Home | Driving Range & Miniature Golf | Learning Center |Golf Pro Shop Bel Air Golf Center / Jay Perkins Golf Learning Center Your Complete Center for Golf Jay Perkins Golf LEARNING CENTER Jay Perkins, PGA Professional FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions FAQs About Golf Instruction at Bel Air Golf Center We have compiled some of the more Frequently Asked Questions from our customers regarding instruction at Bel Air Golf Center. Although we have covered a fair amount of questions that get asked on a more consistent basis, we realize that you may have some questions that aren’t necessarily covered in this material. If this is the case we invite you to call or e-mail Jay Perkins, PGA Golf Professional. Phone: 410-817-GOLF(4653) (voice mail available-call will be returned). List of Questions Q How do I know I need golf instruction? Q What’s it like to take a golf lesson? Q What do I need to take a lesson? Q How many lessons should I take? Q Are there any other types of instruction programs that are available on a longer term basis that will enable a student to have the instructor one-on-one on a regular basis so other aspects can be learned that wouldn’t ordinarily be covered in a basic 3 to 6 lesson series and stay affordable? Q Should I take group or private lessons? Q What are the rates for instruction programs? Q Will there be Junior Programs at BAGC? Q Do I have to be athletic to play golf or super coordinated? Q How do I know if golf is right for me if I have a physical limitation or disability? Q Should I mention any type of physical problem to the instructor before beginning my lessons? Q What is a club fitting session? Q Does the instruction whether private or group include help on selecting the right type of equipment for the individual? Q If I decide to get fit for clubs does it mean that I have to spend a lot of money for the clubs? I understand that custom fit clubs can be expensive and are usually geared toward the low handicap golfer aid not necessarily for the beginner or average golfer. What do the terms custom or fitting really mean? Q Are there any age limitations regarding playing golf or taking lessons? Conclusion Q How do I know I need golf instruction? A Whether you’re a beginner or advanced player learning in golf is an ongoing process. Even the best players in the world seek instruction on a regular basis to improve on some particular phase of their game that may lack consistency or to further hone their skills. As a beginner it is almost essential in developing a proper understanding of the basic fundamentals of the golf swing and game itself. Back to List of Questions Q What’s it like to take a golf lesson? A First, and most importantly it should be fun and educational. Your golf lesson should be relaxing and enjoyable so you have a chance to absorb as much information as possible during the time with the instructor. As with any new experience it takes a while to get over the initial fear especially if it is something completely new to you. Don’t worry, all golfers had to start at the same point - the beginning. Whether beginner or advanced the golf lesson will involve communication, evaluation, education, practice, training aids, technology (video), drills and a host of other tools and aids designed to get you started, or take your game to a new level. It is the goal of our instructor to make your lesson a great experience. Back to List of Questions Q What do I need to take a lesson? A YOU! And a desire to want to get started or to improve on what you already have. If you have played before bring your own set with you. It is a good idea to bring your entire set so the instructor can evaluate the type of equipment you are using, plus we may decide to work with different clubs within one session. If you are a beginner and don’t currently have clubs we will be happy to provide the clubs necessary to take your lesson. Equipment is a very important element to your improvement. At times the instructor may suggest changes to your current equipment or make recommendations as to the type of equipment you should be using to best suit your particular swing and game. Back to List of Questions Q How many lessons should I take? A This is a very important question. Not to diminish the importance of the other questions we are addressing but determining how many lessons to take is such an important personal decision made between you and your instructor. Obviously it is hard to answer this all-important question until an initial analysis is made or a determination made as instruction progresses. The reason for this answer is due to the fact that everyone is different and we all learn at different rates. Typically the instructor will have you fill out a questionnaire before getting started to learn something about you, your game, your goals and if you have never played, where golf fits in your life and how you want to approach the sport. From that point the first lesson usually is more of an evaluation and “getting to know you” session, so both the student and teacher know how to create a plan that’s right for you and your game. At different times during the course of your learning some changes may get made to accelerate your progress or to re-evaluate the course of instruction. As mentioned initially this is a personal decision made by the instructor and you the student. Typically the beginning student will require at least 4-6 lessons to get a basic understanding of the full swing and also get introduced to the short game aspects of golf. Also some basic etiquette and rules will be introduced to the student as well as information about equipment. These lessons can be taken in private sessions or group depending on the preference of the student or on advice from the instructor. The lessons will run approximately 60-90 minutes with the last 10-15 minutes used for review and evaluation write-up with practice recommendations. The intermediate or advanced player lessons can run either 30-40 minutes or 50-60 minutes with the last ten minutes of either session used as review and write up of evaluation and practice recommendations. The reason for the 30-minute lesson is for either an evaluation for future lesson programs or for error correction. This is up to the student and instructor to decide if this type of session is recommended. Back to List of Questions Q Are there any other types of instruction programs that are available on a longer term basis that will enable a student to have the instructor one-on-one on a regular basis so other aspects can be learned that wouldn’t ordinarily be covered in a basic 3 to 6 lesson series and stay affordable? A Yes. The introduction of the “Coaching Series” will begin in April. This special series will involve three different program levels where a student will have the instructor for numerous 30-minute sessions spread out over a window of time that will be determined by the student and teacher before beginning the program. The coaching series is designed to have more one-on-one with the instructor over a longer period of time to work on particular aspects of the swing and game that ordinarily cannot be covered in- depth in a typical group or series lesson plan. One of the best advantages of the coaching series is the economics of the plan relative to shorter lesson series or typical one hour or half hour sessions taken on a pay as you go basis. The other advantage is having the watchful eye of the instructor on a regular basis vs. here and there as you the student think you need lilt allows errors to be detected faster and correction to occur faster. The “Coaching Series” will start be available for sign up starting around the first week of April 2002. Information will be available through the pro shop at BAGC or here on our website. You can feel free to call the pro shop at 410-817-4653 for information or stop by for the informational flyer on this special offer. Back to List of Questions Q Should I take group or private lessons? A Another very good question. As a general rule you as the student will always get the most from individual or private instruction. This does not mean that group lessons are not effective. They are a great way to learn in a group setting, enjoy meeting new people aid get introduced to the fundamentals of the golf swing and game. Many people prefer the group type lessons initially. They either put their own group together or join in a group that is forming at BAGC. These schedules will be available at different times of the year usually as the golf season progresses and daylight hours increase. Another reason for starting in groups is the affordability factor and to see if the sport is right for you as a recreational or sporting activity. Private lessons as stated above will always afford the student more personal attention and give the instructor an opportunity to tailor a program more suited to the student’s individual needs vs. being in a group setting where time is spread out over more students. This type of question is something you may want to talk over with a friend or relative who has some golf experience or with the instructor. Either way the decision is a personal one and can be made after the individual gathers all pertinent information. Back to List of Questions Q What are the rates for instruction programs? A The rates for the instructional programs at BAGC are available in the BAGC Instruction Brochure available at the front counter in the Pro Shop. If there is a need for any additional information or questions about special programs please feel free to either call the Instructor or e-mail the instructor personally. Back to List of Questions Q Will there be Junior Programs at BAGC? A Yes, BAGC will have instruction for juniors. Juniors can take private lessons or group lessons in the same format as in the adult programs. The rates for juniors will be reflected in the Instruction Brochure available at BAGC. At other times there will be junior clinics designed to introduce the junior to the basics of golf. These clinics will begin around the first week of April and will be held most likely on Saturdays and/or designated weekdays. The initial response to this type of program will determine the amount of time offerings. As the season progresses more times may be offered since school will be out of session for the summer. (The addition of later time slots for junior programs will be coordinated with Harford and Baltimore County School summer break schedule) The clinics offered will cover certain fundamentals of the swing aid game and will be open to any junior at a special rate. These clinics will be ongoing throughout the summer with times posted on our website and at the Pro Shop. These special clinics will be open to all juniors ages 8-15. The junior clinics as stated above will be available in different time frames to allow the student flexibility in their scheduling. There are schools available spread out over 5 weeks and schools that will be completed in a week. All will have the sane content and time spent with the instructor. Programs may be adjusted or additional ones added as the season moves forward to allow for the more popular programs. This will be determined at a later date. As it stands now there are programs already set up and information is available at the pro shop or the BAGC website. Also there will be open junior clinics available at different times usually on Saturdays in the afternoons to come and see what the instruction programs are all about aid to allow the parent to get information about the programs. The instructor will be present and will offer tips and advice on how to get the juniors involved in the programs offered at BAGC. There is also a list of these programs in the junior flyer at the pro shop. Back to List of Questions Q Do I have to be athletic to play golf or super coordinated? A No. Many people who start golf never played any sports at all. They’re simply looking for something recreational to do outdoors for exercise or they find that it helps them spend time with a friend, meet new friends or helps them in their business. Obviously there can be many more reasons to start playing. Being in good shape and sports oriented certainly helps but is not a prerequisite to starting to play golf, enjoy golf or even excel. Golf truly is a game for a lifetime and can be enjoyed by anyone. Back to List of Questions Q How do I know if golf is right for me if I have a physical limitation or disability? A We don’t exclude anyone for any physical limitation or disability. Our programs are open to everyone who wants to learn how to play golf. It would be best to discuss your limitations or disabilities with the golf professional so a proper evaluation can be made and the proper advice given to establish a lesson plan that is right for your individual needs. Back to List of Questions Q Should I mention any type of physical problem to the instructor before beginning my lessons? A Yes, absolutely! Always provide any vital personal information to the golf professional prior to taking instruction, especially if it involves physical limitations or disabilities. Golf is a sport and requires physical movement and is demanding in certain aspects. Although not as rigorous as some other sports, golf demands muscle movement and a certain amount of stamina. It is highly recommended that you consult a physician if you think that a physical limitation could cause a problem or limit your participation in golf. At the very least feel free to discuss any such potential problems with your golf professional regarding your involvement so he or she can advise you property and so there is a comfort level with your decision. Back to List of Questions Q What is a club fitting session? A A club fitting session is time spent with the instructor to evaluate and determine the type of golf clubs you should buy or to determine if retrofitting your current set is the best course of action. In either case the session can run from 30-50 minutes and cost $30.00. A specifications and summary sheet will be given to you and a recommendation on the type of clubs that would fit your swing type and game. At Bel Air Golf Center custom clubs will be available to purchase. If you choose to have an evaluation/club fitting session done the charge will be $30.00 and if you choose to purchase your set through BAGC or have your clubs retrofitted then the fee for the club fitting session will be applied as a credit toward your purchase. Back to List of Questions Q Does the instruction whether private or group include help on selecting the right type of equipment for the individual? A Most of the instruction programs address the subject of getting the right type of equipment as part of the improving one’s game. However because of the amount of detail and time involvement necessary to fit clubs properly it is impossible to devote the sane amount of time that would be included in one of our club fitting sessions. Certain aspects of proper club fitting will be discussed to help you on your way to selecting the proper equipment for your game or to see if a club fitting session would be recommended. In group sessions and private lessons we will take a certain amount of time to cover areas of proper club selection relative to the skill level of the group or individual. Back to List of Questions Q If I decide to get fit for clubs does it mean that I have to spend a lot of money for the clubs? I understand that custom fit clubs can be expensive and are usually geared toward the low handicap golfer aid not necessarily for the beginner or average golfer. What do the terms custom or fitting really mean? A Unfortunately custom anything usually means spending a lot of money. The good news is it doesn’t necessarily have to in golf equipment. The reason is that manufacturing technology, volume purchasing, and competition have allowed even the smallest dealer to get involved in acquiring quality custom fit lines of clubs and high quality components at very reasonable prices. The good news about all of this is that not only can the very good player get what he or she needs to suit their game but the beginner and average player can as well. Custom is a very misunderstood term in the golf industry. Fitting is a more appropriate term for getting the clubs that are right for you. This means that even a beginner can get a starter set fit to them with the correct shaft type, shaft length, shaft flex, lie angle and grip size. In addition, the correct set make-up or right combination of clubs suited to the individuals skills and preferences are important in the fitting process. Starter Sets can start as low as $199.00 and hit several price levels to suit anyone’s budget. To summarize, custom can be for anyone who is willing to learn, listen and have confidence that their professional is leading them in the right direction. At BAGC all custom fitted clubs will be guaranteed for fit and quality. It is our aim to set you on a path to a better game through quality instruction and proper equipment. We guarantee it! Back to List of Questions Q Are there any age limitations regarding playing golf or taking lessons? A In short the answer is no. It is recommended that juniors be about 7-8 years of age generally speaking before starting lessons, especially in a group setting. However there are always exceptions. The best course is to talk this over with the professional before signing the junior up for private or group instruction. There are a lot of factors in this type of decision, the main one being safety for all concerned. As far as the age of a person and being too old there should be no restriction. As long as a person is physically able to create a swinging motion with their body there should be no restrictions as to how old a person can be before taking up golf. Although somewhat physically demanding, you can play golf for a long time and enjoy the benefits of exercise, companionship, and being outdoors. There are a great many benefits to this great game and they can be enjoyed by many people of varying size, age and physical ability. It is recommended if one does have any physical limitations or health concerns to discuss those with your doctor or golf professional before starting a lesson program. Back to List of Questions Conclusion All of us at Bel Air Golf Center hope that this information has helped you make the right decision regarding golf and the proper way to start. It is our goal to help you learn, improve and enjoy the sport. We are here to serve you and help you on that journey. We are all continually learning and growing in the game and if there is anything we can do to make your learning experience better or to you in some other aspect of your golf game please let us know. Thank you for inquiring about our facility and its programs of instruction. We sincerely hope to see you soon. Keep it down the middle!!!!! Alex Sotir, President/Owner Jay Perkins, Golf Professional/Director of Instruction Back to List of Questions

Bel Air Golf Center / Jay Perkins Golf Learning Center Your Complete Center for Golf Home | Driving Range & Miniature Golf | Learning Center |Golf Pro Shop 3103 Belair Road, Kingsville, Maryland 21087-1016 Route 1 just below Mountain Road 410-817-GOLF (4653) | 410-817-4107 (Fax)