Every year in America, usually during May, and as part of the Play Golf America campaign, participating golf instructors offer free, 10-minute lessons to any golfers who sign up to take part.
Ten minutes? What can you do in 10 minutes? Is it worth signing up for a 10-minute lesson, even if it's free?
If you use those 10 minutes wisely, golfers can get a lot out of the experience - particularly golfers who've often thought about taking lessons but have never followed through with the thought.
Here's how to get the most out your free 10-minute lesson during Free Lesson Month:
Bring Up One Specific Issue
Don't go to your 10-minute lesson with a laundry list of things you want to talk to the instructor about. And don't go with nothing in mind - you'll wind up wasting valuable minutes deciding what the instructor should try to help you with.
Instead, think about your game before heading to the lesson. And choose one very specific thing to ask the instructor about. Tell the instructor as soon as you arrive what that one specific thing is, and focus in on that issue. Let the instructor know that in addition to anything else he does to help you with your one issue, you'd also like to walk away from the lesson with one simple practice drill that you can use to continue to work on the issue.
The key is focusing in on one thing and being prepared to go as soon as you arrive. You can't afford to waste time deciding what to work on when you've only got 10 minutes. And remember: ask for one simple drill that will allow you to keep working on the issue you've discussed with the instructor.
Treat It As a Job Interview
You are the interviewer, the golf instructor is the interviewee. It's the golfer who hires the instructor - the instructor works for you. It's his job to listen to your goals, then develop a plan to help you reach those goals.
So treat your 10-minute lesson as a job interview - you are auditioning a teacher. When you are choosing the instructor with whom you'll be taking your 10-minute lesson, treat the selection process as though you were going to be paying for a series of lessons.
Ask your friends for recommendations. Call the instructors on the Play Golf America list and get their regular rates. Find an instructor taking part in Free Lesson Month who both has a good reputation amongst your golf circle, and whose prices are in your ballpark.
Make your appointment with that instructor, and let him know when you arrive that you are auditioning him. "I've always been interested in lessons, so this is a kind of test-drive for me. If I feel that this 10-minute lesson is valuable, and I'm comfortable with you, I might decide to sign up for some real lessons."
If the instructor knows that you are serious about the possibility of becoming a paying customer, you are certain to get his absolute best effort. Who knows, you might even get a few extra minutes.
How to Get Your Free Lesson
Signing up for a free lesson during May is easy. Visit the Play Golf America Web site and click on the "Free Lesson Month" link. Then use the search box to find participating instructors in your area.
Remember that Free Lesson Month takes place only one month a year (usually may), so if you visit the Web site at other times of the year the instructor list may not be available.
