View Full Version : Driving range lessons.
I use driving ranges about twice a week to help keep me supple and to get my fix. I don't have a great opinion of them as I don't think they bear much relation to 'real' golf, poor balls and an unrealistic strike, ie you get away with murder at the range strike wise, but they serve a purpose. However I want to start taking lesson and I've got one booked with my club pro tomorrow on our practise area, I'm starting to think about going to a range pro instead purely due to the weather and not having to spend another 30 minutes picking up balls afterwards. My concern though is that a range pro will teach me how to hit it well at the range but when I come to 'real' golf on grass it ill be totally different. If any of you have taken range lessons I'd be grateful for any input you could give before I make a decision. I've got this idea that range pro's are ok for the driver/woods but how would they teach the short game and putting side.
BigJim
12-11-2006, 11:29 PM
Really depends on the range. What one do you normally go to? I got some at my local range about a year ago, they weren't effective, but that was probably me as much as the pro or the range.
Mearns Castle is at the wrong side of the city for you, but they do specialised coaching in all aspects of the game. I've never even used the range there, but it seems to get good reviews
I kind of pass Mearns castle going to work, Cumbernauld to Kilmarnock via East Kilbride but I really don't like that range. Great facilities etc good balls auto teeing but you hit over a hill and don't see where your ball lands. I use Garry Mitchells in Blantyre, good targets and the mats are superb. I've got a range 1 mile away but it really is pretty crap hard mats and crap balls I only use it in desperation, good pro though and they've got Explanar.
Tin Pot
13-11-2006, 09:00 AM
Get yourself something along the lines of 6 lessons, with the last two around the practise green and on the course.
Creosote
13-11-2006, 09:36 AM
Once you have the basics of technique and some experience the optimal lesson is to have a "playing lesson". Paying the pro to teach you on the course. Most golfers aren't even aware you can do this, and it does seem relatively expensive, i.e. an hour lesson where you may just play 4 or 5 holes. But its absolutely the right thing to do. The pro can see and correct aspects of your technique such as alignment that he won't see at the range, and he can help with all manner of shot technique and course management.
It also gives the pro a better feel for your game, and how you play, and allows him to direct future lesson time more specifically to the areas that you need improvment.
IMO Playing Lessons are the way to go. Near all lessons are swing technique coaching, yet at the amateur level the swing is one of the least important facets of golf (once you have the basics and a reasonably repeatable swing). Learning how to get the ball round the course, building a score, and shot selection will do far more for your scores (and enjoyment) that continually messing with nuances of golf swing theory.
I agree with Creosote.
I've booked in a playing lesson first prior to assessing what to do for the Winter. Say if I then book 6 or 8 lessons no more than 1 or 2 will be on the range - the rest will be on the Par 3 course working around a green or on the practice green itself.
Tin Pot
13-11-2006, 10:15 AM
My Head Pro is doing a deal where you book a batch of half-hour lessons and can take them on the range or on the course. He's is also doing half price so that's the way I'm going. Most places do charge more for playing lessons but that's what I'm chasing at the mo.
Just back from my lesson with my pro. It was a bit like going to the doctor expecting to be told I've got 2 weeks to live and he tells me I've got a cold. He told me my grip set up and swing were very good but I was a little bit shut at the top, he had me hitting it like a pro within 5 minutes, bloody waste of money. I actually holed a 120 wedge shot during the lesson.
Tin Pot
13-11-2006, 12:41 PM
"...I actually holed a 120 wedge shot during the lesson."
I'd pay a lot of money just for that.
Cliche Guevara
13-11-2006, 01:15 PM
Kev, hardly sounds like a waste of money mate.
He has looked at what you do and amended a slight fault and you then hit the ball great. The hard bit is ensuring you work on fixing the fault till its permamnent, whilst still doing all the other good things.
As the guys stated, speak to the pro and see if you gan get other lessons on the course, under his guidance.
and if this keeps up, me and Ian are gonna have to work some, to keep the Cawder hoodoo over Dullatur going.
MisterS3
13-11-2006, 01:53 PM
Kev - I reckon its just having a decent set of clubs for the first time! :laugh:
Kev, hardly sounds like a waste of money mate.
t'was tongue in cheek guys!
I've never picked up a club before that felt so good, instantly.
I wouldn't say they were my 1st ever good set of clubs I've had a few good set in my time, Haig Ultras, Wilson staffs, ping eye II's and I would include my callaways in that list