Golf Forums - Beginners Golf Lessons/Academy

Hi everyone,

My first time posting on here, so hello to all and hopefully someone may be able to help with recommendations.

I played very occassionaly a few years ago as a total beginner, unfortunately due to work and DIY I stopped playing; however I have now started again and bought myself a new set of clubs and really want to improve my game so my wife wants to treat me to some lessons for an upcoming birthday.

My nearest Pro is Howard Bonaccorsi at Homelands Better Golf Centre in Ashford, Kent but close by is Paul Fostons Golf Academy at Smarden and Andrew Jones Golf Academy based at Littlestone Golf Course. The prices are all reasonably similar but I just wondered if anyone has any experience of any of them that they could share. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated?

Regards

Mark

Hi Mark and welcome to the TSG forum.

I had several lessons with Paul Foston a few years back (when he first moved to Smarden). He has a nice setup in a large old oak barn in the garden of his house. Here he has video analysis with multiple cameras and an array of teaching aids. Paul certainly knows his stuff and is a good teacher but I didn't like the fact that I was hitting into a net and so his setup is perhaps better suited to someone who is tweaking their swing rather than someone who would like to develop their swing in conjunction with seeing the result!

I've also had a few lessons (2 years ago) with John Dale at the 'SwingRite Golf School' which is based at West Malling Golf Club (5 minutes from either J5 or J4 of the M20). The setup at West Malling GC is very good. They are all very friendly and have a driving range, video analysis, explanar swing trainer and other teaching aids. I only had a couple of lessons with John but he was exactly what I was looking for from a pro - he didn't just say "you're swinging outside the plane" or "your take away is too steep" he would try to explain what that meant and what it would mean to the ball flight (generally using the video analysis and comparison with the swing of professional golfers). Now when I hit my crap shots I know why ! 

As you are just getting into the game I would definitely recommend SwingRite rather than Paul Foston. There are about 5 teaching pros working at SwingRite and I've no reason to believe that they are not all very good, but I can only personally recommend John.
  

Hi Pete,

Thanks for the welcome and quick response with your recommendations. I'll have a look at the SwingRite Golf School, it's always good to have feedback from someone that has experienced it. I'm hoping to get 4-6 hours of lessons initially but not sure if it's better to book individual hours or a block course; hopefully they should be able to advise.

Many thanks 

Mark