Conducting Successful Group Golf Lessons

Every successful golf operation should have a plan in place for conducting group golf classes. These classes should include plans for novice and advanced players, as well as women-only and junior classes.

Pricing Group Lessons

For each class, a minimum and maximum number of students in each class should be established and promoted. You will need to calculate how many students are needed to break even for the duration of classes.

Pricing Example 1:

• $50 private lesson hourly rate
• $90 per student for the group class
• Six 1-hour classes
• 4 students in the class = $360
• That equals $60 per hour; you’re still ahead on your private hourly rate!

Pricing Example 2:

• $90 per student for the group class
• 12 students in the class equals $1080 for the 6 hours
• That equals $180 per hour!

Planning Novice Classes

Novice classes must include the basics of the game: grip, aim, setup, swing mechanics, short game and putting. However, have you taken a moment to consider how intimidated a novice golfer feels coming to a facility for the first time? So, included with every group class should be an hour spent without hitting golf balls and spent solely on etiquette and rules. Explain to them what all the numbers on the scorecard mean, what all the numbers on the sprinkler heads mean, how to play "ready golf", and other tips.

Group Lessons for Seasoned Players

Design groups for the more seasoned players as well. Classes such as short game, on-course playing strategies, or winter tune-ups before the snow birds head south can draw the attention of more accomplished players. And don’t forget that female players may feel somewhat intimidated by the male golfer hitting in the same group they are. Women golfers may enjoy a women’s only class.

Junior Classes

Junior classes will - and should be - your most popular group classes. Here are some tips for success:

1. Your most experienced teacher should be leading these classes. It is very easy and popular to turn the junior classes over to an assistant or college golfer. The juniors need to get started on the right foot; therefore, take the time out of your schedule to lead these classes. 
2. Create fun activities for the juniors, something that might not be done on the golf course but will have a chance to hold their interest. 
3. Establish testing for the juniors. Give the juniors rules and playing tests. 
4. Have stickers there for them each week and give each of them one each time they make a correct move or have success on the course. The key here is to make it fun!

Golf Professionals and Golf Operators each have a responsibility to grow the game. The more players we create and generate, the more opportunities we have to increase revenues at each of our facilities. Have a great summer and get out there and create some new golfers!

Chad Seymour is the head PGA golf professional at Westfield Group Country Club, and has been a golf professional since 1979. He was elected to PGA membership in 1983 and accepted the position at Westfield Group Country Club in June of 1985. He has been active on the Northern Ohio PGA  (NOPGA) Board since 2001. When he was appointed to the board, he held the positions of apprentice committee chairman, secretary, vice president, and now president, of the NOPGA since 2009.