Kevin Haime Recommendation

[fundonny]

One of my xmas presents was a gift certificate at KH for lessons. Anyone have a great experience with one of their instructors? I'd like to hand pick my teacher based on someone's previous experience.

[little brit]

I think Gregg Foley is the most popular on this site I like him.

[No3Putts]

For sure.

[rezadue]

Gregg Foley. He was the Ottawa teacher of the year.

[BC MIST]

Gregg Foley. He was the Ottawa teacher of the year.

Who makes the selection?

[Kilroy]

The CPGA I believe.

[Indio]

Who makes the selection?

The announcement from the CPGA Ottawa Zone indicates it is recoginition from his peers.

http://forum.ottawagolf.com/showthread.php?t=40924

[Kiwi]

For sure.

Ditto, and a great guy too.

[sharon.gmc]

What a great Christmas present you got there. Wish I received one too.

[quinner]

I will also recommend Greg. I took a few lessons from him last winter (and plan to do so this winter as well) and I played the best golf of my life.

[fundonny]

Are winter lessons worth it? Are they reduced price since you can't really see your trajectory?

[quinner]

I think last year I paid $200 for 3 1/2 hour lessons and 10 1/2 hour range times. There is only so much you can work on inside, but I feel that it's better, because if you are working on something that might take a little time, you don't get discouraged right away, because you can't see your ball flight. Which in some cases may be discouraging. Also gives me something to work on over the winter instead of going in and pounding balls.

[sharon.gmc]

Yeah, I will recommend Greg too. . .

[calleygolf]

I would recommend greg too....but not kevin, ever!

[lms]

Are winter lessons worth it? Are they reduced price since you can't really see your trajectory?

Winter is the best time to work on your swing. And you can get a good idea of where the ball would have gone at the Sensplex. I have already had a lesson from Gregg this winter, and will have a few more.

[quinner]

Winter is the best time to work on your swing. And you can get a good idea of where the ball would have gone at the Sensplex. I have already had a lesson from Gregg this winter, and will have a few more.

I would argue that you might have a good idea at the Ben Franklin Place Dome (or whatever it's called), but not at the Sensplex. Sure you can tell if you pushed or pulled it, but if it's going to draw or fade, etc. it's rather difficult as I would say it's barely 50 yards. Just my 2 cents.

[Pinshark]

Another one for Greg I sent my GF to him he was great.

[sillywilly]

donny wait till summer to take the lessons. Take then with greg foley... and whoever got you the lessons knows you pretty well if they know you suck enough to need lessons

[Kilroy]

wait till summer to take the lessons.

I disagree.
Off season indoors is the best way to take lessons. You focus on the swing not the result. It takes time to get used to new moves and if you are results oriented and not seeing imediate effect (impatient) you can revert to what "worked before".

Winter lessons also keep you busy and in golf mode when it's -20c outside.

[fundonny]

many thanks for teh advice lads and ladies. so how many lessons will $150 get me anyway?

[BC MIST]

There is only so much you can work on inside, but I feel that it's better, because if you are working on something that might take a little time, you don't get discouraged right away, because you can't see your ball flight. Which in some cases may be discouraging.

A golfer relatively new to the game would likely be better off NOT knowing where the ball is going as working on making a more fundamentally correct swing is paramount and improved ball striking will be incidental to this.

However, If a person is a reasonable player and is tweaking their swing for better results rather than making a complete overhaul, IMO, it is very important to have the instant feed back that hitting in the Dome gives. Having hit indoors for close to 20 years now, this is my first year in the Superdome at Ben Franklin Park and I am finding it infinitely more valuable than any other. One poor shot means nothing but 3 or 4 in a row establishes a pattern for which an adjustment must be made. Seeing the ball flight is essential for this.

Instructors have varying methods and personalities. IMO, it is more important to learn a method based on sound positions that produce the only three things that are important in a golf swing: inside club head path, hands ahead of the ball at impact and a square club face at separation, rather than try to have someone swing like Tiger, VJ or Phil. (If it's Trevor Immelman - that's OK ) Finding someone who knows how people learn and what positions one must pass through to achieve the above is more important that a nice personality and a method that tries to get you to swing like someone you are never going to be.

[fundonny]

Have my first lesson with Greg tomorrow. Do you think I should call him and let him know about my physical situation first, thinking he'd do a little preparation? With my rheumatoid arthritis progressing, I have limited flexibility and wouldn't be able to do the typical full golf swing motion.

[No3Putts]

I think he has dealt with most things, you will be fine.

Good luck tomorrow!