We golfers need someone else to evaluate our performance. (Katharine Dyson/WorldGolf.com)

When should I take a golf lesson?

By Karl Fischer,
Contributor

The benefit of having a golf "teacher" is the avoidance of learning by trial and error and really getting to our goal the hard way -- you know, by repeating the mistakes of others.

Usually this journey is frustrating and misses our desired destination. We never get there and have less fun on the way.

We golfers cannot see ourselves swing the club. We therefore need someone else to evaluate our performance. Make sure you choose the very best professional for this evaluation and guidance.

We take lessons at two distinctly different times of the year: at the start and later. A lesson in the spring is called a "kick start" and does exactly that. It helps us get back to last fall's proficiency sooner. We hope to edge out the golfing buddies by a stroke or two right out of the blocks.

However, when would we get the most "improvement" from a golf lesson? The answer: When we are at the very top of our game at mid or end season. To get out of our performance rut, we must accomplish this when we are ready to step up to the next level.

Often the very simplest of hints or procedural changes create the catalyst to move us up a notch. Don't take bad advice. It's out there in abundance.

Sharing quality time with a proven golf teacher is well worth the investment. This time should be inspiring, directly rewarding and enjoyable. It should be entertaining. Generally positive results will be immediate.

August 11, 2003

Karl Fischer has spent some 35-plus plus years teaching golf nationally and internationally earning the title of "IGAD-Doctorate," "CIMTP-Certified International Master Teaching Professional," "CMCB-Certified Master Club-Builder" and "CGC-Certified Golf Clinician." He has written six golf books, thousands of editorials, tips, "Bullet-Proof Drills" and much more. He can be reached at KF@555golf.com or by phone at (817) 673-8888.