Golf Instruction, Golf Tips, Golf Tips for Beginners: Play Golf America is your source for Golf Tips

I’m a beginner. How do I take a lesson?

If you have just begun to play golf or are getting back into the sport, you realize it takes some direction to get your game up to speed. Holding the club properly and learning how to hit a golf ball are acquired skills. We recommend you seek out your local PGA or LPGA Professional who can assist you with individual or group golf instructions for developing the proper techniques to enjoy the game.

Search for a PGA Professional in your area participating in PGA Free Lesson Month in May. Many PGA Professionals offer similar programs year-round.

Under the Get Golf Ready program, many facilities will be registering for this new program that is being launched in 2009! To learn more, visit the Get Golf Ready.

Enter your zip code above and locate an official PGA facility near you.

After I have learned to play, should I continue to take lessons?

Do you want to play better? If yes, then taking lessons from a PGA or LPGA Professional should be an integral part of your game. Lessons will make you play better, enhancing your overall enjoyment of golf!

Find a PGA or LPGA Professional whom you respect and with whom you are comfortable. It’s a testament to the late Harvey Penick that he could forge two Champions - Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw - who have totally different approaches to learning. Kite is analytical by nature, while Crenshaw is a total feel player.

How instruction can impact your game:

Become more consistent
Hit drives straighter, or further
Want to score better? Seek instruction on your short game and course management
Your instructor can tailor lessons to address what you want to accomplish

Use the Play Golf America Zip Search above to find programs near you. PGA Free Lesson Month runs the entire month of May, and is great way to find a PGA Professional instructor that is just right for you!

What other instruction resources are available?

Want to see a lesson from a PGA Professional? Check out the weekly video lessons on PGA.com.

To review or refresh tips from PGA Professionals, The PGA offers an archive of golf tips on PGA.com.

The First Swing Golfer's Guide also contains an interesting section on Ball Flight Laws.

How important is the mental approach to golf?

Perhaps most important of all. Many sports psychologists believe you can use the strengths of your mind to improve weak areas in your game. For starters, you can eliminate negative thoughts by revising positive memories.

Here are some basic tips from the PGA Manual of Golf to mental toughness in golf:

Play one shot at a time. Don’t worry about the shot you just played or about what others are doing.

Don’t compare yourself to others. Set realistic goals for your game and your round and only judge yourself against the goals.

Be patient. Golf is a game of ebb and flow, good breaks and bad breaks. The most successful players are those who minimize their mistakes and wait for their opportunities.

Keep the game in perspective. Win or lose, score well or poorly, in the end, golf is still a game.

Why should I learn from a qualified instructor?

You always want to stay with the best of breed.

PGA and LPGA Professionals go through extensive training and are universally recognized as the experts and teachers of golf.

There is no quick and easy way to achieve PGA certification -- PGA members earn their status only by undergoing a multi-year series of work, study and training in every aspect of golf ranging from teaching to tournament management to golf shop operations, and must maintain their expertise through a variety of continuing education programs. They also must pass a Playing Aptitude Test, further ensuring that they are uniquely qualified to teach the game of golf.