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Have anyone ever experienced a lesson from PGA professional who shows up and doesn't bring their own clubs?

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By Jerome C

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  • 19 Replies
  1. Jerome C

    Jerome C
    London Ontario Canada

    Thought this very weird that a PGA professional would show up for a 45 minute lesson without their own clubs. Then while the lesson is in session, doesn't ask to use my wife's new AP1's and just hits them. Very unprofessional and I have never experienced that before. What are everyone's thoughts on this? Has anyone experienced this before? As for the lesson it was not informative. Where do serious golfers gain those lessons that we need to advance us?

  2. Team Titleist Staff
    Jerome, very sorry you had a bad experience. I will say that many fine instructors do not bring their own clubs to the lesson tee. That's not that unusual, as many teachers will demonstrate principals and hit an occasional shot using the student's club to illustrate.

    However, if this gentleman was simply pounding balls to try out your wife's AP1's, that's off-sides in my opinion, and is not in keeping with how PGA professionals should conduct themselves.

    Sounds like you got a bad apple, but don't give up on lessons - a reputable instructor can make a world of difference.

    Hopefully a few TT members in the London area can chime in and suggest a few reputable instructors for you.

    Good luck!
  3. Luke H

    Luke H
    Eau Claire, WI

    Rick is spot on. I've had many lessons where the instructor doesn't bring their own clubs. If they need to demonstrate something, they will just grab one of my clubs and take practice swings with it to show me what it looks like.

    Most importantly, find someone your comfortable with, and the lesson will go better.

    Best of luck.
  4. Jim S

    Jim S
    East Point, GA

    I had a experience like this. I went to a lesson , and after 20 minutes he said if you cant get into position one i cant help you. Up until then he had not mentioned position one. He then left the lesson tee, not to return.He never hit a shot. Thanks for nothing Pro.
  5. Jerome C

    Jerome C
    London Ontario Canada

    Thanks Rick for responding to this it has lifted my spirits .
    Hopefully there are members on here like yourself that will suggest an great teacher in or around Southern Ontario.
    We are keeping positive
    Much appreciated
  6. Joey L

    Joey L
    Walnut Creek

    I’m the kind of person who doesn’t like anyone hitting my clubs, so I would have been bothered too. Whatever PGA pros do, they should for sure bring their own tools to
    the job. It seems lazy or unprofessional to show up without your own set of clubs.
  7. Bryan S

    Bryan S
    Wooster, OH

    My PGA pro never has his clubs at my lessons. I have never viewed that as a bad thing.
    Sounds like you are lacking a comfort level that is necessary. I would suggest you move on and find one that is a better fit.
  8. Speedy

    Speedy
    Newmarket, NH

    Wow! That's awful to hear. I've been going to one for a few years now and it's been a great experience for me.

    The only time he brings his own clubs is when we play on the course, 9 holes with the pro and that is an eye opening experience.

    When I'm getting lessons, there are times he'll use my clubs only show what I should try to be doing, etc.

    Sorry to hear about your experience. Like Rick said, keep looking and I'm sure you'll find someone you like.
  9. Jerry M

    Jerry M
    Dallas, TX

    Sorry this was not the experience you wanted or deserved.
    I have a story about a VERY WELL KNOWN golf instructor. He will not be named. This was told to me via third party.

    This guy booked an hour lesson ($300 at that time and now he is $3500 for 3 hours) with said golf instructor

    The guy said the instructor may have worked with him for 20 minutes and then took calls the whole time. He told the golf instructor to not be so greedy and that other peoples time was important also!!
  10. Dale V

    Dale V
    Surprise AZ

    Yep, golf pros are like shoes... you have to get the one that fits you or you will be hurting all the time. Miss my guy (Paul Norris) back in Texas. He was a perfect fit for me. Tried a few out here in San Diego but still looking for the right one.
  11. gary h

    gary h
    Torrance, CA

    My golf coach(s) never used their own clubs to demonstrate.
  12. Barry S

    Barry S
    Oakville, ON

    My experience with lessons are pretty much on par with the other comments given. Any time I have had a lesson, the pro shows up with maybe 1 club and that's it.
  13. Darryl M

    Darryl M
    Wichita, KS

    Keep looking, I went through 12 at $45-$150 each until I settled with the one I have now..

    Mine never brings his clubs, but will show thru swings, but not hitting with my club(s), he does bring tools like training aides etc etc & once or twice a monitor so we can see results better than just guessing the shot was good.

    Been around him 8 years now & we try to meet up 3-4 times a year just because I don't play enough now to stay in a groove.

    But lesson from a good instructor that is really into what you need and trying to accomplish will go a long way on the course. I can't function now without one to be honest.

    Good luck Jerome hope you find someone soon...

    DM
  14. N Anthony S

    N Anthony S
    Virginia Beach, VA

    I have lived in 4 states over the past 11 years. I have worked with instructors in each state that I go. I have never had one bring their own clubs. The only time they had their clubs is when we were going on the course to play a couple of holes when I wanted to work on my course management. Each instructor had their own thought on how to approach my swing as well as their own method for teaching. Some better than others. There certainly are a lot of good ones. I am sure you will find someone you feel comfortable with.
  15. Frank P

    Frank P
    Port St. Lucie, FL

    Military
    This has been my experience with lessons. Most club professionals don't bring clubs to a lesson. Teaching professionals giving private lessons will have their clubs either on the tee or on a cart. But like Dale said, you have to find the right one for you. I've had a couple that I've gotten nothing out of a lesson with and a couple that I clicked very well with.
  16. Ricky F

    Ricky F
    Inverness

    I'm with Rick here.

    Though the professional I use often uses my clubs, I've known him personally for over 20 years so I have no issue with it. On the flip side when I was at my last iron fitting I actually warmed up with his personal clubs as I didn't have my old ones with me (they were 10+ years old so no use for comparisons). So there is a high level of trust between us...

    Sounds totally different in your instance, and I certainly wouldn't be happy.
  17. Jerome C

    Jerome C
    London Ontario Canada

    Thanks for all the positive comments
  18. Steve M

    Steve M
    Hatboro, PA

    I've taken lessons at various clubs and resorts around the country. I've never had a pro bring clubs to the lesson tee. The objective is for the student to hit balls and the instructor to instruct. If necessary, the pro will demonstrate with a club from my bag. I've never thought twice about it.

    If the pro brings his/her clubs to the range, I'd be more apprehensive as if they want to work on their own game rather than mine.

    All being said, if you're not happy or comfortable with the pro and their teaching style, simply find a different one and maybe discussion your expectations up front.
  19. Thom w

    Thom w
    Rochester, MI

    As stated...the relationship with the pro is paramount...for trust, and for communication, we all speak a different language sometimes. I have been fortunate enough to have a 20 year relationship with a well recommended Michigan Hall of Fame professional! The challenge sometimes is that he can be too honest with me...a couple of years ago he told me I was 2 years away from being a good golfer...and next year I will be 3 years away! All in good fun...but he was right...
  20. Jerome C

    Jerome C
    London Ontario Canada

    Thom great reply thanks so much .
    Maybe you can tell me we’re to golf in Michigan

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