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#30122 - 03/25/09 02:26 PM Lessons
Chief Offline
Leader
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Registered: 03/08/08
Posts: 391
Loc: Elk Grove Village Illinois
OK, so I have been looking for a place to get some lessons, and some time to do it. Right down the road they have the Mitchell Spearman Academy and utilize the Trackman golf ball tracking system which is supposed to show the exact path of your shot and give you instant feedback such as spin rate, launch angle, club speed and more. They utlize an instructor by commitee approach. They have 5 or 6 instructors on staff and won't guarantee who you get. It is all based upon scheduling.

Here are the rates:
60 Minute lesson $115
Series of 5 (30 minute lessons) $275
Series of 10 (30 minute lessons) $495
Series of 20 (30 minute lessons) $950
Full Swing Assessment $55
SAM Putting Lesson $75
6 Month membership (25 - 30 minute lessons) $1,675 with 6 months unlimited use of the range and one free golf club fitting
12 Month membership (52 - 30 minute lessons) $2,995 with 12 months unlimited use of the range and one free golf club fitting

I would like to try the series of 5. Does this sound about right? It does seem more expensive than some other places but it is the most convenient.
Does anyone know anything about Mitchell Spearman? But since he is not giving the lessons, would it matter?

Also, what do you all see as your average time between lessons?
_________________________
Maybe I should be fishing

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#30126 - 03/25/09 04:04 PM Re: Lessons [Re: Chief]
srushing Offline

Vance
*****

Registered: 10/28/06
Posts: 3067
Loc: North Carolina
Seems high to me. My teacher is like $75-80 for the first lesson then it drops to like $60 or so for the future lessons.
_________________________
Golf is a game that can't be won, it can only be played - Bagger Vance

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#30127 - 03/25/09 04:38 PM Re: Lessons [Re: srushing]
Chief Offline
Leader
****

Registered: 03/08/08
Posts: 391
Loc: Elk Grove Village Illinois
Scott,
Is that per 1/2 hour or for a full hour of instruction? There is also GolfTec close by the house. Maybe it is my cynicism but they appear to want to fit a set of clubs to your "current" swing rather than fix any problems you may have to get a "better" swing. Their swing analysis is $165 and then you get the sales pitch. Much like when I took my Ping driver in and they "suggested" a 12 degree driver with a regular shaft for $500-600.
This is all confusing.
_________________________
Maybe I should be fishing

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#30130 - 03/26/09 01:47 AM Re: Lessons [Re: Chief]
Bill H. Offline
Vance
****

Registered: 08/30/04
Posts: 3184
Loc: Cabo San Lucas & Deadwood, S.D...

Chief, are there any good country clubs or muni courses close to you? If so, call them and see what the rates are for their best instructor, who should be PGA certified. For a series of lessons, ie. 5 or 6, a week between lessons with, at least, a couple days practice (per week)should be good.
_________________________
"Act the way you want to be,
And soon you'll be the way you act."
O.E.Sage

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#30131 - 03/26/09 03:17 AM Re: Lessons [Re: Bill H.]
Chief Offline
Leader
****

Registered: 03/08/08
Posts: 391
Loc: Elk Grove Village Illinois
Bill,
Are you familiar with White Deer Country Club in Vernon Hills? They have a guy I think his name is Todd Sones, who is the teaching pro there, his rates are like $240 per 45 minutes. I understand these guys are the cream of the crop, but that is very expensive, but it does seem typical for any of the guys rated in the top 100 list.
The Spearman academy is starting to look better. I just need to find a decent and reputable instructor, that I can afford,and doesn't charge a months worth of wages, I have to add.
_________________________
Maybe I should be fishing

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#30132 - 03/26/09 03:47 AM Re: Lessons [Re: Chief]
laney Offline

Palmer
*****

Registered: 08/13/06
Posts: 1397
Loc: houston, tx
Chief,

My opinion: Spearman is charging too much to not offer a relationship with an individual instructor who has dug it out of the ground for him/herself, and arrived at his own understanding.

I would expect there to be somebody very good out there in the Spearman price range, who doesn't have the marketing skills to charge $240/hr. My opinion: keep asking around, as Bill has suggested.

Have fun!
Laney

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#30137 - 03/26/09 04:15 AM Re: Lessons [Re: laney]
Bill H. Offline
Vance
****

Registered: 08/30/04
Posts: 3184
Loc: Cabo San Lucas & Deadwood, S.D...
Chief,
There should be some great teachers that will charge around $50 for a lesson and you should get a better deal on a series of lessons.
The best thing to do out front is get a pro who is knowledgeable in the basics and get everything set up the way it should be. If you reach a point where you want to qualify for the U.S. Open or you become one of the great hustlers of the world, then get one of the "high priced" pros to take you to another plateau.

Remember this when looking for a teacher.........
You're not ready to afford the luxury of a high priced novice, however, you're not so much an unskilled player that you shouldn't have anyone other than a uniquely talented professional.
_________________________
"Act the way you want to be,
And soon you'll be the way you act."
O.E.Sage

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#30138 - 03/26/09 04:23 AM Re: Lessons [Re: Bill H.]
Chief Offline
Leader
****

Registered: 03/08/08
Posts: 391
Loc: Elk Grove Village Illinois
Thanks Bill the search continues.....
_________________________
Maybe I should be fishing

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#30140 - 03/26/09 04:28 AM Re: Lessons [Re: Chief]
Bill H. Offline
Vance
****

Registered: 08/30/04
Posts: 3184
Loc: Cabo San Lucas & Deadwood, S.D...
Chief,
See if the local muni courses in your area have some good instructors. Some of the assistant pros at those courses are better teachers than the ones who landed jobs in the so called golf schools.
Also remember, the instructor in the golf school is only getting a small portion of the over priced lesson fee. The majority of the lesson fee goes toward supporting the business.
At the public or muni course, the golf course is their main source of revenue.
_________________________
"Act the way you want to be,
And soon you'll be the way you act."
O.E.Sage

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#30151 - 03/26/09 08:38 AM Re: Lessons [Re: Bill H.]
DON Offline

Vance
*****

Registered: 05/04/05
Posts: 4888
Loc: Aurora, Colorado
I don't care much for the idea of getting one of 6 or so instructors for a package of lessons, Can't see how you could build on the last lesson with a different instructor. FAct is every instructor will have a somewhat different way of teaching. And with different instructors, it would be very hard to build on the last lesson. Some instructors also don't communicate very well with every golfer, so you could be stuck with a guy that can't get his point accross to YOU.

As for Golf Tec, what you said is complettely different from what I wss told when I was there. I asked the instructor if he felt my irons needed to be adjusted, and the first question he had was, Did I intend to take lessons? He said that if I was going to take lessons, then it would be smart to Wait until after the lessons, and Then adjust the irons to my NEW swing. This is the opposite of what I got from your post on Golf Tec.
_________________________
Putting is easy, IF you have the right putter.
Later, Don.

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#30154 - 03/26/09 08:54 AM Re: Lessons [Re: DON]
Chief Offline
Leader
****

Registered: 03/08/08
Posts: 391
Loc: Elk Grove Village Illinois
Sorry Don I am mixing up GolfGalaxy And Golfsmith. I have had been experiences at both recently. GolfTec is at the GolfSmith. The guy tring to sell me the new driver was at GolfGalaxy. They are across the street from each other here.


Edited by Chief (03/26/09 08:55 AM)
_________________________
Maybe I should be fishing

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#30161 - 03/26/09 11:56 AM Re: Lessons [Re: DON]
fjjra Offline
Master
*****

Registered: 10/21/04
Posts: 617
Loc: ct
I remember when I went to Joe, my past instructor, the first thing I did was watch him hit balls (he did not know me or that I was a prospective student) He is a small guy about 5'-6", 120 lbs or so, with a smooth, effortless swing. And his hits were solid with fantastic distance. What impressed me the most however was the very obvious pure enjoyment he got from hitting balls. Not just one after the other, but pausing to set a target, study the distance, direction, flight, etc.. for each shot. It was pure joy just watching him and I knew he was the guy for me. He charges $50 for an hour lesson, discounted depending on the no of lessons and includes a playing lesson on-course with 5 or more lessons and is PGA certified. I am actually thinking of going back to him this spring for a "tune-up" and some lessons "working the ball". Although I am not taking lessons currently he would watch me at the range from time to time, stop me and check my grip, see if I was hitting my target, etc.
actually I can always count on him watching me and if he does not say anything but just nods when I notice him watching, I know I'm still on track.


Edited by fjjra (03/26/09 12:00 PM)

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#30164 - 03/26/09 12:41 PM Re: Lessons [Re: fjjra]
Bill H. Offline
Vance
****

Registered: 08/30/04
Posts: 3184
Loc: Cabo San Lucas & Deadwood, S.D...

Fred, Your instructor, Joe, is what a PGA pro should be. Someone who loves golf, is there to promote the game, help others learn the game and stays in touch with his students.
Great Post.
_________________________
"Act the way you want to be,
And soon you'll be the way you act."
O.E.Sage

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#30168 - 03/26/09 05:59 PM Re: Lessons [Re: DON]
srushing Offline

Vance
*****

Registered: 10/28/06
Posts: 3067
Loc: North Carolina
Chief, I'm pretty sure those are 1 hr lessons and include her video taping your swing and doing some analysis with you on what you are doing. She's awesome!
_________________________
Golf is a game that can't be won, it can only be played - Bagger Vance

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#30173 - 03/27/09 03:58 AM Re: Lessons [Re: Bill H.]
laney Offline

Palmer
*****

Registered: 08/13/06
Posts: 1397
Loc: houston, tx
I was fortunate that my boyfriend directed me to Ron right away. He's one of those muni jewels. I had no idea at the time how to find a quality instructor, or even that it was an issue. I don't think Bart did either, but he knew that a bunch of his low handicap friends came from their private courses to Memorial Park to take lessons from Ron.

I now know that if I had just gone to Memorial Park and asked around about the best instructor there, I would have easily been directed to Ron. Not everyone would have voted for him, but the people who did would have said the things that would let me know he was the one.

That's why I'm with Bill, just keep asking around. I'm sort of excited for you, and look forward to your updates.

Laney

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#30177 - 03/27/09 05:20 AM Re: Lessons [Re: laney]
Aimee Offline
Hogan
****

Registered: 06/27/05
Posts: 2143
Loc: NJ
We found our current instructor based on a guy we played with at our muni course recommending him. Similar story to Laney's, now when we mention his name to the better golfers in our area they all know him. He's also pretty short in stature but known for his iron striking ability.
When my husband and I go to his range, he'll always take a few minutes to chat and get our updates.
Legend is that he missed out on Q school when he was younger because he overslept and missed his tee time.
_________________________
The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. ~ Albert Einstein

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#32225 - 06/03/09 02:56 PM Re: Lessons [Re: Aimee]
Chief Offline
Leader
****

Registered: 03/08/08
Posts: 391
Loc: Elk Grove Village Illinois
OK, bringing this topic back to life.

I just went to GolfTec. Pretty impressive setup. Although pretty expensive also.

Let me tell you about my experience. I went to GolfTec at the local Golfsmith and met with the instructor. Not a bad guy, except when I asked if he also sold used cars, his facial expression changed slightly. I checked his PGA credentials and they have him listed as an apprentice instructor, both guys there are apprentice instructors. I guess that is OK, but I did not like how he attacked Todd Sones and his golf Academy in Vernon Hills. Todd Sones is a top 10 instructor as ranked by Golf Digest and his staff has a minimum of 12 years teaching each.His golf school is also ranked in the top 25 by Golf Digest. But I rant.

So Matt hooked me up to their swing monitor with this really cool sensor belt and video cameras and I swung away with a driver and a 6i. They have a system that measures shoulder angle, tilt and turn as well as hip tilt and turn and a couple other things and can stop the video at any of 14 different positions. I got to see my swing on video for the first time. Has anyone watched any of the Haney Project with our buddy Sir Charles? Well I was not quite that bad, but really ugly. The only thing that did not have red marks was 'impact' position. There was yellow in shoulder turn but a good hitting position. The video showed some real nasty stuff. Too much shoulder roll at setup, and follow through off plane, etc, etc. It showed some good stuff also, very late club release, which Todd said gave great swing speed but did not make up for the lack of extension in the back swing. He said it was robbing me of distance and accuracy. The off plane follow through is the cause of my intermittent slice. Too many parts moving in the wrong directions.

Alright, I think the video and instant feedback is great. But they want $95 for a full initial analysis of 1 hour and then $630 for ten half hour lessons or $365 for 5 half hour lessons.

Any comments from the peanut gallery?
_________________________
Maybe I should be fishing

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#32229 - 06/03/09 03:31 PM Re: Lessons [Re: Chief]
Bill H. Offline
Vance
****

Registered: 08/30/04
Posts: 3184
Loc: Cabo San Lucas & Deadwood, S.D...
Originally Posted By: Chief
OK, bringing this topic back to life.

I just went to GolfTec. Pretty impressive setup. Although pretty expensive also.

Let me tell you about my experience. I went to GolfTec at the local Golfsmith and met with the instructor. Not a bad guy, except when I asked if he also sold used cars, his facial expression changed slightly. I checked his PGA credentials and they have him listed as an apprentice instructor, both guys there are apprentice instructors. I guess that is OK, but I did not like how he attacked Todd Sones and his golf Academy in Vernon Hills. Todd Sones is a top 10 instructor as ranked by Golf Digest and his staff has a minimum of 12 years teaching each.His golf school is also ranked in the top 25 by Golf Digest. But I rant.

So Matt hooked me up to their swing monitor with this really cool sensor belt and video cameras and I swung away with a driver and a 6i. They have a system that measures shoulder angle, tilt and turn as well as hip tilt and turn and a couple other things and can stop the video at any of 14 different positions. I got to see my swing on video for the first time. Has anyone watched any of the Haney Project with our buddy Sir Charles? Well I was not quite that bad, but really ugly. The only thing that did not have red marks was 'impact' position. There was yellow in shoulder turn but a good hitting position. The video showed some real nasty stuff. Too much shoulder roll at setup, and follow through off plane, etc, etc. It showed some good stuff also, very late club release, which Todd said gave great swing speed but did not make up for the lack of extension in the back swing. He said it was robbing me of distance and accuracy. The off plane follow through is the cause of my intermittent slice. Too many parts moving in the wrong directions.

Alright, I think the video and instant feedback is great. But they want $95 for a full initial analysis of 1 hour and then $630 for ten half hour lessons or $365 for 5 half hour lessons.

Any comments from the peanut gallery?


For that much money you could purchase 2 or 3 round trip plane tickets................
Fly over here and I'll give you lessons for free...... shocked

BTW, Jan and I used to live in Barrington.
_________________________
"Act the way you want to be,
And soon you'll be the way you act."
O.E.Sage

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#32230 - 06/03/09 03:34 PM Re: Lessons [Re: Bill H.]
srushing Offline

Vance
*****

Registered: 10/28/06
Posts: 3067
Loc: North Carolina
Yeah, that seems a quite expensive to me.
_________________________
Golf is a game that can't be won, it can only be played - Bagger Vance

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#32233 - 06/03/09 04:00 PM Re: Lessons [Re: srushing]
Chief Offline
Leader
****

Registered: 03/08/08
Posts: 391
Loc: Elk Grove Village Illinois
Bill, I know you stated before you lived in Barrington. Nice area, good schools.

I wish I could take you up on that. I wish I had time off to throw the clubs into the car. I could make it there on about $50 worth of gas.

It is bad when you know you need something but get caught up in all the predators. I keep thinking they are predators, but the business keeps growing.
_________________________
Maybe I should be fishing

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#32236 - 06/03/09 04:42 PM Re: Lessons [Re: Chief]
Bill H. Offline
Vance
****

Registered: 08/30/04
Posts: 3184
Loc: Cabo San Lucas & Deadwood, S.D...
Chief,
I have a friend, Tom Shapland, who is the President of Wadsworth Golf Construction. His office is in Plainfield, Ill. If you check, you'll find he is the premier golf course builder in the country.
He will absolutely know, so I'll check with him and see who is the best instructor for the best price in your area. Or, I'll call and set it up so you can talk to him about it direct. Whichever you prefer.
Check out his website.

www.wadsworthgolf.com
_________________________
"Act the way you want to be,
And soon you'll be the way you act."
O.E.Sage

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#32238 - 06/03/09 04:49 PM Re: Lessons [Re: Bill H.]
Chief Offline
Leader
****

Registered: 03/08/08
Posts: 391
Loc: Elk Grove Village Illinois
Really cool Bill. I would definately appreciate that. God knows I need it. Gotta get ready for the Wyoming hole GGR open next year. My game is a laugh right now.
_________________________
Maybe I should be fishing

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#32239 - 06/03/09 04:51 PM Re: Lessons [Re: Chief]
Bill H. Offline
Vance
****

Registered: 08/30/04
Posts: 3184
Loc: Cabo San Lucas & Deadwood, S.D...
Originally Posted By: Chief
My game is a laugh right now.


Good, everyone should laugh and have fun when they play. smile
_________________________
"Act the way you want to be,
And soon you'll be the way you act."
O.E.Sage

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#32241 - 06/03/09 05:04 PM Re: Lessons [Re: Chief]
Chief Offline
Leader
****

Registered: 03/08/08
Posts: 391
Loc: Elk Grove Village Illinois
With all the latest technology/gadgets, etc., anyone can become a teaching pro, as evidenced by the apprentice labels put on these guys by the PGA. I think you end up spending more time looking at your swing on computer and analyzing what it should look like, than actually hitting and trying to physically correct your flaws. I like your initial analysis Bill, dont think too much and all these gadgets are for thinkers.
_________________________
Maybe I should be fishing

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#32242 - 06/03/09 05:27 PM Re: Lessons [Re: Chief]
Bill H. Offline
Vance
****

Registered: 08/30/04
Posts: 3184
Loc: Cabo San Lucas & Deadwood, S.D...

The majority of golfers should never see a swing video. Golf is such a mental game it freaks most people out to see how their swing actually looks.
The best thing is to have an instructor that knows how to get the best out of what you have.
Even among golf instructors, there really aren't a great number of truly good ones. If you count in most of the "hit into a net" discount golf instructors, then the percentage of good ones gets even smaller.
It's kind of like, "I'm qualified to drive in the Indy 500, but I decided sell used cars to you instead."
I seriously dislike golf instruction in a discount store and watching people, in those stores, get their jollies and/or go paranoid over what a swing analyzer says their swing speed and launch angle is. And analyzed by a dufus who learned how to read the machine when they applied for the sales job.
If a person really wants to play golf, get a real instructor, have them teach you what's the right thing to do and have them put you into the correct club fit.
If someone is going to spend what will end up being $500 or more on equipment, why not spend a few hundred more and do it right?
_________________________
"Act the way you want to be,
And soon you'll be the way you act."
O.E.Sage

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