← Back to Blog
What to Expect in Your First Golf Lesson
Feeling nervous about your first golf lesson? That's completely normal! Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced golfer seeking improvement, understanding what happens during a first lesson will help you feel more confident and get the most value from the experience.
Before the Lesson: How to Prepare
What to Bring
Essential Items Checklist
- Golf clubs: Bring your own if you have them, or ask if clubs are available to borrow
- Golf glove: If you wear one (your instructor can advise if you don't)
- Comfortable athletic clothing: Dress for movement and weather
- Golf shoes or athletic shoes: Avoid sandals or dress shoes
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated, especially in warm weather
- Notebook and pen: For taking notes on key points
- Sunscreen and hat: For outdoor lessons
- Any physical limitations information: Past injuries or mobility concerns
Mental Preparation
Set yourself up for success with the right mindset:
- Come with realistic expectations: One lesson won't transform you into a scratch golfer
- Be open to feedback: Your instructor is there to help, not criticize
- Don't worry about looking foolish: Everyone starts somewhere, and instructors see students of all levels
- Prepare questions in advance: Think about what you want to achieve
- Arrive early: Give yourself 10-15 minutes to settle in and relax
Pro Tip
If you're a complete beginner, let your instructor know before the lesson. This helps them tailor the session to your level and ensures they don't assume prior knowledge.
What Happens During a Typical First Lesson
While every instructor has their own approach, most first lessons follow a similar structure:
1. Introduction and Assessment (10-15 minutes)
Your instructor will start by getting to know you and your goals:
- Discussion of your golf experience and skill level
- What you hope to achieve from lessons
- Any physical limitations or concerns
- How often you play or plan to play
- Your learning style preferences
2. Baseline Evaluation (10-15 minutes)
The instructor will watch you hit some balls to assess your current swing:
- You'll hit shots with various clubs (typically 7-iron, driver, wedge)
- They're observing your natural swing and tendencies
- Don't try to impress—swing normally so they see what needs work
- They may take video from different angles
- They're identifying strengths and areas for improvement
3. Instruction and Corrections (20-30 minutes)
This is the core of your lesson where you'll learn and practice:
- Your instructor will identify 1-3 key areas to address
- They'll demonstrate proper technique
- You'll practice the new concepts with guidance
- They'll use various teaching methods (verbal cues, physical demonstrations, drills)
- They may use video analysis or other technology to illustrate points
- Expect frequent feedback and adjustments
4. Practice and Reinforcement (10-15 minutes)
You'll practice what you've learned with less intervention:
- Hit balls while incorporating the new techniques
- Your instructor observes and provides occasional feedback
- Focus on feeling the correct motion rather than ball flight
- This helps solidify the new concepts
5. Summary and Practice Plan (5-10 minutes)
The lesson concludes with clear next steps:
- Review of the main points covered
- Specific drills or practice exercises
- How to practice effectively between lessons
- Discussion of lesson frequency and future goals
- Answers to any remaining questions
Common First Lesson Focus Areas
For Complete Beginners
Your first lesson will likely cover fundamental basics:
- Grip: How to properly hold the club
- Stance and posture: Proper setup and body position
- Basic swing mechanics: Simplified motion to make solid contact
- Club selection: Understanding different clubs and their purposes
- Golf etiquette and rules: Basic course behavior and rules
For Experienced Golfers
Lessons focus on refinement and specific issues:
- Swing flaws: Identifying and correcting specific problems (slice, hook, topped shots)
- Consistency: Making your good swings more repeatable
- Shot shaping: Learning to work the ball intentionally
- Short game: Improving chipping, pitching, and putting
- Course management: Strategy and decision-making
Important to Remember
Good instructors won't try to overhaul your entire swing in one lesson. They'll identify the most important change that will have the biggest impact and focus on that. Trying to fix everything at once is overwhelming and counterproductive.
What Questions to Ask
Don't hesitate to ask questions throughout the lesson. Good questions include:
- "Can you explain why we're making this change?" Understanding the "why" helps you buy into the process
- "What should this feel like?" Connecting feelings to movements is crucial
- "How should I practice this at home/range?" Effective practice between lessons is essential
- "What's the most important thing to focus on?" Helps you prioritize when practicing
- "How long until I see improvement?" Sets realistic expectations
- "Can you recommend any training aids?" Tools that might help your practice
- "How often should I take lessons?" Understanding the optimal lesson frequency
After the Lesson: Maximizing Your Investment
Review Your Notes
As soon as possible after the lesson:
- Review any notes you took
- Watch any videos the instructor shared
- Write down the key takeaways while they're fresh
- Identify the 1-2 most important things to practice
Practice Effectively
Follow your instructor's practice plan:
- Practice what you learned, not what feels comfortable: Change feels awkward at first
- Use the drills they provided: They're designed to reinforce proper mechanics
- Practice in short, focused sessions: 20-30 minutes of quality practice beats hours of mindless hitting
- Video yourself: Compare your practice swings to what you learned in the lesson
- Be patient: Changes take time to feel natural
Between-Lesson Practice Guidelines
- Practice 2-3 times per week if possible
- Start each session with the drills from your lesson
- Focus on quality over quantity
- If something feels completely wrong, stop and contact your instructor
- Keep a practice journal to track progress
- Schedule your next lesson before habits drift
Common First Lesson Concerns
"What if I can't do what the instructor asks?"
This is completely normal! Physical changes take time, and your body needs to build new muscle memory. A good instructor understands this and will be patient. If something feels impossible, speak up—they can modify the approach or break it into smaller steps.
"What if my ball striking gets worse during the lesson?"
This actually happens frequently and is a good sign! When you're making changes, your swing may feel awkward and produce inconsistent results initially. This is part of the learning process. Your instructor expects this and is looking at your mechanics, not just ball flight.
"How much should I practice before my next lesson?"
Ask your instructor, but typically 2-3 practice sessions between lessons is ideal. Too much practice can reinforce mistakes, while too little means you won't develop the new skills. Quality matters more than quantity.
"What if I don't connect with my instructor?"
Personal compatibility matters! If the teaching style doesn't resonate with you or you don't feel comfortable, it's okay to try a different instructor. A good fit is essential for effective learning.
Signs of a Good First Lesson
A successful first lesson includes:
- You understand what you need to work on and why
- You have specific, actionable practice guidance
- You felt comfortable asking questions
- The instructor communicated in ways you understood
- You left feeling motivated and positive (even if the swing felt awkward)
- You have a clear plan for improvement
- The instructor focused on 1-3 key changes, not overwhelming you
Ready to Book Your First Lesson?
Find certified golf instructors in your area. Read reviews, compare credentials, and take the first step toward improving your game.
Find Instructors Near You
Final Thoughts
Your first golf lesson is an exciting step toward improvement. While it might feel intimidating, remember that instructors work with students of all levels every day. They're not there to judge—they're there to help you enjoy golf more and play better.
Come prepared, stay open-minded, ask questions, and follow through with practice. The relationship between student and instructor takes time to develop, but with patience and commitment, you'll see progress. Golf is a journey, not a destination, and your first lesson is the beginning of an rewarding adventure.
Most importantly, have fun! Golf lessons should be enjoyable, not stressful. The right instructor will make learning engaging and help you appreciate the game even more. Good luck with your first lesson!