Conference 7.286::golf

Well Gene I've taken lessons many times.  When I first started
I went to the range with Charlie (a mutual friend of ours).
Then I went to the pro at Woburn CC to 'learn'.  The things
he told me didn't click at the time but now I understand.
The best series of 'lessons' came from Jim O'Leary at Oak Hill
CC.  Jim didn't take me out on the range (he didn't even charge 
me) he spent a lot of time explaining the golf swing and the
theory of the swing.  Then he'd have me stand in the pro shop
and analyze swings of people coming through the 5th hole.  I'd
have to tell him what was right/wrong with a swing and what would
I tell the player to help his swing.  I've heard it said that
free advice is worth every penny, but in this case it's not
quite accurate.

What I got from all of this is that is you want to improve your
swing (and to a large extent your game) it's important to 
understand the golf swing.  Once you understand what needs to be
done to hit the ball you know what to look for in a swing and 
what effects that/those elements.



						KO

    
        I have taken only one lesson in my life and it was from
      a pro in Florida.  I would have liked to have taken more
      lessons or had a guru friend that knew my swing that I 
      could bounce ideas off of.  Unfortunately, money has been
      a big factor.  I'd rather spend the money to play.
    
        The lesson I had was to correct an outside-in swing. The
      pro had me try a couple of things and after 2 months of
      agony, I had myself an inside-out swing.  Now I can do
      snap hooks at will  8^(  .
    
  
-rick

    
    I get lessons from my partner every time we play ! ;^/
    We have played together for years and we each know each
    others swings, usually we see something that usually goes
    wrong with one of our swings and point it out. I feel we
    really help each other out.
    
    I took some brief "unofficial" lessons from Gregg Orlen who
    had potential to become pro but developed back problems. I
    still use some of his techniques.
    
    I took a series of lessons from a pro Ed Towhig(sp.) Amherst CC
    (Amherst Mass) when I was 16 or 17 (15 years ago). He worked
    with me on swing mechanics for my build. (6'3" 190lbs)
    He taught me many good methods and techniques that I use today.
    He cut 10 to 15 strokes off my game. I think everyone should at
    least take 1 lesson with a good "teaching" pro.
    
    my 2 cents worth
    

    I've taken some lessons and the best thing about taken the lessons
    was the knowledge I gained about the golf swing itself. Also liked
    viewing myself on video tape, being able to analyze my swing from a
    third person point of view.
    When I was taking lesson I met a guy named Tim Kilcoyne. Tim has now
    been a friend since that time (7yrs ago). We were both ambitious about
    the game of golf. Tim just this year finished up all his requirements
    to become a PGA class A golf professional. He is currently working at
    Stow Acres Golf School. I highly recommend him. Tim really knows the
    golf swing and can teach it too. He and I get together now and then
    over at the new range in Northboro. I thoroughly enjoy the times we get
    together and work on our golf swings. He keeps me up on the latest
    teaching techniques and developments in the game. Currently he leans
    towards Jim Ballard's (?sp) method of the golf swing.
    If anyone is interested he can be contacted at Stow Acres or I'll ask
    him if there is another way he can be reached. I believe that if you
    contacted him yourself and not through the association with Stow Acres
    it may be alittle less expensive for the lesson. Also I believe Tim has
    the capability to work with video.
    
    			-Paul
    
    	Still working towards a more consistant swing.........

    .4
    I agree. Jimmy Ballard is the guy I watch on ESPN all the time.
    But for mechanics , I go for Hogan. Together, if you can
    duplicate what they are saying, and get someone who knows your
    swing to watch, it's a good combo.  The golf swing IS an athletic
    move and can not be duplicated by all. I am limited by my
    athletic capabiliies. My 17 yr old son is not. He will be a
    9 next year with no lessons. I will still be a 13.
    I gave him the basics and the rest is self taught.
    When touring pros take a lesson, it is for a MINISCULE flaw
    that prevents them from shooting 69 instead of 73 0r 74.
    Anyone can take someone from a 20 to 25 cap down to a 13 to 15.
    The margin of improvement is so large that something is going
    to "click". But take a 10 and take him to a 5, he has to be born
    with a lot of "R+T" like Ted Williams or Will Clark.
    5,6,7, and 8's are usually good athletes. The rest of us are relegated
    to "grinding" to shoot a low score...
    
    That's why we have handicaps. Will I get better next year?
    ?? How many of us can start the down swing with the hips?
    Damn few. Can a pro teach you this? No, you got to do it yourself.
    You know when you do do it cause it feels so sweet !!(rarely)
    Jimmy Ballard is too expensive for me so ..I watch TV and read Hogan
    
    

    .4
    
    I second the recommendation in .4 for Tim Kilcoyne at Stow Acres.
    
    I had a lesson with him recently, and found him to be knowledgeable,
    patient and able to adjust some bad backswing habits I had developed
    in about the first five minutes.  I wasn't too thrilled to hear,
    however, that had I had a private number for him I could have had
    the lesson at a reduced rate! ($50 an hour through Stow Acres).
    
    Conversely, I had a lesson with Monique at Juniper Hills about 3
    years in which she was intent on re-building my whole game and I
    could have seen myself taking lessons into infinity.  We parted
    company after 1 lesson, but it took me a season to recoup.  I like
    Tim's approach better which is, I think, working with specific
    components of your game, and not trying to re-design the whole
    approach. 

    I have been playing golf for about 8 years now and have been through 8
    teaching pros.  Even though each one has help me in their own right I
    have found two that best work for me.  Jane Frost out of Middleton and
    Eric and Greg from Tara Ferncorft.  Middleton training rate is $40.00
    for about 45 minutes and Tara Ferncroft is $20 for about 30 to 40 minutes.
    These individuals have interest in there students and not working on
    thier game on your time.  They all care and understand the golf swing
    and all that goes with it.  They provide lessons in a package or by 
    day to day.  I know Middleton even has group lesson rate from 2 to 10
    people.  They all are very patient and willing to help you at anytime.
    
    I also attend Pinehurst Golf school and found them to be good.  Each day
    you broke into groups and worked on everything from full swing through
    trouble shots.  After class you played one of 7 golf courses and on the
    last day you played in a 9 hole golf tournament with prizes.  All meals
    where part of the package.  I had a great time and learned much about
    by game and what I needed to correct.  The only problem with this type
    of intruction is that if you need help or want to go to next stepp
    they are not just around the street.  
    
    Now you may ask what is your handicap.... well I started at about 20 and
    now a 2 (From the back tees 6700).  I have gone through major changes
    with my swing.  I will said in order to get better you may or most likly
    will take a step backwards.  Just think about it this way,  it is very
    hard to take something that you have just learn and implemente it into
    day to day play.  It takes alot of heart and work to make it work for
    you.  Believe me I have been through alot with my swing and in order
    to start shoting below par I have more work to do, which may mean going
    back a little before going well ahead.  It all depends on you and your
    personnal goals are in golf.  My will be different then yours and the
    next person but we all what one thing is the best we can all the time.
    
    Well good luck and play well.
    
    Peter  
    
     

    My husband and I have taken two sets of lessons this summer from
    Pro Barrie Bruce at the Billerica Country Club.  We are both semi-
    beginners, Rob has played on the course before but I had only taken
    "lessons" in gym over 10 years ago.  Barrie is a teacher during
    the winter months, so I think this carries over into his approach
    to teaching golf.  He stresses fundamentals, muscle memory, and
    no focus on scores etc.  
    
    The first series of lessons (5, 2 hour lessons) focused on grip,
    address position, irons vs. woods, chipping, pitching and putting.
    He always emphasized not to care how far the ball goes, because
    if you are swinging correctly that will happen naturally.  Another
    one of his "lessons" is that golf is fun and you need a good sense
    of humor, and can never take yourself too seriously. 
    
    The second series of lessons (3, 3+ hour lessons) were held on the
    golf course (at Apple Country in Chelmsford because it is a fairly
    easy course and not too crowded).  Here he taught us the basic rules
    of the game, along with club selection, courtesy, etc.  His basic
    tenet is that he would rather play with a poor player that knows
    the how-to's of the game on the course and has a good time than
    with a low handicapper that has a bad attitude and does not respect
    fellow players.
    
    Each series of lessons cost $55, and I feel were well worth it.
    We are both hooked (no pun intended)  and have played several times 
    since we completed the lessons in late August.  The complete program 
    covers three years, with two sessions each year.  Next year he gets 
    into more detail and strategic play.  My only criticism is that,
    because golf is becoming so popular, the classes consisted of 15-20 
    people.  However, Barrie always had an assistant (usually a golf coach 
    from local high schools) to help out and I felt that I had alot of 
    individual attention to spite the large groups.  Barrie also has a 
    great sense of humor and tells some funny stories.
    
    No matter how bad a player you think you are, there is always someone
    out there who is worse!  And other people will be looking at you
    thinking you are a pro, while you think the same thing as they do.
     Bottom line, relax and enjoy.  (I still get nervous when people
    watch me hit :*).
    
    This file is great!
    
    Julie
                     

    My last reply was a little short so here goes again!!! I have never
    had an "official lesson". My friends and playing partners have tried
    to help but generally I have relied on written and video instruction
    manuals. I have read Hogan's POWER GOLF, Nicklaus' LESSONS FROM
    THE TEE", Watsons' "SHORT GAME SECRETS, many Golf Digests, Golf
    Illustrateds'(Hank Haney is really great), and also the Prepster
    choice "Golf". In three years of playing my game has gone from the
    high 130's for 18 holes to the low 90's this year. Also broke 90
    four times this year but have yet to break 85 for 18 or 40 for 9.
    My clubs have been professionally fitted and I feel that have now
    ran into a wall because my game hasn,t really changed for almost
    a year now. I am considering a series of lessons but haven't picked
    a pro yet. Everyone I play with recommends lessons as the way to
    fine tune my game and get rid of a few bad habits I have so will
    probably spend this winter totally reworking my golf game(fortunately
    I get to play all winter here). 
    
    THE MAD HACKER

    I started rebuilding my game three years ago.  I suffered from many of
    the common problems of the amateur golfer ... outside-in swing,
    slicing, no power or distance.  On the recommendation of a friend, I
    went to David Heuser (now teaching at Wayland).  During my first
    lesson, he told me that it would take a series of lessions, a lot of
    practice time, and a short-term downfall (if that was possible!) in my
    game, for him to be effective.  I decided that the investment of time
    and energy was worth it and began working with him.
    
    I took five lessions that summer.  Worked on the basics ... grip (mine
    was all fingers!), alignment (I was open), stance (I was upright),
    and swing (mostly worked on my shoulder turn and release, since I was
    blocking).  The lessons were 4-5 weeks apart, and I spent a lot of time
    on the practice tee.  My game went to h*$l in a handbasket that summer.
    But ... the following summer I got my golf league handicap down from
    a 14 to a 9 (9-holes).  This summer, I went back to David.  I wasn't
    getting any distance from my mid- to lone-irons.  One lesson (and
    time on the practice tee took care of that!), and I also took a sand 
    lesson and a pitching/chipping lesson from David.
    
    The result?  Well, I've fot a good solide inside-out swing now. I can
    play entire rounds without a single slice (amazing!).  It ain't
    perfect, I will push or pull balls, etc., but am making much fewer
    execution errors on the golf course.  I need to work more on my short
    game (practice, practice, practice!), but I feel that I've invested
    these past 3 years to establish a golf game that will carry me forward
    for many, many years!
    
    The time and energy were worth it.  And I found David to be an
    excellent golf instructor.  He does teach in the winter's too, he has a
    practice tee and videotape facility set up in his garage.
    
    John

    I have taken a series of lessons @ three different times. This year I
    have taken a lesson from Monique. She analyzed my grip (she said to be
    perfect) my stand, my backswing, my follow-tru, etc... 
    By the end of the lesson she tried to change my entire golf game. If I
    had the time I am sure she would straight me up completely (.... and
    get the 25 extra yards). I have learned a lot but I forgot the most of
    it.
    However,
              I WAS FITTED WITH NEW CUSTOM MADE CLUBS BY GENE KELLEY
    
    and what difference with my game!
    
    I have lower my handicap from 29 to 25.... playing mostly at Cranberry
    Vally on weekends.
    I am now shooting consistently in the middle 90's and I know what I can
    do with my clubs. 
    
    In other words, one can take all the lessons in the world, but if the
    clubs are hard to hit the results might not be valuable.
    
    A_weekender_golfer_looking_for_extra_yardage
    
    

     My about lessons has been a positive one. I have been playing for
    four years, and I started my lessons after the first year. The pro
    that I go to is Jim Bombard, from Whitinsville C.C. 
     Typically, I take a 30 min. lesson and the cost is $30. 
    My game did suffer when I started. We went over all the basics and
    made corrections where needed. Over the last couple years, I take
    about 3 lessons per year. Ususally, it is due to some problem with
    my game.
    
     Has it helped ? I would have to answer a definite yes. I noticed
    that this year that I have increased the distance of all my clubs.
     Jim believes that you should spend alot of time at the practice
    range. With me, his first question is "How many balls a day have
    to been hitting"?
    
     People see a decrease in their game because they are doing something
    different and it does take time to ingrain this change. 
     You have to give the pro a chance and practice the change before
    saying that it hasn't helped. Each one has a different method and
    you have to pick one that works for you. Many of the practice tips
    in the golf magazines do conflict with each other, you have use
    what's best for you. A good example of this is the question of 
    changing the ball position as you go from a driver to a wedge.
    
    
     Oh, well that's my $.02,
    
    
    
                         Ken

	I take lessons from Dan Diskin over at Stow Acres.  The cost is
	$25 for 1/2 lesson.  I had taken lessons from Dan when he was the
	pro at Lexington.  As a result of those lessons I started to
	break 100.  That built my confidence in him.

	A large portion of taking lessons is developing a good relationship
	with the pro and having the confidence to trust him.  It is important
	when taking lessons to have the pro explain not only the what, but
	the why.  If you don't understand why they want you to make a 
	particular change you will have difficulties adjusting to it.  Changes
	feel awkward, they often cause bad shots (in the short term) and
	you'll be less predictable.  (On the other hand, before the lessons
	you were probably predictably mediocre.)

	I've taken lessons and gone to a Golf Digest School, each time it's
	taken me a while to adjust, but then I've made a significant
	improvement.  First it was breaking 100, then 90.  I'm not sure what
	the result of this round of lessons will be.  However slowly over
	time my game deteriorates (not to the original point, because I
	understand the swing better).  Finally I break down and go to the
	pro.  A few corrections generally gets the swing back on track.
	I always leave wondering why I waited so long.

	Larry

    RE .-1
    
    Does taking 1/2 lesson mean that the pro only tells you 1/2 of what
    you need to know and you figure out the rest? 8^)
    
    PA

>    Does taking 1/2 lesson mean that the pro only tells you 1/2 of what
>    you need to know and you figure out the rest? 8^)

     Touche,  that should have been 1/2 hour lesson.  Which more than
     enough to keep your head swimming until the next week.

    
    Interesting to see that out of all the people that "READ" this
    conference only 11 have taken lessons...!

    
    You can add me to the list.  I take lessons every year, the problem is 
    I don't play often enough to be consistent.  I started taking lessons
    from day one and can break 80 at times, but layoffs (months) are long
    and my game suffers, when I get back to playing reasonably, I'm up to
    my perverbial in work and my game goes to h*ll.  Its a killer....

    I don't know why I didn't reply to this note before but Gene shamed
    me into it....
    
    I've taken lessons each of the last three years at Leo J. Martin
    Memorial Golf Course in Weston, MA.  The pro I take lessons from is
    Dick Hanscom, one of the half dozen or so teaching pros there. He's
    helped me tremendously.  I've gone from a 30 hcp to a 25, 25 to 23, and
    this year from 23 to 21.  I must confess one thing, though. This year I
    didn't practice AT ALL.  I hit a few buckets after my two lessons in
    April and I hit about a dozen balls before playing a round at
    Nashawtuc.  It was either play or I couldn't make the time.  I'm a
    practice freak too.  It kills me to know that if I put half the work I
    put in the previous couple of years I just might have lowered my
    handicap a couple more strokes.  I also played more rounds this year
    than ever before.  I played my 36th round in a tournament last Friday. 
    
    
    					Mike

    O.K... O.K...
    
    I've taken a grand total of 3 lessons in 3 years, but I play with our
    pro at the CC regularly.  I get my lessons on the course with him in
    small doses.
    
    Rick
    
    (small doses for the small mind maybe!!!)

    Another guilty mind...
    
    I have take only a couple of group lessons when I started playing 4-5
    years ago.
    
    But I try  to stop at the range at least once if not twice a week and
    really concentrate in my  swing,  and  I  also  watch  ocassionally a
    couple of golf tapes (Golf my way, Cybervision).
    
    Tavo

    OK, me too. I was doing so many wierd things this Spring, that NANCYZ
    suggested ( strongly, since she didn't like the language I was using
    on the course.....) that I go to Wayland CC and take a lesson with Dave
    Hueser. I wound up with "Jack" (last name unknown), and .........
    
    What a difference- I was not doing anything really "wrong", just a poor
    (strong) right arm position, and slow footwork. Also careless aiming 
    on my setup. Since then may game has improved, and so has my mental
    attitude. Started off the year shooting in the high 90's, and on
    Friday shot an 82 (with two double bogies).
    
    I highly recommend it!!!!!
    
    StanZ

    Not to be outdone, both me and my wife are taking A WHOLE WEEK OF
    LESSONS next March in Spain. We are going to a golf school with
    3 hours of tuition and unlimited golf each day.
                                   
    I' m going to get a decent handicap if it kills me !
                                   
    M.

    

    I recently talked with my friend Tim Kilcoyne (PGA class-A
    professional). Tim said, if anyone wanting to take lessons wanted to
    contact him directly, he can be reached at (508)365-6981.
    I would highly recommend Tim as a teaching professional. He has many
    years of teaching experience and an excellent knowledge of the golf
    swing.
    
    				-Paul

    Are there any really good golf pros around Nashua, NH?  I took one
    lesson last year from the pro at Whip-Poor-Will.  Definitely helped.
    I really went downhill for a few weeks but then got much better.
    Main thing he helped me with was a good grip.   I want to take a
    few lessons this year.  I wasn't too thrilled with his personality.
    Didn't seem too excited about golf, teaching or life in general.
    I was thinking about Tim Kilcoyne at Stow.  How far is Stow from
    Littleton, MA?
    
    Thanks, Pam
    

    There is a new young pro at Green Meadow and his nome escapes me but
    he trained at the Jack Nicholas school and some of my buddies think he
    is agreat player and teacher. I plan to try him this year.

    .26
    
    Can you let me know if you find out what his name is?
    
    Thanks, Pam
    

    Re: .27
    
    Patrick O'Keefe (603) 889-1555 Green Meadow Golf Club Hudson N.H.

    
    My wife gave me five lessons at Norton CC for Christmas. She works
    there part time and got them discounted (I am too cheap to pay for
    lessons).
    
    I have never taken a lesson before. After a lousy round I must have
    mentioned that I need to take a lesson... and this is why I got them
    for Xmas.
    
    I have some concerns. I generally hit in the mid 80's. I simply don't
    have the time to play more than twice a week, most of the time it's
    once a week. I would like to become CONSISTENT. If I come in with 80-85
    I am happy, I don't expect to get much better given the once a week
    golf. I also do not have time to ADD 10+ strokes to my game because of
    a lesson (changes which the pro will most likely suggest).... this will
    cost me $$ on the weekend...
    
    Opinions: Assuming the pro at Norton is good (he has a *very* good
    reputation), will 5 lessons make me a more consistent golfer, and
    possible shave a stroke or two?
    
    How far apart should I space the lessons? (or should this question
    simply be asked to the pro?)
    
    Should I ask for help in one aspect of the game IE: driving, chipping,
    (I could use help in driving the ball straight).
    
    Should I get a refund for the lessons and spend the $$ on green fees?
    
    	Smitty
    

    Smitty,
    
    I've not taken a lot of lessons myself, BUT I think that having a good
    teaching pro lokk at your swing will help.  The main reason (IMHO) is
    that you've got a specific goal in mind.  Simply tell him/her that you
    want to be able to hit the driver straighter and that you're not
    looking to go on tour next year.  I don't think that will take 5
    lessons so you may also want to look at other aspects of your game
    and get additional advice from the pro.  The lessons may not result in
    lower scores right away but at least when things go bad on the course
    you should understand your swing a little better so you have something
    to focus on to get it back together.  (Don't you just hate runon
    sentences?)  Anyway take the lessons they'll do more good than harm.

	Hi Smitty

    	I agree with KO.
    
>    I have some concerns. I generally hit in the mid 80's. I simply don't
>    have the time to play more than twice a week, most of the time it's
>    once a week. I would like to become CONSISTENT. If I come in with 80-85
>    I am happy, I don't expect to get much better given the once a week
>    golf. I also do not have time to ADD 10+ strokes to my game because of
>    a lesson (changes which the pro will most likely suggest).... this will
>    cost me $$ on the weekend...
	
	Since you generally hit in the mid 80's with only limited playing
	time, you are doing great. It's very tough to be better than a bogie
	golfer when you play once or twice a week. The thing you left out
	is; What scores do you post when you aren't shoooting mid 80's?
	DO you blow up? Or simply loose the short game etc. The reason I
	ask is, if you blow up... chances are you have some major flaw(s)
	with your swing. If you simply loose the short game (feel/touch)
	and can't save pars bogies etc. that's expected with so little
	playing time.
    
>    Opinions: Assuming the pro at Norton is good (he has a *very* good
>    reputation), will 5 lessons make me a more consistent golfer, and
>    possible shave a stroke or two?
    
	Definitely. It can only help (provided the Pro is as good as you 
	say) .

>    How far apart should I space the lessons? (or should this question
>    simply be asked to the pro?)
    
	You're right the Pro will handle that part.

>    Should I ask for help in one aspect of the game IE: driving, chipping,
>    (I could use help in driving the ball straight).
	
	Yes. It's your five lessons... However I'm sure the Pro will
	start with any glaring problems you may alreay have.    

>    Should I get a refund for the lessons and spend the $$ on green fees?
    
	I'd say no... You're probably right though; the changes will
	add strokes first. Till you trust them. But then the following
	year you may shoot in the low 80's and make the cash back ;) !!



	Good luck,

	Walta 


	
	   

>    I have some concerns. I generally hit in the mid 80's. I simply don't
>    have the time to play more than twice a week, most of the time it's
>    once a week. I would like to become CONSISTENT. If I come in with 80-85
>    I am happy, I don't expect to get much better given the once a week
>    golf. I also do not have time to ADD 10+ strokes to my game because of
>    a lesson (changes which the pro will most likely suggest).... this will
>    cost me $$ on the weekend...

    I've found lessons to significantly help my game.  (I shoot in the
    mid to high 80's)  They have helped my consistency.  Now on those
    occassions when I do hit a bad shot I generally can follow it by a 
    good shot to recover.  
    
>    Opinions: Assuming the pro at Norton is good (he has a *very* good
>    reputation), will 5 lessons make me a more consistent golfer, and
>    possible shave a stroke or two?

    After about 4 lessons the pro was tired of seeing me.  You do have to
    practice what he wants you to do.  A good pro doesn't change too many
    things at once.  However the changes may feel strange at first.  Practice
    reinforces the benefit of the change and makes you more comfortable.
    
>    How far apart should I space the lessons? (or should this question
>    simply be asked to the pro?)

    I'ld talk with the pro.  A couple a week apart is probably good & then
    follow up a couple weeks later.
    
>    Should I ask for help in one aspect of the game IE: driving, chipping,
>    (I could use help in driving the ball straight).

   I think working first on the basic swing, then move onto parts of your
   game that need improvement.  For me that was driving, this year I hope
   to also work on my short game.  It's pretty good, but to get close to
   80 I need to get down in 2 from offf the green more frequently.

   Well that's my $.02

	Larry

    Hey.... thanks for th advice... 
    
    	Walta... ya I did forget to mention that when I'm not in the
    mid-80's... I can wander all the way up the mid 90's... 
    
    The course difficultly is not always the reason why. I can play the
    same course two day in a row... hit 85 one day.. 95 the next.. Although
    I will get in my groove and hit los 80's for a month.. It's the 90+
    rounds I hope lessons may cure... and a side bonus is maybe hit a 79
    now and then (I can count on one hand the number o ftimes I've been in
    the 70's).
    
    		thanks...
    
    
    		Smitty
    

    Looking for a place to take lessons; have several alternatives, and 
    need recommendations:
    -golf lessons at courses- who has a good teaching method?
    -golf schools in New England or elsewhere- what do you recommend?
    heard that Stratton has a good golf school.
    
    Thanks for your help.
    Mary Ann Russo
    

    Max Billy, Lawrence Mass.  Don't get the wrong idea becuase of the 
    Lawrence address.  					Max Billy teaches
    out of the Rolling Green Par 3 course located behind the Sheraton, on
    route 133 off route 93 (exit 29 I believe) in Andover.  They offer private
    lessons at $25 per or package of 4 lessons at a lessor price.
    They also offer individual instruction on the green.  For $40 a 
    professional will take you on the par 3 course instructing you along the 
    way ( Not bad, when you consider that you play the front 9).
    
    Then there is Heavy Hitters, Route 3, Windham NH.  They have professional
    instructors but the teaching is done on the driving range.  
    
    Whirlaway in Methuen, take exit 47 to Route 110 East, wind your way
    North and you can't miss it.  Whirlaway is seen from Route 495.  They
    have a driving range only and offer similar teaching packages as the
    other two listed here.
    
    My two cents:
    
    I've been taking private lessons although more expensive, but is more
    comprehensive.  I feel that the extra money allows me to proceed at my
    own pace, which I believe to be the most important part of golf.  If
    you take any of the packages you are "forced" to learn at their pace.
    For instance, I've been concentrating on my swing and have had two 
    private lessons and many practice sessions at the driving range. I feel
    comfortable enough to play 9 holes.  On my own, I've been practicing
    putting and will be taking a putting lesson soon.  If I had taken any
    of the packges, in two weeks I would have learned swinging, putting,
    wedging, etc. where in fact, it is taking me one solid month to "learn"
    my swinging style.  Now I feel comfortable and confident to walk onto
    the course - naturally there will still be slices and hooks, but I will
    know what caused it to go in the direction that it did.  This will allow
    to make adjustments on the next swing, instead of taking the next swing 
    to figure out what it was that I did to cause the slice or hook.....
    
    
    
        

    Mary Ann,
    Good to see you are a golfer.
    We need more golfers and ones that are willing to take lessons.
    
    Jack Gale is one of the best instructors in the local area. He is at
    Tatnuck in Worcester.
    Monica Darling teaches out of Juniper Hill in Northboro.
    Roland Stafford, a competitor in our Digital Seniors, has a good school
    in upstate New York.
    
    Renate Benton-Bowerbank, at SHR, had great luck at a formal school like
    is listed in GOLF DIGEST. Give her a call.
    
    Godd luck!
    Tom

In Note 1405 it says that Billy Max teaches indoors at Precision Golf.  Does any
one have any personal experience with Billy?  Pro or con?

Thanks,
Bob