Asking for help can be difficult at times, but where golf is concerned it is important that you do. The sad thing is most amateurs seek help and tips from well meaning friends and golf partners, which in the long run will kill your golf game, so before it’s too late go and see your local Golf Professional for some coaching sessions. We think that a Golf Pro would critique harshly, but they are honest, positive and very helpful.

If you want to enjoy your game more with a lot less frustration involved, then speak to your local Golf pro as lessons don’t cost as much as you might think and the investment is well worth it. It is important to practice what you are taught, between golf lessons. Visit the driving range often and you will benefit a great deal and improve your game faster.

It is very important to analyse your golf game and be truthfull about it. Your Golf Professional will ask you a lot of questions and evaluate the best way forward for your game whether you require help with bunker play, putting, fairway woods, irons or driving. Listen carefully and follow the instructions. You may have doubts if the Golf Pro changes your stance, your grip or your swing; but the Golf Pro knows best and will not make any drastic changes unless he feels they are absolutely necessary.

It’s important you ask questions, so don’t hesitate. Don’t worry if you think the question or concern is stupid-they’ve heard it all before, because you will not be made to look like an idiot for asking. If you don’t “get it”, tell him/her that you’re not getting it. You should never walk away from a lesson with unanswered questions.

Concentration could be on one specific area or several, during the course of a lesson. You might start with a lesson in driving; get the right grip, the right stance, the right swing, and the right follow-through in one lesson, and then practice it. Subsequent lessons may include work on other aspects of your game that need improving. Your Golf Pro will advise you on the best sequence for you to follow to get the best out of your game.

You can spend a lot of money getting fitted out with the right golf equipment and having done so, don’t you think you should spend a fraction of that money improving your golf swing and learning how to use these clubs to the best of your ability?

Kevin Phillips has been a Golf Professional for 31 years, and the Head Pro at Winterfield Golf Club since 1990.