Your first golf lesson:what to expect

Your first golf lesson is much less scary than you might think. You do not need any experience, any clubs or any fitness. A good coach will start with the basics, keep it relaxed, and make sure you leave knowing what to practise.

If you have been putting off booking because you are worried about looking silly, this guide takes you through the lesson step by step.

Before you arrive

You do not need to buy anything. For beginner lessons at Evolution Golf Academy, clubs are provided, so you can find out if you enjoy the game before you spend money on a set.

Wear comfortable clothes you can swing in, such as joggers or loose trousers, and a top with room for your shoulders. Flat soled trainers are fine. Take a bottle of water and a waterproof if the weather is unsettled.

• Comfortable, flexible clothing
• Flat trainers or golf shoes
• Water
• A glove if you have one, though it is not essential
• A note of any injuries, so your coach can adapt things

The first five minutes

The lesson starts with a chat. Your coach will ask whether you have played before, what you hope to get from golf, and whether you have any aches or injuries. There are no wrong answers. If you have never held a club, say so.

This conversation shapes everything. Someone who wants to play social rounds with friends needs a different plan from someone who wants to compete.

What you will learn

A first lesson keeps things simple. You will usually cover:

1. The grip. How to hold the club so the face can square up.
2. Stance and posture. Where to stand, how far from the ball, and how to tilt from the hips.
3. Alignment. Pointing your body and the club at the target.
4. A simple swing. A short, balanced motion to make solid contact.
5. Making contact. Hitting the ball off the ground with a short iron.

Do not expect to hit every ball cleanly. Missing the ball in the first lesson is normal, and a good coach will not rush you.

The technology in the room

You may see a screen showing numbers. A launch monitor such as TrackMan measures how the ball flew and how the club moved. Your coach may also film your swing so you can see it on video. Seeing yourself is often an eye opener, because what you feel and what you do can be very different.

At Evolution, TrackMan data and video analysis are included in a one to one lesson. We have a plain guide to how TrackMan works if you want to read ahead.

How the lesson ends

You should finish with a clear picture of what you did well, one or two things to work on, and a few simple drills you can do at home or on the range. Ask any questions at the end, such as how often to practise or what to buy first.

Your coach may suggest what comes next, whether that is another single lesson or a block. A set of lessons tends to work better for beginners, because each one builds on the last. Our post on how many golf lessons you actually need gives a realistic answer.

Common worries, answered

What to do after the lesson

Try to practise within a few days, while the feel is fresh. A short session of twenty or thirty balls is enough. Focus on the one or two things your coach gave you, rather than on everything at once. Book your next lesson before you lose momentum.

It also helps to be patient with yourself. Most beginners see a big jump in the first few weeks, then a plateau, then another jump. That pattern is normal, and it is a sign you are learning, not failing.

You do not have to start on a golf course. A driving range is the right place to build contact and confidence first.

Mistakes beginners make, and how to avoid them

Nearly everyone makes the same few mistakes at the start, so you are in good company. Knowing them in advance helps.

• Swinging as hard as possible. A smooth, balanced swing makes better contact than a wild one. Speed comes later.
• Looking up too early. Keep your eyes on the ball until after it has gone.
• Gripping too tightly. Hold the club firmly but not like you are strangling it.
• Trying to fix everything at once. Pick one thing and give it time.
• Comparing yourself to others. Everybody learns at a different pace.

Choosing the right coach

Whoever you choose, look for a PGA qualified coach who listens first and explains things in plain words. You should feel comfortable asking questions, and you should leave knowing what to do next. If a coach uses lots of jargon and does not explain it, that is a warning sign.

It is also worth asking whether they use data and video, and whether they can support you with fitness or movement if you need it. At Evolution, the coaching approach starts with a swing assessment using TrackMan and video, then a TPI movement screen if it is useful, so the plan fits your body as well as your swing.

Starting at Evolution

At Evolution Golf Academy, a one hour lesson with a PGA Professional is £55, and beginners are welcome. See our page on beginner golf lessons in Derby for the full detail, or golf lessons in Derby in general. We are at Ormonde Fields Golf Club in Codnor, about 20 minutes from Derby and Nottingham, with free parking. If you have a question first, you can contact us and ask.