How Much are Golf Lessons?
One of the quickest ways to get better at golf is with the help of a coach.
However, not all amateurs are willing to seek the help of a professional due to fears about the cost of golf lessons.
Finding a coach does come with personalized attention, but it can also require the player to spend thousands to identify weaknesses and dramatically improve their game.
So, are they worth paying that price? And how much are golf lessons anyway?
In this article, we’ll provide the latest information on the cost of golf lessons and whether most golfers can benefit from private lessons.
What is the average cost of a single golf lesson?
The average golf lesson costs roughly $60 per session, although they can run up to $150 per lesson based on your handicap level and the experience and reputation of the golf coach.
Another factor in the price of private lessons is whether you get them from public driving ranges or private country clubs.
Since a private course wants to limit the number of golfers that play at its facility, it is prone to charge more for lessons and include extra fees for golf balls and range time.
How do prices vary between group lessons and private instruction?
Group lessons cost roughly half of a session with a private instructor. That savings comes with a caveat as group lessons don’t provide the focus of one-on-one sessions with a coach.
If you are struggling with a bad swing or just starting your golfing journey, a private lesson can help build your fundamentals.
If you are worried about the overall cost, most coaches encourage players to consider the price a serious investment in their golf game.
What factors influence the cost of golf lessons?
Several factors play a part in the cost of golf lessons.
First, the golf coach’s experience primarily influences the cost per lesson. An instructor who offers private lessons at a reduced cost if you purchase several in advance can be a great investment in your golf game.
Another way to save money is by joining group lessons. While you won’t get one-on-one instruction, you will save money while getting to hit balls and receiving the periodic adjustment to your swing.
Are there different pricing tiers for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players?
A high-handicap golfer should expect a typical price of around $60 when they ask their club, “How much are golf lessons?”
For low handicappers, many ask themselves, “Is the extra price I must pay for golf lessons worth the cost?” Since they are looking for incremental gains, finding a more experienced golfing coach might be more than their wallet can handle.
How do golf lesson costs compare at public courses versus private clubs?
Lessons at private golf clubs are typically more expensive than with an instructor at a public course. The price difference typically comes from the quality of the golf instructor.
Since the members of private golf courses pride themselves on offering a better golfing experience, their tour pros are typically more experienced with qualifications that might include time on a professional golf tour.
Pros at these private clubs only offer a few lessons throughout the week, making their golf lessons cost much more than at a casual public golf club.
What additional expenses should be considered when budgeting for golf lessons?
You should consider several hidden golf lesson costs when you start lessons with a coach. The first one is range balls. If you haven’t been to a driving range in recent months, the price of range balls has significantly increased.
A pro tip is to consider asking for your range balls to be included in your golf lessons to defer some of the overall price of your one-hour lesson.
Another hidden cost you might experience when starting golf lessons is a video recording fee. If the coach requires a video recording fee, you might ask if you can record the lesson with your phone or tablet.
That said, a video recording coupled with a breakdown by the coach could be very beneficial to your game. The video recording can show a variety of swing flaws plus record data points such as ball speed and total distance.
Private clubs also sometimes charge what’s known as a “gate fee” to golfers who are not members. You can typically get the fee waived with a multi-lesson commitment.
Are there any cost-effective alternatives to traditional golf lessons?
There are several cost-effective ways to save money, but learn to improve your game based on different factors.
Hiring a virtual coach offers solid savings over receiving lessons from a private coach. With a virtual instructor, the player records their swing from various angles and then sends it to instructors for analysis.
After a short period, the coach will return the video with a breakdown of the swing and offer methods for improvement. The virtual coach has become popular as it allows the players to work on their game with their schedule in mind.
You can also use YouTube to learn to correct your bad swing. With this plan, you are on your own, watching and learning at your own pace.
There are thousands of coaches who offer their coaching on popular video sites for free. You won’t have direct access to these coaches, but if you want a low-cost alternative to traditional golf lessons, taking a lesson from YouTube offers that opportunity.
How do seasonal variations affect the pricing of golf lessons?
Getting lessons during the winter can be cheaper because the demand is much lower than in the summer.
If you are resourceful, ask your local pro if they’re willing to offer a discount to pre-pay for a set number of lessons at the course or indoor facility.
How many lessons does it take to get good at golf?
The number of golf lessons you will need to become a good golfer depends on your handicap level and experience.
Since one-hour lessons must focus on specific fundamentals, it can take a beginner longer to become good due to the need for slower coaching.
It may take dozens of lessons just to teach you how to become a functional golfer. Even then, you might shoot in the 100s even with new clubs.
Coaches worth their price offer teaching based on the golfer’s talent level. Away from the next lesson, they’ll encourage you to work on your skills with additional practice.