New to game, how is my progess?

Question

I started playing about 15 months ago, completely new to the game of golf. I just wanted to play one day so I bought clubs. I was shooting 110+ when I first started last year. After watching video and reading as much material as possible I have been getting much better ( I think). At the begginning of this summer I was shooting 91-97. Now I am shooting, regardless of couse, 82-87. I feel like a I have incredible potential, and from what I read you reach the best you will ever get at 3 years. I have never taken lessons, and everybody I play with, be it family, friends, and people I dont even know that the starter sticks me with at the course, cannot believe that I have only been playing for such little time. They all say I look like I should be on TV. I only drive the ball 220-245. But it is WHERE IS WANT. And my game from 150yds in is awesome. Putting and chipping are my strong suite, where 3wood 5wood and hybrids I struggle with off the turf. I dont know what to do at this point! I am getting better without instruction and I dont know if I should lay down the cash just yet. I am hesitant to through down a lot of cash to a local teaching club pro, cause if they are so good why are they not on tour? I dont know what to do. Have any of you gone through this? What do you suggest?

Answer 1

Go to a nice course and take a lesson. The nicer courses are better fit to have a better pro. It would tarnish their reputation if the teachers are no good.

As far as the woods off of the turf, be sure to hit down on the ball. It will get the ball airborne, and the higher the shots the straighter they will go. Don't be afraid to take a divot. You are on a great improvement pace, and should be scratch soon. Keep up the good work

Answer 2

I'm also new to the game, starting last January.  I went from a 156 my first time golfing in January and I am now down to an 81.  I took lessons.  I've taken lessons from several pros and highly recommend the "Top 100" instructors from golf magazine.  They're very expensive, but worth it.  I will probably be shooting in the 60's or 70's by the end of the year (should have already shot in the 70's except for some mental mistakes)

Answer 3

I know how you feel about golf coaches. Coaching has never really worked for me. I'm 17 and play off 2.1, but if you have only been involved for just 15 months maybe there won't be any harm in you having a couple of lessons and go from there. The local pro might be able to point a couple of things out that you didn't pick up on. Don't stress about it too much, just enjoy the golf. Good Luck.

Have a good one...

Answer 4

Well, I've been playing for 8 years and have never had a lesson.  I don't play 18 holes very often, but I shoot low to mid 80's when I do.  When I don't play well, it is usually because I haven't made a trip to the range.  I shot 2 over for 9 holes which is my best ever(even par until last hole; darn long par 3.)  A trick I have used from time to time is to eavesdrop on someone getting a session from a local pro at the driving range.  You need to be careful in choosing because they may be teaching someone with less ability than you.  This doesn't mean watch the person getting the lesson.  Just listen to what is being said.  As far as struggling with fairway and hybrids off the turf, remember that hybrids are long iron replacements so hit them like irons, not fairway woods.  Fairway woods, maintain the flex in your knees and don't change your swing.  They're just longer clubs.  I love hitting hybrids/fairway woods.  I'm not afraid of 190(+) yard shots anymore.  

Answer 5

Get a pro. It's the best way to go. Some people don't or couldn't not by reason of their skills to go on tour. Some people just wanna be a teaching pro. May be they started too late in life, or may be they have some other issues that they are teaching pro, but start with them is the best way to go.

Almost all of the big name in golf has a pro, and none of their pros are tour pros. Amazing isn't it? These guys are extremely good and still they listen and learn from someone who isn't on the tour; this includes Tiger Woods, Phil, etc..etc.....

Answer 6

I think you should get the tuition. Your local pro is trained to see faults and fix them, pointing you in the right track. Ask around and see who is the best in your local area and go get some help. If you have taken to the game so well in such a short time then with some professional help there will be no stopping you.

As regards your comment "If they are that good why are they not on tour" I would say that a good mathematician doesn't always make a good maths teacher. Butch Harmon nor most of the top coaches in the don't play on tour!!