How to Choose a Good Golf Training School

by Robb Thomas

When choosing a golf school, take into consideration its ranking, teaching principles, the quality of its instructors, the facilities, format and how it fits into your budget. Keep reading to learn about these factors and what goes into choosing a great golf school.

Golf School Rankings

One of the most popular golf school rankings is done by GOLF magazine, a well-known golf publication that rates schools based on the categories listed below. However, if you're interested in a golf school, you should also look into online student reviews, write-ups in other golf magazines as well as a list of the school's alumni.

Teaching Principles

Ideally, you want a school with a low teacher-to-student ratio or a golf school that combines the lower-priced, but useful group classes with less frequent individual lessons and one-on-one time.

Before enrolling in a golf school, ask about their teaching principles and make sure they fit with your personal learning style.

Quality of Instructors

Request the names and qualifications of your school's instructors. Ideally, every instructor should be certified, preferably through the PGA (Professional Golf Association) or through either the Professional Golf Teachers Association of America (PGTAA) or the United States Golf Teachers' Federation (USGTF).

Becoming a PGA Professional and PGA Instructor takes years of playing and apprenticeship. Becoming a PGA member starts with a basic apprenticeship, then ends with a long series of training programs and a Player Aptitude Test. So, if your instructor or the instructors at your school are PGA-certified, you know they're properly qualified to teach.

Quality of Facilities

Do some research into the facilities available at the schools. Are they able to measure the speed of your swing? Can they record your swing and go back over it with you? Do they have a full course, driving range and putting practice area? Remember, the quality of a school's facilities is a reflection on the school itself.

School Format

Depending on the amount of time you have available, you may be interested in an intense two-week, residential training course or a drawn out, 6-month program that consists of weekly lessons. Either way, you should find a school that offers the type of format and program you're interested in.

Many recreational golfers benefit from a once-yearly bout of lessons over the course of an intense week of golfing.

Budget

Of course, your available funds are always a critical component of any endeavor. If you love golf and can afford a higher quality golf school, go for it. However, if money is tight, it will be all the more important for you to weigh and balance the previous recommendations.

About the Author

For both practical and exciting golf course and general golfing improvement aids information, please visit http://www.golf-the-course.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning all kinds of relevant interests for the golf enthusiast.