Beginner training plan
Your first lessonWelcome & Mindset (5-10 minutes)
“First things first, golf is supposed to be fun! Don’t worry about being perfect—we’re here to learn, enjoy, and get better one swing at a time.”
I’ll share a bit about why golf means so much to me, and I’ll ask them what got them interested in learning. That builds comfort and connection.
Grip, Stance & Posture (15 minutes)
We’ll start with the basics:
• Grip: I’ll demonstrate the neutral grip—how to hold the club so it feels natural and not forced.
• Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly flexed.
• Posture: Hinge from the hips, keep the back straight, and relax those arms. I’ll use fun visual cues like “pretend you’re sitting on a tall stool” to help it click.
Half Swings with a Wedge (20 minutes)
We’ll begin with short swings using a wedge—less intimidating and helps with control.
• Focus on making solid contact.
• I’ll encourage them not to worry about distance, just rhythm and feel.
• We’ll do a few drills like toe-to-toe swings (feet together) to promote balance and clean strikes.
Fun Challenge Game (10 minutes)
We’ll wrap up with a small chipping game: “closest to the towel” or “land it in the circle.” This keeps it light and playful while reinforcing what we’ve worked on.
Wrap-Up & Homework (5 minutes)
I’ll end by telling them how proud I am of their first step. Then give them a simple “homework” task like practicing grip and stance in a mirror or watching a quick swing video.
Lesson 4-10Lesson Four: “Meet the Irons”
Focus: Mid-irons (7-iron, 6-iron), building consistent full swings.
• Warm-up: Chipping + short iron swings (PW or 9-iron).
• Instruction: Introduce 7-iron and 6-iron. Focus on ball position (slightly forward) and shallow divot.
• Drills: Tee the ball for confidence, then move to turf. Emphasize rhythm, not speed.
• Game: “Ladder drill” – hit balls to different targets at increasing distances.
• Homework: Practice tempo swings at home with a mid-iron.
⸻
Lesson Five: “Intro to the Driver & Tee Shots”
Focus: Driver basics, tee box setup, and alignment.
• Warm-up: Short swings, move up to 6-iron full swings.
• Instruction: Driver setup—ball position forward, wider stance, tee height.
• Drills: Half-speed driver swings to learn control, then full swings.
• Game: “Fairway finder” – award points for staying within target boundaries.
• Homework: Practice slow, smooth driver swings at home or range.
⸻
Lesson Six: “Putting: Distance Control & Green Reading”
Focus: Lag putting, speed control, and basic green reading.
• Warm-up: Short putts from Lesson 3.
• Instruction: Teach “triangle stroke” and using feet/eyes to feel slope.
• Drills:
• Ladder drill (putt to increasing distances).
• “Around the clock” (6 ft lag putts around the hole).
• Game: “3-putt challenge” – try to avoid three-putting from long range.
• Homework: Daily 5–10 min putting drills at home with targets (e.g., coins or cups).
⸻
Lesson Seven: “Course Management & Club Selection”
Focus: When to use which clubs, basic strategy for tee to green.
• Warm-up: Full swing reps with multiple clubs.
• Instruction: Go over club yardages, when to chip vs pitch, lay-up vs go-for-it.
• Drills:
• “Shot ladder” – simulate hitting a fairway, approach, and green.
• Create fake holes on the range.
• Game: “Mini 3-hole challenge” on the range with scoring focus.
• Homework: Journal what club they used and how it felt after range sessions.
⸻
Lesson Eight: “On-Course Play & Rules Intro”
Focus: First experience on the course (or practice hole), etiquette, and rules.
• Warm-up: Range shots and a few chips.
• Instruction: Go over basic golf rules, etiquette (e.g., where to stand, pace of play).
• On-Course: Play 2–3 holes if possible (or simulate on par 3 course/practice hole).
• Focus on routine, confidence, and fun—not scoring.
• Game: “Par is your friend” – celebrate good decisions and effort.
• Homework: Watch a PGA/LPGA highlight and observe pros’ routines.
⸻
Lesson Nine: “The Mental Game & Confidence Drills”
Focus: Mental routine, confidence-building, and visualization.
• Warm-up: Favorite club full swings + feel-good chip shots.
• Instruction: Pre-shot routine, deep breathing, positive self-talk.
• Drills:
• “One-shot focus” – treat every range shot like it’s on the course.
• Pressure putts with fun consequences.
• Game: “Beat the Pro” – compete against your previous best or instructor’s score on a short hole.
• Homework: Create a short “confidence routine” to use before every shot.
⸻
Lesson Ten: “Graduation Day: Play & Celebrate!”
Focus: Putting it all together on the course or simulated holes.
• Warm-up: Light warm-up with favorite clubs.
• Play: 3–5 holes or a full simulated round. Apply all skills learned—swing, strategy, short game, etiquette.
• Challenge: Friendly competition or goal (e.g., break 30 for 3 holes, hit 3 fairways).
• Celebrate: Congratulate on progress, review where they started vs now.
• Next Steps: Recommend practice plan or intermediate group. Offer a follow-up challenge or lesson series.
