Willowcreek Golf Club pro John Lane said golfers of all skill levels seek lessons, from newcomers who've never been on the course to experienced players seeking to tweak their game. I spend three, maybe four lessons on the driving range. Then, depending on how they're doing, I get them chipping and putting. Then I take them on the course. I'm not trying to make someone who's never hit a golf ball before into Tiger Woods.
Experienced golfers seek lessons to overcome a specific problem that's developed in their game.
We get quite a bit of that, but more so than not, it's somebody who hasn't played before and needs some help getting started. As for getting the right instructor, Lane said golfers should ask for recommendations from their friends who golf. They look like they've been beaten up by a couple of truckers. But golf is a very simple stick and ball game. You're supposed to have fun.