Like individualized lessons, people generally take group lessons on a regular basis. (Such as once every week, or every other week, over a six month period.) However, it is worth noting that some people sign up for individual or group golf lessons to address one specific problem (such as slicing their swing), and don’t care to continue once this is corrected.
The benefit is that you can always opt for a refresher lesson every once in a while so you can try to maintain the progress that you made. This is particularly important to know this support exists should your problem return in the future.
Playing Lessons
Most individual lessons take place on the driving range or the putting green, so you can work on different aspects of your game. But when you are ready to hit the fairway, you may want to consider investing in playing lessons. In playing lessons, you pay for an instructor to accompany you out on the golf course and give you specific tips on your playing technique and help you hone in your strategy. You can sign up for individual playing lessons, or share such a session with one other person. This later option isn’t a bad idea for several reasons. First, it helps to reduce the cost, since hiring an instructor to join you on the course can be expensive. Second, it is also good practice to play with another golfer.
A typical 9-hole playing lesson on a private course can run you about $150 to $200 or more, while an 18-hole lesson can cost you $250 to $300 and up. For two players, you might pay $100 to $125 each for 9 holes, or $150 to $200 each for 18 holes.
While this may sound pricey, you should understand that sometimes (but not always) your green fees are included in the cost, along with the compensation for the golf professional’s time. But every country club and golf professional charges differently, so never assume this is the case. Always ask up front so you will know exactly what you are getting into. Since golf course prices can range to under $50 to play on up to several hundred dollars or more, it all depends on the type of course and the qualifications of the professional who will accompany you.
Golf Schools
If you can’t make an ongoing commitment to taking golf lessons on a regular basis, the next best thing might be attending a golf school. Many golf schools offer short-term intensive programs or clinics that are held for a few consecutive days, so you get lots of information and training in a short amount of time. If you are interested in this option, look for a small class if possible and make sure you connect with the instructor so you will get as much out of the time as you can. Also keep in mind that since many golf school clinics are only a few days, this makes it easier to plan one in another destination. This is a popular approach many golfers take, combining vacation with a golf school, so they get away and also work on their game.
The price for golf schools covers a huge range, since what you get can vary a great deal. At the lower end of the scale, new golfers may want to begin by attending a one day session to learn the basics of the game. Since golf has a lot of nuances, this often includes the finer points of etiquette, dress requirements, safety tips and pre- and post-play expectations, in addition to the fundamentals of playing the game. Experienced players can also benefit from a more advanced one day session, which gives them an overhaul of their game and some tips to improve their performance.
A one-day golf school can start at $250 to $500 and then go on up to from there, depending on where you live and who is teaching the course. Lunch is sometimes included.