Golf Instruction: Do You Waste Money?

Nobody really wants to waste money on anything much less golf instruction, but it happens all the time. Unfortunately there are some really savvy marketing people and teaching professionals out there doing their best to separate you from your hard earned cash.

Hopefully I can provide you with some things to watch out for that will help you avoid being scammed.

How many of you have seen this ad out there popping up on a website you were visiting?

The Holy Grail of golf – Hit it farther. The image shows what is called “shaft lean” which is a major key to distance. The problem is that when you click on it what you see has nothing to do with shaft lean. You go to a site that has a Golf Digest Top 50 Instructor trying to con you into buying his “Death Moves” series by promising several things. Some of which he can’t possibly deliver. He promises an individualized improvement plan which is absolutely impossible to do accurately without ever seeing you hit a shot. You do this by taking a survey, which I did, and the analysis that I received had absolutely nothing to do with the problem I described.

I have no problem with top instructors selling books and/or DVDs which might possibly help someone on occasion. What makes me sick to my stomach is when they go to great lengths to simply rip people off. I just can’t comprehend an instructor that cares more about the money than actually helping people. Oh yes, they offer a money back guarantee, but they know that the time and effort involved in actually doing it will cause almost everyone to give up trying to get their money back.

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The really sad part is that there are plenty more out there. I just got an email from a notorious group promoting another Golf Digest Top 50 instructor. One national magazine quotes this persons lesson rate at $2000.00 for two hours (I’m still wondering what he needs two hours for). I would think that he should be doing well enough not to have to resort to going to bed with scam artists.

I love the quote from their email, “Plus, he’ll reveal why the age-old “just turn your hips” instruction is the WRONG thing to do (and the pro’s insider secret to supercharging your drives).” Once again, give us your email address and credit card number we will reveal another secret to you.

I can assure you that one thing I’ve learned in my career is that there are no secrets and there is no club or training aide that is going to magically transform your golf game or swing so don’t waste your money. Anytime anyone tells you they have a “The Secret” or “The Perfect Method” or the perfect training aide, grab your wallet and run the other way.

If this article helps even one person avoid being ripped-off then I will have accomplished what I wanted to do. The internet is the perfect example of “buyer beware” and if it sounds too good to be true it is.

There is only one way to improve and that is through getting good advice and practice. Before spending any more money secrets,quick fixes, or equipment find a professional in your area that local people recommend and go see him or her. You won’t regret it. If you do chose to go this route I do have one bit of advice. Initially only sign up for one lesson and then evaluate how it went. Never sign up for a package in advance.

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