Group vs Private Lessons When Getting Started With Golf
There’s no doubt that having professional golf lessons is the best way to learn how to play golf.
But choosing between group and private golf lessons is a key decision for many beginners.
Each option has its pros and cons and there are factors to consider that may affect your learning experience and how quickly you improve.
In this post, we’re taking you through the pros and cons of group and private lessons, so that you can identify the best approach for you as you get started with golf.
The Benefits of Private Golf Lessons
Private lessons are often considered the gold standard when it comes to getting started with an individual sport such as golf (as opposed to a team sport). This approach provides a one-to-one interaction with a coach, allowing for a learning experience that is entirely focused on the student's needs.
Tailored Approach to Golf Coaching
The first and perhaps more important benefit of private lessons is the tailored approach that beginner golfers receive. When you book lessons with a private golf coach, your coach will work with you to identify your strengths and weaknesses and will develop a program of coaching which improves your entire game.
This will include strategies for play, techniques, the way you approach different scenarios on the course, and how you engage different skills and competencies.
Private lessons also give you, as a golf beginner, more of a chance to air concerns and challenges that you come across while learning and practicing. During your coaching sessions, you can talk through specific scenarios you have encountered and how to navigate them to achieve the best outcome.
Faster Progress
As strong advocates for private coaching, we believe in - and regularly see - the impact that one-to-one coaching sessions have on the speed of progress in beginner golfers.
Not only can one-to-one tuition develop and accelerate learning, but it also means that any inconsistencies and inaccuracies in a technique or strategy can be quickly identified and easily fixed.
Learn Under a Schedule That Suits You
If you’re worried about how you are going to fit coaching and practice time into your schedule and everyday routine, then private coaching offers an unrivalled flexibility that lets you learn on your terms, at your own pace. While we recommend regularity as much as possible when it comes to learning how to play golf and improving your game, private coaching can be tailored to your specific schedule and availability.
So, if you’re a particularly busy person but are committed to making golf a priority, private coaching offers the flexibility that is often unavailable in with group coaching sessions.
The Value of Group Lessons
Group lessons can a offer a more affordable alternative, matching players with others who are at a similar level in terms of golf experience and competence.
Cost Effective
The number one benefit of group lessons is the cost and affordability. Group lessons split the time of the coach between more players, which means that these sessions are more budget friendly.
This does come at the expense of individual attention. With more students to oversee, a coach may not be able to provide the same level of personalised feedback or tailor the lesson to each player’s unique needs.
But if you’re looking to learn on a budget, then group sessions can be a great option for you.
Group Coaching Can Be More Sociable
Golf is an intrinsically sociable sport, with group coaching a great opportunity to meet other players of a similar ability and start integrating yourself within the local golf community.
Some people may also find that learning can be more fun and engaging when in a group setting - but that is down to personal preference.
The Grooves Golf Philosophy on Private Lessons for Beginners
Private lessons offer our coaches a chance to get to know the player, understand their specific strengths, weaknesses, and their overall goals.
This deep understanding enables tailored coaching strategies that focus on individual improvement areas, ensuring that each lesson drives significant progress. Our belief is that this personalised approach not only helps in correcting technique more efficiently but also accelerates the player's development, providing a solid foundation for their golfing journey.
In contrast to group settings, private sessions allow for a detailed analysis of each swing, adjustment of posture, and enhancement of game strategy, all in real-time. This focused attention results in a closer student-coach relationship, which we find crucial for motivation and confidence-building, especially among beginners.
Making Your Choice
All things considered, how you learn to play golf will depend on your personal preference, your budget, and the time that you can and are prepared to commit to getting started with the sport.
If you are seeking a flexible learning schedule and the numerous benefits that come with one-on-one tuition, then private beginner golf coaching is the best option. This approach will help you to lay solid foundations for your golfing skills, allowing for personalised feedback and adjustments that are specifically tailored to your strengths and weaknesses
If you are looking for a more budget friendly approach, then group coaching can be a fun way to get started and will enable you to learn and develop alongside others who are also getting started with the game of golf.
For more information on all our coaching programmes, browse our website or get in touch via our contact page.
