20,000+ Lessons Taught—Here’s What They Taught Me
After teaching more than 20,000 golf lessons, one thing has become crystal clear:
There is no single “perfect” golf swing — but there is a perfect approach for each golfer.
From beginners picking up a club for the first time to competitive amateurs and collegiate players chasing lower scores, every lesson has reinforced the same truth:
Great golf instruction isn’t about copying swings — it’s about building solutions.
If you’re searching for golf lessons near me, private golf instruction, or wondering what actually makes a great golf coach, here are the most important lessons thousands of hours on the lesson tee have taught me.
Image of Martin Lucas Owner of Bird of Prey Golf - Great golf instruction isn’t about copying swings — it’s about building solutions.
1. Most Golfers Don’t Need More Tips—They Need An Education
After thousands of lessons, I’ve learned that confusion — not talent — holds most golfers back.
Many players arrive overwhelmed by:
Too many swing thoughts
Conflicting YouTube advice
Well-meaning tips from friends
A great golf lesson should simplify, not overwhelm.
That’s why modern instruction focuses on:
Launch monitor data
Clear cause-and-effect explanations
One priority at a time
Golfers improve faster when they understand what actually matters — and what doesn’t.
2. Technology Is Powerful — But Only When Used Correctly
Launch monitors, slow-motion video, and pressure mapping have transformed golf instruction — but technology alone doesn’t fix swings.
The real value of technology is:
Confirming ball flight laws
Eliminating guesswork
Creating objective feedback
A great instructor doesn’t drown students in numbers — they translate data into action.
Examples:
Attack angle explains fat and thin shots
Face-to-path explains slices and hooks
Smash factor reveals strike quality
Technology should support coaching, not replace it.
3. Fundamentals Still Matter — But They’re Not One-Size-Fits-All
Grip, posture, alignment, and setup are still critical — but how they look varies dramatically from golfer to golfer.
After teaching thousands of players, I’ve learned:
A “strong” grip might be neutral for another player
Athletic posture looks different for every body type
Alignment errors are one of the biggest hidden score killers
That’s why personalized golf lessons outperform generic instruction.
You must account for how the ball is flying — and how the player wants it to fly.
4. The Short Game Separates Scores Faster Than the Swing
One of the most overlooked truths in golf instruction:
You can lower your scores faster inside 100 yards than anywhere else.
Across thousands of lessons, patterns are consistent:
Better players control distance
Struggling golfers rely on luck
Short game technique is rarely practiced correctly
Elite scoring requires:
Consistent contact
Predictable launch
Simple, repeatable motion
Short game instruction isn’t about creativity — it’s about control.
5. Mental Approach Matters More Than Most Golfers Think
Technical skill gets golfers to a level — decision-making keeps scores low.
The best golfers I’ve coached:
Commit fully to each shot
Play to their tendencies
Avoid compounding mistakes
The goal isn’t perfect golf — it’s smart golf.
A strong mental approach includes:
Conservative targets
Emotional control
Clear pre-shot routines
These skills help every golfer, not just competitors.6. Great Instruction Builds Independence, Not Dependence
One of the most important lessons 17,000 sessions have taught me is this:
A great golf coach teaches you how to coach yourself.
Players shouldn’t need constant fixes—they should understand:
Why the ball does what it does
How to self-diagnose common misses
What feels produces reliable outcomes
The ultimate goal of golf lessons is confidence, not dependency.
6. Great Instruction Builds Independence — Not Dependence
One of the most important lessons teaching 20,000+ sessions has taught me:
A great golf coach teaches you how to coach yourself.
Players shouldn’t need constant fixes. They should understand:
Why the ball does what it does
How to self-diagnose common misses
What feels produce reliable outcomes
The ultimate goal of golf lessons is confidence — not dependency.
7. Every Golfer’s Journey Is Personal
Some golfers want to break 100.
Some want to win tournaments.
Some just want to enjoy golf without frustration.
The most successful students are those whose instruction aligns with their goals, not someone else’s expectations.
That’s why effective golf coaching starts with listening.
Why Experience Matters When Choosing a Golf Instructor
If you’re searching for golf lessons near me in Raleigh, Cary, or Durham, experience matters — but how that experience is applied matters more.
Teaching 20,000+ lessons has reinforced that:
Every golfer is different
Improvement is rarely linear
The right coach accelerates progress dramatically
At Bird of Prey Golf, my mission is simple:
Precision coaching. Clear feedback. Measurable improvement.
Final Thoughts: 20,000 Lessons Later
Golf is hard — but it doesn’t have to be confusing.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that clarity, structure, and personalization outperform quick fixes every time.
If you’re ready to train with purpose — and finally understand why your ball flies the way it does — professional, modern golf instruction can change your game faster than you think.
