Yes I have experience with "lessons" at GG. It was back in 07 and my wife bought me the three lesson package for Christmas. I didn't really need lessons and was skeptical about lessons at GG, but it was winter and it was a way to hit some balls and keep the swing in shape. The instructor at the store was actually very good. He was late 60s - early 70s and after watching me hit shots for a few minutes, which he taped, we watched the tape and he pointed out a couple small tweaks he though would help me. I was surprised how simple the tweaks were and even more surprised that the instructor didn't want to tear my swing apart and milk me for a bunch of lessons. Overall, it was a good experience.

Mine was indoors in a hitting bay. The video equipment and setup was primitive. Hitting from mats only really teaches full swing shots for anything remotely connected to reality. That aside, working with a PGA instructor far outweighs teaching yourself. In my case, by light-years. The important thing is to feel like your instructor is attuned to your needs and the instructions and your ability to receive them is the most important part.

I have also did a trial at GolfTec. They have more equipment (sensor harnesses, etc). I was a little uncomfortable as they kept using a video of Tiger's to compare to mine. At the time I was 65 - it wasn't uplifting.

After Golf Galaxy I have a long-term relationship with what started as a fitter and is now my go-to fixer. He is an hour away, so I usually will go for a specific lesson and f/u. We've recently worked on bunkers, chipping, and pitching. You can't do those correctly off of mats indoors. Prior to going to SD in early March, he wasn't able to schedule me but gave me a tip to stop a hook with driver. Short term, some basic lessons at an indoor golf store is useful, but there must be some courses that the Pro will have the ability to work with you long term on all aspects of your game. Still, you need to interview the person to get an idea if you can work together.

Yea, that's really my plan too is to get a good base down now and then go to a course pro for more fine tuning and the short game stuff. Thanks for the info, that's good to know.

Any professional help is better than going it alone. That said, finding a golf pro you like and trust is pretty much similar to the dating scene (if i really remember given its been 41 years now). I would not be as concerned with where they teach as much as I would be concerned with building trust and a plan that you both agree with. A single lesson for a "quick fix" usually will not get it done but this 3-lesson package might give you an idea as to whether this should be your future "go to" guy. Good luck. Hit'm straight and stay safe.

I took lessons at golf tech, which is all indoor on a launch monitor it had video cameras, computers etc. I now take lessons with local pro outdoors, no cameras, just this guy and I on the range/ course. I wish I could go back and stop my self from going to golf tech, and spend that money with my current coach.

Comparing the two coaches you can tell who is there to cash a paycheck (golf tech) and who cares about helping people improve their golf game (Local pro).

Hitting outside on real turf is way better for a beginner who needs to learn how the club interacts with the turf and ball during the swing. I wouldn't worry about distances just yet, as you build your swing and become a better golfer your distances are going to increase, thus rendering any distance insight inaccurate once you have started improving (If you're interested in tracking your stats and your distances with each club check out the Shot Scope watch. I've been using one along with lessons and I’m very happy with the results). Another bonus is most local pros will work with you on course and help you to understand how to play better based off where you are on a hole, how to read greens, club selection, where to aim. They are going to teach you the knowledge that is normally acquired after playing alot.

Now I know golf tech is not the same as golf galaxy but in the end you will get a lot more out of the person whose livelihood fully depends on their coaching abilities. Ask your friends, ask people your playing with, ask your co workers, ask the guy working the pro shop for recommendations on a decent coach, you will find one. As for pricing I know for DFW 75$ an hour can get you a really good coach.

All good points, thanks. I think GolfTec is a little much for me right now, because as you said the cost can go a lot further with a local pro. I do plan on going that route in the fall when the weather gets cooler.

Same boat. I live in Statesville (about 35 miles north of Charlotte) and have recently started getting serious about lessons. But, just like you, I haven't found any really workable options for my schedule. Was looking at GolfTec but some of the reviews I've read had me iffy on that. Didn't know Golf Galaxy did lessons. Are you talking about the one off Harris Blvd? Hopefully my budget and schedule will allow me to start some lessons soon. As for now I'll keep plodding along.

Sorry, I just saw this today. Not sure about the one off Harris Blvd, I'm down in S. Charlotte and this golf galaxy is in Pineville. I figure with the heat, my swing being inconsistent as is, and this deal being less than $45 per session I'm thinking why not get some things fixed indoors and at least build a base back up. Then as the weather gets cooler, outdoor instruction can be more targeted to certain things and would hopefully be more enjoyable. Think I'm gonna give it a whirl in the next week or two.

Did you ever happen to take these lessons at Golf Galaxy? I was trying to decide on whether to take them at Carolina Place or at the Golf Galaxy by Waverly since I live in Waxhaw. Any comments/feedback positive or negative?

Tons of better options in Charlotte than Golf Galaxy but if it fits with your budget and schedule give it a whirl.

To not repeat everyone above, if you can I would go to a golf pro. If you can’t I would go with Golftec over golf galaxy. I did both you get more information and videos etc from Golftec over golf galaxy.