To a certain extent, the slowdown
of the world’s economy
has affected many of us in the golf
industry, but not to the degree of
some businesses. It seems people
still want to get out and enjoy themselves
recreationally, so most of us
are lucky in that regard.
As golf teaching professionals,
we can still make a very handsome
living if we get into the right situation.
In the United States, it’s not
uncommon for some full-time teachers
in bigger cities to work a full
eight-hour a day, earning $50-100
per hour. Even part-time teaching,
where someone might teach 2-4
hours per day, can bring good revenue.
In the USA, teaching fees vary
considerably, depending upon the
area and reputation of the teacher.
Most big-name teachers in the
United States command $150 and
more per hour, and the elites like
Butch Harmon and David Leadbetter
charge thousands of dollars per
hour with no shortage of takers.
The average one-hour lesson fee
in both the United States and Canada
is probably somewhere in the $60
range, with 30-minute sessions going
for around $35. Lessons at the
low end of the pay spectrum are in
the $35 per hour category – still very
good pay for most industries.
Worldwide, there is also great
variability in the lesson market. A
check of the Internet shows onehour
lessons in the United Kingdom
going from £38 (US $63) to £80 (US
$132). Nine-hole playing lessons can
be had for as little as £76 to as much
as £200 and more.
In Hong Kong, a normal lesson
rate might be in the HK $500 range
(US $65). This would apply to both
driving ranges and golf courses.
Australia has a healthy range
of lesson fees. An Internet search
showed half-hour lessons for as little
as AUS $28 (US $22) to around AUS
$60 (US $48). Lessons at even the
most posh Mexican golf resorts run
in the range of US $35-55.
India seems to be the home of
bargain lessons. Lessons range from
250 rupees to 500 rupees per hour –
$5-10 in US currency.
Price isn’t always the determining
factor in the quality of a lesson.
Some of the most successful and
talented teachers charge only a
nominal fee. The late Harvey Penick
charged just $5 for years, and finally
upped his fee only at the strong urging
of his home course, the Austin
Country Club.
And yes, some people who pay
all those thousands of dollars to
spend an hour in the company of
one of today’s gurus will come away
certainly with a slimmer wallet and
hopefully an improved golf game.
