To properly understand how the ideas of tuition and golf fit together, it would probably be best to get a good grasp of the word "tuition." Just what does it mean? Many think the idea of tuition is quite simple – the fee paid for instruction, whether at a private school, private lesson, college or university. But tuition is more than the concept of money paid. It also means the actual teaching or instruction, as a school or individual offering golf tuition. So what can we do with the idea of golf tuition? Perhaps the vision of one leading golf instructor puts the task in proper perspective. Of all the millions of golfers in the world, most are self-taught. That is, most have borrowed, rented or purchased a set of clubs, travelled to the local course and started swatting the ball in the general direction of the first hole. But the best tip anyone can give to a beginning golfer is this; get some help from a teaching professional or experienced golfer! One of the first, major mistakes many beginners make is to hit a basket of balls at the local practice range with a driver! Years ago, during a television interview, several golf pros made the statement that learning to play golf using a driver would be like learning to drive in a Formula One race car. Lee Trevino, a world-renowned professional, once said that an amateur should learn using a mid-iron, something like a 5 iron. Keep in mind that learning by trial and error (self-taught) is not the best method.

But then, neither is poor instruction. With that in mind, many golf schools and private instructors begin with a few more basic points – the setup; getting the proper stance and grip; why the golf swing works as it does; the body as part of the golf swing. For many amateur golfers, just these two basic hints - learn with a shorter iron club and get some good instruction - would be a major improvement. This brings us to Part 2. What should the golfer look for in golf tuition? What is available? Most knowledgeable golfers and instructors will steer the student away from gimmicks and fads and toward the uncomplicated development of a real golf swing. This is certainly an admirable goal, but for most beginning golfers who truly want to get better, fun and relaxation are also part of the package. That's why it is also important to choose a location that provides something more than daily drills and too much work.

There are golf schools that cater to large groups, in a setting where one or two instructors demonstrate to 12, 15, even 20 or more in a group. But the better method might be to search for a school that limits group size to five or less for each instructor. These might cost a bit more, but the improvements to the game should be worth it. It is also important to look at several different tuition programs, to determine if a daily trip close to home is best or if a two-day or five-day residential school is more suitable. Combining golf instruction with a golf holiday can and does work. For example, one school offers intensive residential tuition for the small group starting at about £210. Junior Golf instruction is available for about the same price. The better schools and tuition programs offer instruction lasting from ½ hour to several days. All ages and levels of experience are covered by many of the comprehensive tuition programs. Take a bit of extra time making the choice and the game will be much more rewarding.