The How-to: Prepare for your lesson

Intrro to Golf student learning the fundamentals of driving at The Range at Golfplay Waterloo

Preparing for Your Golf Lesson with Coach Nat: Setting Realistic Expectations and Prepare to have some FUN!

Welcome to Coach Nat Golf, where the goal is to make golf fun and accessible for everyone – no matter your age, skill level, or whether you're here to lower your scores or just have a good time. But before you swing by for your first (or next) golf lesson at Golfplay, Market Sports, The Badlands there are a few things we need to chat about. Let’s set the stage for what to expect! Golf is hard, but the hard is what makes it great.

1. “I’ll be a Pro After One Lesson, Right?”

If only it was this easy, we'd all be strolling the fairways on the pro tour. While we wish golf magic could happen in a single lesson, it’s not quite like that. Golf is a beautiful, challenging game that requires time, effort, and – yes – practice. One lesson can absolutely get you started on the right path, but expecting to head to the course to fire your low round of the season post lesson, that's a stretch.

Here’s the good news: with consistent practice, regular golf lessons, and a focus on improving little by little, you’ll get closer and closer to the golfer you want to be! Patience is the name of the game, and don’t worry – we’ll make it fun along the way. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress and the journey.

And remember, Swing Your Swing! – own your swing, it doesn't have to be perfect to play better golf! This comes from someone who has been told their swing is too long, Jim Furyk like, similar to stack and tilt ..the list goes on and on.

2. Working on Everything in One Lesson? Let’s Pump the Brakes!

When you decide to purchase lessons you might feel like your entire game is a mess and you might feel like you need to work on everything in 50 minutes: swing mechanics, short game, distance with the driver, stopping that dreaded slice you've had for 20+ years, bunker shots, pre shot routine... and the list goes on! But here’s a secret from Coach Nat: less is more.

We’ll work on one or two key areas during each session, so that you can actually make measurable progress. Trust me, we’ll take it one step at a time. Focus on one thing at a time to really improve your game; 27 swing thoughts due to binging you tube tip videos, instagram reels and listening to the random range guy will not make golf fun.

3. Warming Up with the Driver? Not So Fast!

We know the driver is the best! But warming up with the driver isn’t the best strategy. Instead, we'll focus on some basic stretches and warm-up swings with the short game (think smooth, rhythmic swings with wedges and irons) to get your body ready for rotation and working to increase your club head speed. Preparation is key before hitting those booming drives.

After you’re properly warmed up, we can dive into the fun stuff—practice with a purpose, learn with a purpose and enjoy the journey!

4. Consistency? Let’s Talk About That...

“Coach Nat, I’m just not consistent!” you might say. Here’s a little truth bomb: No one is consistent in golf, not even the PROS. Golf is a game, just like life filled with a lot of ups and downs. What we can work on is improving your consistency over time with solid fundamentals, a repeatable swing, and a strong mindset.

Don’t stress if every shot isn’t perfect. It’s totally normal to have a few bad ones, it's about making your misses smaller. The key is to stay positive, focus on the good swings!

And as always, Swing Your Swing – consistency comes from embracing your own rhythm and trusting your abilities.

5. Setting Realistic Expectations for All Ages and Skill Levels

Whether you’re coming to Golfplay or Market Sports for private lessons for juniors or adults, or you’re joining a group lesson, on course playing lesson at The Badlands Golf Company or even a fun corporate team-building session, my goal is to meet you where you are. Golf is about fun, learning, and challenge, no matter your age or ability. I create a welcoming environment for everyone, from absolute beginners to seasoned players.

When you show up, we’re going to focus on your unique needs, and we’ll go at your pace. Patience, humor, and growth are the foundation of each lesson. This isn’t just about golf skills – it’s about enjoying the journey with Coach Nat here to guide you every step of the way!

And, of course, always remember to Swing Your Swing – it’s about owning your style, your shot shape and finding the best way for you to get the ball in the hole!

6. Ready, Set, Go!

Before your lesson, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Arrive early to get mentally and physically ready. We’ll make sure to get the most out of every minute!

• Bring a positive attitude. We’ll laugh, we’ll learn, and we’ll swing our way through the session!

• Be open to feedback. I’ll offer plenty of tips, tricks, make the experience fun!

So whether you're new to the game or looking to perfect your swing, my goal is always to create a fun, supportive, and encouraging environment where you can improve, laugh, and enjoy the process.

• Comfortable, athleisure clothing and shoes. Look good, feel good, play good!

Ready for your lesson? Let’s swing into action and make some golf magic happen—one swing at a time. And remember, Swing Your Swing!

Let’s get started on your golfing journey! Remember, no pressure – it’s all about having fun and learning at your own pace.

See you on the links! - Coach Nat