Playing lessons vs. range lessons

The Sheepdog · January 20, 2015

I've had a few lessons over the years, all of them the typical range lesson type. I was thinking of doing a playing lesson with an instructor. Do many of you guys do this? What are some of the pros/cons and what can I expect? Thanks in advance for any input...

Timanator · January 20, 2015

You can always film your self and see which you need more. I've seen alot of people that miss left and right a whole lot, thats obviously more range lessons.

MonteScheinblum · January 20, 2015

[quote name='The Sheepdog' timestamp='1421783372' post='10784863']
I've had a few lessons over the years, all of them the typical range lesson type. I was thinking of doing a playing lesson with an instructor. Do many of you guys do this? What are some of the pros/cons and what can I expect? Thanks in advance for any input...
[/quote]

I prefer playing lessons for regulars.

The Sheepdog · January 20, 2015

[quote name='Timanator' timestamp='1421783544' post='10784881']
You can always film your self and see which you need more. I've seen alot of people that miss left and right a whole lot, thats obviously more range lessons.
[/quote]

Ya, maybe I should include a little more info about myself. 10 handicap, not looking to go pro, just want to be more consistent and shave some strokes off. It just seems like whenever I've done range lessons, it doesn't translate to improvement on the course. That's why I'm considering the playing lessons, and I'm hoping to hear what others have gotten out of them.

Thanks!

Ripvanwinkle · January 20, 2015

Well...I'm here to tell you that I was just about ready to quit playing golf (again) until I took a playing lesson with Monte last week. Now I'm totally re-energized. He got to see all my current bad shots,; driver, irons, pitching and putting and quickly diagnosed them as a direct result of the same fundamental flaw. I'm off to the range in a few minutes to continue trying to fix it. I'm on the right path again...and it feels great! I've got a "Blueprint"...no, a "Roadmap" of how to fix it. (Couldn't resist it)

wmblake2000 · January 20, 2015

[quote name='Ripvanwinkle' timestamp='1421784254' post='10784977']
Well...I'm here to tell you that I was just about ready to quit playing golf (again) until I took a playing lesson with Monte last week. Now I'm totally re-energized. He got to see all my current bad shots,; driver, irons, pitching and putting and quickly diagnosed them as a direct result of the same fundamental flaw. I'm off to the range in a few minutes to continue trying to fix it. I'm on the right path again...and it feels great! I've got a "Blueprint"...no, a "Roadmap" of how to fix it. (Couldn't resist it)
[/quote]

I am going to take playing lesson in a couple of weeks with Monte. Good to hear your report.

Skaffa77 · January 20, 2015

I've only ever had range lessons. Last year...I talked my instructor about a playing lesson and he agreed.

My main goal was to help me see situations from an outside perspective. He could ask me my considerations...what my target might be...factors that could influence my shots (lie, wind, hazards, etc). I have a preconceived notion of what to consider, but I have a feeling there may be quite a few shots I'm losing due to poor decision-making (risk vs reward).

Sadly...due to a life change and job promotion, my time to golf dropped considerable. Might just have that discussion with him for 2015...

The Sheepdog · January 20, 2015

[quote name='Skaffa77' timestamp='1421785537' post='10785151']
I've only ever had range lessons. Last year...I talked my instructor about a playing lesson and he agreed.

My main goal was to help me see situations from an outside perspective. He could ask me my considerations...what my target might be...factors that could influence my shots (lie, wind, hazards, etc). I have a preconceived notion of what to consider, but I have a feeling there may be quite a few shots I'm losing due to poor decision-making (risk vs reward).

Sadly...due to a life change and job promotion, my time to golf dropped considerable. Might just have that discussion with him for 2015...
[/quote]

Thanks Skaffa, that's something I hadn't considered; with playing lessons I could certainly go deeper than just the swing fundamentals with an instructor. Those are all things I don't think a lot about as a 10 handi...

The Sheepdog · January 20, 2015

[quote name='Ripvanwinkle' timestamp='1421784254' post='10784977']
Well...I'm here to tell you that I was just about ready to quit playing golf (again) until I took a playing lesson with Monte last week. Now I'm totally re-energized. He got to see all my current bad shots,; driver, irons, pitching and putting and quickly diagnosed them as a direct result of the same fundamental flaw. I'm off to the range in a few minutes to continue trying to fix it. I'm on the right path again...and it feels great! I've got a "Blueprint"...no, a "Roadmap" of how to fix it. (Couldn't resist it)
[/quote]

So do you think you got more out of a playing lesson than you would a range lesson (considering you were addressing a swing flaw)?

Ripvanwinkle · January 20, 2015

Yes, because course management...club selection etc. isn't my problem. I have taken plenty of range lessons...but there does come a time when your teacher needs to see how your swing on the golf course. I clearly have a different swing on the range (Monte noted the difference as well). Plus we covered so much ground with real golf shots around the green....invaluable really. And putting....something i prided myself in, had some issues .With range lessons you seldom rotate through the whole game. My goal in 2015 is to finally learn how to play golf....not golf swing.

The Sheepdog · January 20, 2015

[quote name='Ripvanwinkle' timestamp='1421787528' post='10785431']
My goal in 2015 is to finally learn how to play golf....not golf swing.
[/quote]

Damn - I like that! Thanks for the input

garethw · January 20, 2015

I've done both. I think a playing lesson helps so your coach can see where you are at on the course. Not just from a swing perspective but from a playing perspective as well. It also aids him/her in tailoring any range lessons to what you actually need to practice on.

gwlee7 · January 20, 2015

When we had a lady assistant pro at my old home course, she played on the Futures (Symetra) Tour. When she was home, I would play her 9 hole matches for her lesson fee. I always had to pay but, it was a great learning experience especially if we were all square going to eight or nine.

juststeve · January 21, 2015

[quote name='The Sheepdog' timestamp='1421786581' post='10785299']
[quote name='Ripvanwinkle' timestamp='1421784254' post='10784977']
Well...I'm here to tell you that I was just about ready to quit playing golf (again) until I took a playing lesson with Monte last week. Now I'm totally re-energized. He got to see all my current bad shots,; driver, irons, pitching and putting and quickly diagnosed them as a direct result of the same fundamental flaw. I'm off to the range in a few minutes to continue trying to fix it. I'm on the right path again...and it feels great! I've got a "Blueprint"...no, a "Roadmap" of how to fix it. (Couldn't resist it)
[/quote]

So do you think you got more out of a playing lesson than you would a range lesson (considering you were addressing a swing flaw)?
[/quote]

My own teacher absolutely refused to address swing flaws during a playing lesson. That's what the practice tee is for. Playing lessons are about learning to play.

Steve