Beginner Golf Lesson Plan (60 Minutes)
Lesson Objective: Introduce golf fundamentals and build a foundation for proper swing mechanics, grip, and stance.
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1. Welcome & Warm-Up (5 min)
• Brief introduction and student goals
• Light dynamic stretching: shoulders, hips, wrists
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2. Golf Equipment Overview (5 min)
• Show basic clubs: driver, iron, wedge, putter
• Explain the purpose of each
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3. Grip & Posture (10 min)
• Teach neutral grip (interlock, overlap, or baseball)
• Demonstrate athletic stance (feet shoulder-width, knees slightly bent)
• Practice without club, then with club
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4. Swing Basics – Half Swings with 7-Iron (15 min)
• Focus on:
• Smooth takeaway
• Balanced finish
• Hitting the ball before the ground
• Use alignment sticks or foot markers
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5. Full Swings (15 min)
• Gradually build from half to full swings
• Emphasize tempo, balance, and follow-through
• Give light corrections and positive feedback
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6. Short Game Introduction – Chipping (5 min)
• Use a wedge for basic chip shots
• Focus on setup, weight forward, minimal wrist movement
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7. Wrap-Up & Homework (5 min)
• Review what was covered
• Assign simple drills (e.g., 20 grip reps at home, mirror swings)
• Encourage range practice before next session
Lesson 11: Shot Shaping
Focus: Learn to shape the ball
• Intro to fade and draw (grip, stance, path)
• Practice intentional curves
• Visualize shot shape before swinging
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Lesson 12: Distance Wedges
Focus: Precision from 30–100 yards
• Clock system or 3-length swings
• Control trajectory and spin
• Target-based practice with wedges
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Lesson 13: Mental Game & Focus
Focus: Routine, mindset, pressure
• Pre-shot visualization
• Breathing and reset strategies
• Simulated pressure drills (e.g., must-make putts)
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Lesson 14: Trouble Shots
Focus: Escape and recovery
• Punch shots, low runners, high flops
• Playing from rough, trees, hardpan
• Decision-making: save strokes, not heroics
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Lesson 15: Specialty Shots
Focus: Creativity and adaptability
• Bump and run, hybrid chip
• High soft shot over hazards
• When and how to improvise
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Lesson 16: Course Strategy & Scoring
Focus: Breaking 100 or 90
• Play to strengths
• Avoid big numbers: club down, play smart
• Focus on “par 5 strategy” and “bogey golf”
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Lesson 17: Play a Full Round
Focus: Execute everything on course
• Full 9 or 18 holes with real-time coaching
• Track stats: fairways, GIR, putts, penalties
• Post-round review
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Lesson 18: Skills Assessment & Season Plan
Focus: Evaluate and build routine
• Assess each part of game
• Create 30-60-90 day practice plan
• Set clear goals: handicap, tournaments, leagues
Lesson 4: Driver & Tee Shots
Focus: Intro to the driver
• Tee height, ball position (inside left heel)
• Wider stance, full shoulder turn
• Tempo over power
• Practice with target fairway
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Lesson 5: Bunker Basics
Focus: Sand shots & confidence
• Setup: open stance & face, weight forward
• Splash the sand (not the ball)
• Practice greenside bunker shots
• Add chipping review
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Lesson 6: Course Management Intro
Focus: Strategy & club selection
• Simulate holes on the range
• Discuss risk vs. reward
• Practice hitting to specific targets
• Intro to pre-shot routine
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Lesson 7: Putting – Reading Greens
Focus: Green reading & routine
• Teach visualizing breaks, using feet
• Establish consistent routine (look, align, stroke)
• Distance + direction drills
• Challenge games for pressure
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Lesson 8: Playing Different Lies
Focus: Uneven lies & tough positions
• Uphill, downhill, sidehill stance adjustments
• Ball above/below feet mechanics
• Practice recovery shots (punch outs, low shots)
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Lesson 9: On-Course Playing Lesson
Focus: Real-game experience
• 3–6 holes on course
• Shot selection, pace of play, etiquette
• Emphasize decision-making & routine
• Light swing reminders, no over-coaching
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Lesson 10: Review & Goal Setting
Focus: Evaluate progress, refine path forward
• Review: swing, short game, putting, course play
• Identify strengths/weaknesses
• Create custom practice plan
• Celebrate progress, set next steps (e.g., league, lessons, practice schedule)
Lesson 2: Building Consistency (60 Minutes)
Objective: Reinforce grip, posture, and swing fundamentals; introduce alignment and distance control.
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1. Warm-Up (5 min)
• Stretching and 10 practice swings
• Brief recap of grip, stance, and takeaway
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2. Alignment & Aiming (10 min)
• Use alignment sticks or clubs on ground
• Teach parallel lines (target line vs. body alignment)
• Student practices setting up with proper aim
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3. Swing Refinement – 7-Iron (15 min)
• Focus on takeaway path, shoulder turn, and finish position
• Introduce basic swing checkpoints (e.g., club parallel, shoulder turn, impact)
• 10–15 balls with feedback on tempo and contact
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4. Intro to Pitch Shots (15 min)
• Difference between chipping and pitching
• Setup: narrow stance, open clubface, soft wrists
• Practice landing zones (short, medium distances)
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5. Putting Basics (10 min)
• Teach grip and stance
• Focus on pendulum motion, keeping head still
• Putt to short targets (3–6 feet)
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6. Wrap-Up & Homework (5 min)
• Reinforce good habits
• Assign drills:
• 20 putts at home into a cup
• Mirror swing check for takeaway and finish
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Lesson 3: Distance & Ball Flight (60 Minutes)
Objective: Build swing confidence with different clubs; introduce basic ball flight laws and cause/effect.
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1. Warm-Up (5 min)
• Stretch and take 10 warm-up swings
• Quick grip/posture check
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2. Swing Progression – Irons (15 min)
• Hit with 9-iron, then 7-iron
• Focus: contact, launch, and trajectory
• Discuss “divot after the ball” and consistent low point
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3. Intro to Ball Flight Laws (10 min)
• Basics of face angle and swing path
• Explain push, pull, slice, and hook (keep simple!)
• Use video or hands-on demonstration
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4. Hitting with a Hybrid or Fairway Wood (10 min)
• Setup adjustments (ball forward, smoother tempo)
• Practice off tee and turf
• Emphasize sweeping motion
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5. Putting Progression – Distance Control (15 min)
• Practice lag putts (15–30 feet)
• Use tees or towels as distance targets
• Teach feel vs. mechanics
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6. Wrap-Up & Homework (5 min)
• Recap key swing goals and putting focus
• Homework:
• Practice 3-club swings (9i, 7i, hybrid)
• 10 lag putts per day using feel drills
Lesson 1: Advanced Evaluation & Precision Tuning (60 Minutes)
Objective: Assess strengths/weaknesses, tighten mechanics, and tailor a progression plan based on performance goals.
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1. Warm-Up & Intentional Practice (10 min)
• Dynamic warm-up with mobility focus
• Hit 10–15 balls with wedge and 7-iron while coach observes
• Ask: “What’s the current miss? What’s your goal for this season?”
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2. Full Swing Assessment (15 min)
• Video analysis or live feedback
• Look at:
• Club path vs. face angle
• Ball flight tendencies
• Transition tempo and lower body sequencing
• Focus on one key adjustment (not overhaul)
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3. Scoring Club Calibration (15 min)
• Wedge distances: 50–120 yards
• Establish “stock” numbers for 3–4 wedges
• Work on trajectory and spin control (TrackMan/launch monitor if available)
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4. Shot Shaping & Control (10 min)
• Hit intentional fades, draws, knockdowns
• Introduce flight windows or “stock shapes” for course confidence
• Emphasize repeatability under pressure
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5. Putting Performance Check (5 min)
• Assess stroke mechanics and green reading
• Lag putt + short putt test
• Identify stroke tendencies (pull/push, decel, etc.)
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6. Debrief & Plan Forward (5 min)
• Identify 1–2 technical goals
• Set short-term action plan: range reps, drills, practice games
• Schedule next lesson with clear theme (e.g., short game scoring, mental prep)
Lesson 11: Tournament Prep & Pressure Simulation
Objective: Train under real-stakes pressure.
• Simulate final 3 holes of a tournament
• Use scorecards, “must-make” drills, one-ball scrambles
• Emphasize emotional control and decision-making under fatigue
• Pre- and post-round mental rehearsal techniques
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Lesson 12: TrackMan or Launch Monitor Deep Dive
Objective: Optimize swing efficiency and ball flight with data.
• Refine path/face numbers
• Smash factor, spin rate, descent angle analysis
• Dial in wedges and driver for ideal carry and rollout
• Compare stock vs. shaped shots side-by-side
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Lesson 13: Wind Management & Trajectory Control
Objective: Learn to dominate in all weather conditions.
• Flighted shots: low spinners, high floats, crosswind curves
• Clubbing up/down for wind
• Simulated “British Open” conditions
• Use launch monitor to track height and spin adjustments
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Lesson 14: Competitive Short Game Gauntlet
Objective: Train for up-and-down mastery.
• 9-hole up-and-down challenge (chip, pitch, bunker, fringe)
• Emphasize imagination and confidence
• Add pressure (money ball, sudden death)
• Track scoring average around the green
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Lesson 15: Elite Putting Skills & Green Speed Mastery
Objective: Excel on fast, tournament-grade greens.
• Speed calibration drills (e.g., coin ladder, tee gate)
• Adjust routine for different green speeds
• Visualize “dying” putts vs. firm center hits
• Practice on subtle vs. extreme breaks
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Lesson 16: Strengths-Based Strategy Session
Objective: Build a course plan tailored to your game.
• Use stats to define “scoring clubs”
• Build a “go-to” tee shot under pressure
• Create your ideal warm-up and on-course rhythm
• Develop your game plan for 3 types of courses: long, narrow, windy
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Lesson 17: High-Stakes Match Play
Objective: Prepare for head-to-head formats.
• Simulate 9-hole match play (coach vs. player or two students)
• Play for skins or pride
• Teach psychological strategies: pressuring, defending, closing
• Use alternate formats: alternate shot, worst ball
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Lesson 18+: Continuous Custom Development
Focus: Sustain high performance with targeted micro-lessons.
• Rotate focus weekly or bi-weekly:
• Monday = Putting
• Wednesday = Flight Windows
• Friday = Recovery Creativity
• Build long-term training blocks based on seasonal goals
• Incorporate fitness, nutrition, and travel preparation
Lesson 4: Iron Play & Distance Control
Objective: Tighten dispersion, improve center-face contact, and shape iron shots with purpose.
• Mid/long iron flight windows
• Control trajectory (3-window drill: low, normal, high)
• Distance gaps and carry consistency
• Shape into flags: knockdowns, baby draws, soft fades
• Target game with scoring zones (track % greens hit)
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Lesson 5: Green Reading & Elite Putting
Objective: Enhance green reading instincts and putting under pressure.
• Use AimPoint or feel-based read system
• Work start line with tees or gates
• Lag putt ladder drills (30–50 feet)
• Pressure games: 3–6–9 drill, must-make from 4 feet
• Emphasize tempo, routine, and mental clarity on the greens
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Lesson 6: Recovery Shots & Trouble Play
Objective: Master control in challenging positions to save strokes.
• Punch shots under trees
• High soft lob over bunker
• Sidehill lies (above/below feet, uphill/downhill)
• Smart escape routes: risk vs. reward
• Pressure simulation: one-ball “trouble lie scramble”
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Lesson 7: Course Management & Strategy
Objective: Build a scoring mindset through smarter decisions.
• Simulated holes: what club off tee? Where to miss?
• Teach dispersion cones and safe targets
• “Bogey is better than double” mindset
• Intro to performance tracking: strokes gained, tendencies
• Discuss tournament prep routines
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Lesson 8: Mental Game & Focus Training
Objective: Improve composure, pre-shot routine, and resilience under pressure.
• Build a consistent 3-phase routine: visualize, commit, execute
• Teach reset cues after bad shots
• Simulated pressure: “make or break” shots
• Tournament visualization and journaling methods
• Discussion: how to stay confident when not swinging well
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Lesson 9: On-Course Playing Lesson (9–18 Holes)
Objective: Apply all lessons in real-time under guidance.
• Track: fairways, GIR, up & down %, putts
• Coach feedback on decisions, tempo, strategy
• Mental checkpoints every few holes
• Light swing guidance only if necessary
• Post-round reflection: wins, misses, adjustments
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Lesson 10: Skill Assessment & Season Plan
Objective: Review performance and build a structured improvement roadmap.
• Re-assess core skills: full swing, short game, putting
• Identify 2–3 clear focus areas
• Set measurable goals (e.g., break 75 consistently, win club championship)
• Build 30–60–90 day plan with drills, tournament schedule, and practice balance
• Celebrate growth and outline advanced specialty lessons (e.g., wedge matrix, TrackMan mapping, elite shot shaping)
Lesson 2: Short Game Precision & Scoring Focus (60 Minutes)
Objective: Sharpen wedge game inside 100 yards and increase up-and-down percentage.
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1. Wedge Calibration (15 min)
• 3-length swing system (e.g., 9:00, 10:30, full)
• Record carry distances with 2–3 wedges
• Work on trajectory control (low, medium, high)
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2. Chipping & Pitching (15 min)
• Situational practice: tight lies, rough, uphill/downhill
• Experiment with different clubs (9i, PW, 56°, 60°)
• Focus: landing spot, one-hop-stop control, spin
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3. Bunker Play (15 min)
• Greenside and fairway bunker shots
• Emphasize consistent entry point and speed
• Adjust setup for different lies (buried, uphill, wet)
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4. Short Game Challenge Drills (10 min)
• 9-ball up-and-down game
• One-ball scramble with consequences
• Keep score to build competitive mindset
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5. Recap & Homework (5 min)
• Assign short game ladder drills
• Reinforce smart shot selection and “worst-case” planning
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Lesson 3: Driving for Accuracy & Power (60 Minutes)
Objective: Improve driving consistency, shot shape, and performance under pressure.
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1. Launch Monitor Evaluation (10 min)
• Track: ball speed, spin, launch angle, dispersion
• Identify miss tendencies and efficiency issues
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2. Swing Mechanics Tuning (15 min)
• Adjust tee height, ball position, or setup as needed
• Focus on transition sequencing and balance
• Address path/face issues for consistent shape
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3. Shot Shape & Wind Play (15 min)
• Practice stock shape + intentional opposite (fade/draw)
• Low bullet, high carry, and stinger tee shots
• Simulate wind conditions: “3-club wind” mentality
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4. Pressure Driving Drills (15 min)
• Fairway challenge: must hit target zone
• 3-shot games: fairway-finder, full send, shape control
• Add consequences for missed zones
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5. Recap & Progression (5 min)
• Review driving keys
• Assign pre-round warm-up routine for driver
• Set focus for Lesson 4 (e.g., iron control, course management)