For some golfers, booking a lesson can feel a little intimidating.
I've lost count of the number of times someone has arrived and said:
"Sorry, I'm terrible."
The reality is, golf professionals have seen everything.
Beginners, single-figure handicaps, slices, hooks, topped shots, shanks, and everything in between. You're not going to surprise us.
If anything, my biggest frustration over the years has been seeing golfers wait too long before getting help.
Many people come for a lesson when they're almost ready to quit the game. They're frustrated, confused, and have often spent months or even years battling the same problem.
In most cases, they would have been far better off getting some guidance much earlier.
If you're considering some professional help with your game, take a look at our Golf Lessons & Coaching
The First Five Minutes
One thing many golfers don't realise is that a lesson doesn't start with technical instruction.
While you're warming up and hitting a few shots, we're having a conversation.
We'll talk about:
- What you've been struggling with
- What your goals are
- What shots cause you the most trouble
- Any injuries or physical limitations
- How often you're playing and practising
At the same time, I'm watching.
Not just the golf swing, but how you move, how comfortable you look, and what the ball is actually doing.
If you tell me you're slicing the ball, the first thing I want to know is whether that slice is actually showing up today.
Identifying The Cause
Most golfers focus on the result.
The slice.
The topped shot.
The lack of distance.
A coach's job is to figure out what's causing it.
Sometimes the cause is exactly what the golfer thinks.
Often it isn't.
The goal is to identify the one or two things creating the biggest problems rather than chasing every fault in the swing.
For example, many golfers come in wanting help with a slice, which remains one of the most common issues golfers face. How to stop slicing your driver explains some of the common causes.
Explaining What's Happening
Once we've identified the cause, the next step is helping you understand it.
Good coaching isn't just about telling someone what to do.
It's about helping them understand why they're doing it.
If you understand the cause, you're far more likely to make meaningful improvements.
Learning A New Feel
This is where drills come in.
The goal isn't perfection.
The goal is improvement.
If a golfer comes in with a big slice and leaves hitting the ball noticeably straighter, that's a win.
Often we're introducing a new feeling, a new concept, or a different way of moving.
Sometimes it feels strange at first because it's different from what you've always done.
That's completely normal.
Not Too Many Swing Thoughts
One of the biggest mistakes coaches can make is giving golfers too much information.
And one of the biggest fears golfers have is leaving a lesson with ten things to think about.
I always preferred golfers to leave with two or three key points at most.
Clear, simple, and easy to remember.
When you walk away from the lesson, you should know exactly what you're working on and why.
What Happens After The Lesson?
This is where improvement actually occurs.
The lesson provides direction.
The practice afterwards creates the results.
One thing I'd strongly recommend is resisting the temptation to jump on YouTube looking for five more fixes.
You've just paid an expert to help you.
Trust the process.
Work on what you've been given.
If you're unsure, book another lesson and ask questions rather than chasing conflicting advice online.
Why Golfers Sometimes Feel Worse Before They Feel Better
This catches a lot of people out.
Often you're trying to move from:
- The way you've always swung
- To a better movement pattern
For a short period, you can feel stuck somewhere in between.
That can sometimes feel uncomfortable or even make things look slightly worse before they improve.
That's normal.
The key is understanding that you're learning a new skill, not just flicking a switch.
My Favourite Type Of Golfer
Honestly?
The golfer who comes in before things get really bad.
The golfer who wants a check-up.
The golfer who wants to stay on track.
I've always liked the idea of a lesson every month or two, even if it's just a maintenance session.
A quick check-in can often prevent small issues becoming major frustrations.
Golf swings drift over time. Having someone keep an eye on things can save a lot of frustration down the track.
Many golfers are surprised how much improvement can come from making small adjustments consistently rather than chasing major swing changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own clubs?
No. At Golf 360 we can provide quality clubs if needed. Most golf professionals can do the same, just let them know beforehand.
Should beginners have lessons?
Absolutely.
A few lessons early can help build good habits, improve confidence, and make the game much more enjoyable.
If you're just getting started, you may also enjoy reading our article, Why Golf Is Easier With The Right Equipment.
Can a lesson help my slice?
Yes.
A slice is one of the most common issues golfers seek help with, and identifying the cause is often the first step towards fixing it.
What should I practise after a lesson?
Exactly what your coach has recommended.
Avoid bouncing between different YouTube videos and swing tips. Stick with the plan and give yourself time to learn the new movement.
How many lessons do I need?
That depends on your goals, but many golfers benefit from occasional maintenance lessons rather than waiting until things have gone badly off track.
Final Thoughts
A golf lesson isn't about rebuilding your swing from scratch.
It's about understanding where you are, identifying what will help most, and giving you a clear path forward.
The best lessons leave golfers feeling confident, informed, and excited to practise.
And if there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's this:
The golfers who improve fastest aren't always the most talented.
They're usually the ones who seek help before frustration takes over.
If you'd like some help with your game, learn more about our Golf Lessons & Coaching
Happy golfing
Scott Pickett
PGA Professional
Founder - Golf 360
Mount Maunganui
