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FAQ

Below are some questions that people sometimes have for Dan, if your question isn't there, please don't be afraid to contact Dan, he would be delighted to help. Many people starting with a new coach; or trying golf for the first time can be nervous, but Dan prides himself on making every lesson enjoyable; achieving excellent results in confidence and golf performance!

  • Why should I take a golf lesson?
    Excellent question! Dan Fisher is knowledgeable in all aspects of the game of golf, and can help speed up the learning process and make the game more enjoyable. Golf can be a very intimidating and challenging! With a little tuition, golf can be a very rewarding game. There is also an awful lot to learn about the many different aspects of the game and proper golf instruction can simplify all the thoughts running through your mind. The golf swing can seem very complicated but Dan can work with your physical capabilities and get you hitting the ball with more consistency after one lesson . The game of golf also involves many shots that do not involve full power – called 'finesse shots'. Putting is a different game in itself – some call it an 'art'. Then there is the 'mental' aspect of the game – perhaps the most challenging aspect of all! Dan works with beginners and professionals, to constantly improve each golfer's skillsets. Therefore a golf lesson can help improve knowledge and start a golf journey with the right skills; or help tune-up and hone skills for game imrpovement and enjoyment.
  • How do I get the most out of my golf lesson?
    Arrive early. Stretch, loosen up, and hit some warm-up shots. Your instruction time is usually limited. If you use your lesson time as your warm up & to regain your timing, you are wasting valuable time. Some days, it only takes a few warm up shots to 'get into the groove'. Other days, it can take quite a few, if at all. Practice in-between lessons! As simple as this sounds, and for many different reasons, many golfers DON'T practice in between lessons! Practice on the driving range, or on the golf course. Practice the swing drills at home that your coach showed you. As your coach, within the first few swings, I can usually see the biggest part of your swing that will need attention. Most often, we can't 'fix' everything in one session but you will definitely leave your first lesson with much improvement and feeling better about your golf game. Unfortunately there is a old saying ''You must get worse before you get better''. I have never had a student leave a lesson hitting the ball worse than when they arrived. A lot of golf instructors focus on making too many changes and this can confuse the student. You do not have to have a golf swing that is perfect to hit the ball far and consistently. Within your first few swings, I can determine what we have to work on today, next time, and probably the time after that. I also know which practice drills should be your homework. Realize that changes lead to long-lasting improvement.
  • Is videoing my swing useful? Do I have to?
    Absolutely! A picture is worth 1,000 words. Video analysis of the golf swing is a very powerful tool and can present a very clear, concise picture to the golfer. Quite often, what you FEEL you are doing in your golf swing compared to what you are ACTUALLY doing in your golf swing are widely different. Research has also shown that visual learning (by the use of videotape analysis) can be more effective than verbal learning (your golf coach simply talk, talk, talking). Once the golfer has a visual picture of his golf swing in his mind, then the verbal instruction and accompanying swing drills can offer much better results. Whether you video the swing is down to the golfer, and not a compusory part of the service.
  • Should I take one lesson, or a series of lessons?"
    Once again, that depends on the individual. For beginners, I recommend a series of lessons. But this can be decided during the journey, and not compulsory. By buying a package of lessons, I can then ‘map’ out a plan of instruction, and offer that instruction in manageable bites. For experienced golfers with established golf games, one or two single lessons may be sufficient or you may want to enroll in a full season coaching program.
  • How do I become consistent?
    The definition of 'consistent' is 'repeating the same thing every time'. Golfers often say: "I can hit some really good shots, but also can hit some really bad shots." The quest for consistency usually leads to the questions: how often do you practice, how effective is your technique, do you have a consistent routine that you use to get prepared to make a golf shot, or does your routine vary, depending on your mood, emotion, or circumstances? This questions is also something to discuss with Dan, so he can help your needs specifically.
  • What actually happens during the golf swing?
    No doubt about it, the golf swing is a very complicated series of athletic movements. The golf swing is all about ‘timing’. Timing of the many intricate parts coming together at that brief moment when the golf clubhead makes contact with the golf ball. As the golfer watches the ball, hands are gripping, arms are moving, shoulders are turning, legs are supporting, knees are flexing, wrists are hinging, unhinging and hinging again, weight is shifting, and the body is rotating. The actual physics of a golf clubhead striking a golf ball at a high rate of speed is very exacting. The clubhead can be traveling at speeds of over 100 mph when it makes contact with the golf ball - the moment of impact. The clubhead travels in a circle around the body, and is rotating counter-clockwise very quickly as it approaches the ball. The clubhead also travels in an arc: on the ground at the start, upwards to a high point at the top of the backswing, back down to a low point at impact, and then up high again at the finish. Correct timing results in the golf ball flying straight and true!
  • How often should I take a golf lesson?
    A lesson once a week usually offers the most productive results – assuming that the golfer has an opportunity to practice in between lessons. Most golf instruction is cumulative – meaning that any changes / improvements that we need to make NEXT time are dependent of understanding / feeling comfortable / getting used to the changes we make TODAY. Long lasting improvement comes from making many small, manageable changes. We usually can't 'fix' everything in one session. How quickly that these changes feel comfortable depends on the individual golfer, and how much effort is put in.
  • What can I expect to learn in a lesson?
    Technical fundamentals such as the grip, alignment, stance, and swing. How to play a variety of shots. Putting, chipping, bunkers, irons, woods etc. Correct practice habits. Basic rules of the game. How to join a club/handicap
  • If it's raining, can I still have a lesson?"
    Yes. At Basingstoke Golf Centre, we have covered bays which shield the golfer from the elements.
  • What should I wear?
    Although the golf courses generally require a different dress code, when having a golf lesson you are welcome to turn up in casual attire. Jeans are acceptable and clothing which offers a good range of movement is advisable. Trainers are perfect if you dont have golf shoes.
  • I am a beginner with no equipment, what should I do?"
    No problem, at the Golf Centre I have all the necessary equipment to suit all ages (from juniors to adults); both male and female. I am also happy to help with equipment and clothing advice on future purchases, if you need help.
  • How much notice is required when cancelling a booking?
    24 hrs before the lesson is required to enable another golfer to have a lesson, and for Dan's diary.
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