.  The series of lessons is important to maximize the results.  I would recommend researching and searching if the coach you are going to take a lesson from has an online presence or a background in a certain swing type.

How many golf lessons do I need?

Key Tip #5: Enjoy the Journey

Golf is supposed to be fun.  This is especially important for when kids first take a lesson or receive some coaching.  The goal should be to have the kid want to come back for more.  It should be fun and a bit entertaining.  

The ultimate is the kid falls in love with the game and can’t wait to get back to the driving range or head to the course for a round of golf!  Build excitement, reduce the pressure and have fun!

How much do golf lessons cost?

Learning some of the basics to golf is a great way to start your golf journey!

Other Options For Learning About the Golf Swing

While I think in person lessons are truly the best, we know there are several limitations:

  • Golf lessons cost money
  • Access to high end instructors could be limited based on location.

Helpful Post: Online Golf Lessons for Beginners (Overview)

These are two barriers facing many golfers.  Golf lessons, especially a series of lessons, can be expensive.  Also, if you are a higher end player and need an elite level coach, based on your location there could be a limited number of options.

A solution to this is to find an online instructor and follow this plan:

  • Research the different swing methods and teaching approaches of some of the best.
  • Figure out if they have an online lesson option.
  • Consider watching plenty of their videos and then signing up for a swing evaluation or online lesson.

I recently have committed to working with a coach online via zoom using video and live video to help me develop my swing and take it to the next level.  I was able to identify the swing approach I believe in and find an instructor to match this philosophy and swing style.

My Secret To Golf Improvement

Let’s face it, in order to get really good at golf, we must practice frequently.  About four years ago, I made the leap and invested in a golf simulator build for my garage.  I went with a SkyTrak Launch Monitor and the TGC software and can now play over 100,000 courses including Augusta, Pebble Beach, Bethpage Black, Whistling Straits. St. Andrews and many other of the top 100 courses in the world.

This golf simulator setup, which is more affordable that you might imagine, has been a game changer.  I can now play golf everyday of the year regardless of rain, snow, cold weather or time of day.  I can practice or play rounds of golf.  I can stand in the 11th fairway at Augusta and with the auto-rewind feature I am able to practice my approach shots from various differences.

It is worth checking out through Rain or Shine Golf as they offer some incredible packages along with financing offers that are difficult to beat.

Some direct links to Rain or Shine Golf for pricing and financing:

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:

Recent Posts