Reasons You Should Take a Golf Lesson

“Don’t be too proud to take lessons. I’m not.”

–Jack Nicklaus

Lessons from a golf professional can help take your game to the next level. So why doesn’t everyone take lessons?

Players are often concerned about major swing changes that might raise scores before lowering them. But golf pros help teach players to understand their swing so they can make adjustments — on their own!

Tony Santillo is a PGA Head Professional at Spring Brook Country Club in Morristown, NJ. He shares insight on how a lesson (or series of lessons) can benefit beginner, average, and advanced players.

Become a Better Ball Striker

The primary reason for a lesson is to become a better ball striker. A golf professional can read your ball flight, watch your swing on video, and make recommendations to improve contact. There might be a slight implementation dip, but with practice, you should see progress in your game.

The value of your lesson also depends on how hard you’re willing to work. If you don’t touch a club for two weeks after your session, your chances of improvement diminish.

Fix Your Swing on the Course

Working with a golf professional will help to identify your swing faults and teach you how to fix them. A player can see they’re hitting a slice, but a golf pro can tell the player why they’re hitting a slice. Listening to feedback is extremely helpful to advancing your game.

If an instructor isn’t teaching you to understand your swing, then you aren’t getting your money’s worth. The goal is to become less reliant on the coach and more confident in your ability to self–correct.

Consider a Playing Lesson

There is only so much you can learn on the driving range. Have you considered a playing lesson on the golf course? A major part of the game is understanding course strategy and managing your game to the situation. Taking a lesson on the course with a professional can help you build a game plan that plays to your strengths.

NJM, a leading property and casualty insurer in the Mid–Atlantic region, is proud to partner with the golf community. Contact your agent or broker, visit njm.com/njsga, or call 833–859–1920.