The Most Common Question We Get
"Should I take group classes or private lessons?" I get asked this at least once a day. The honest answer: it depends on where you are in your golf journey, what your goals are, and how you learn best. Both formats produce real results — but they work differently.
Group Golf Classes
What They Are
Group classes at BGP typically have 4-8 students with one or two coaches. They follow a structured curriculum — each session covers a specific topic (putting, chipping, full swing, course play) and builds on the previous one. Clinics are standalone sessions focused on a single skill.
Who They're For
The Advantages
Cost: Group classes cost significantly less per session than private lessons. You can get 4-6 sessions for the price of 1-2 private lessons.
Social: You meet other golfers at your level. Many of our group class students end up becoming regular playing partners. The camaraderie makes practice more enjoyable.
Low pressure: There's less spotlight on any one student. If you top a shot, nobody's staring at you — they're busy working on their own swing. This makes groups ideal for beginners who feel self-conscious.
Structured learning: The curriculum ensures you cover all the fundamentals in the right order. No skipping ahead to driver before you can chip.
The Limitations
You get less individual attention. If you have a specific swing issue that needs detailed technical work, a group setting may not be enough. The pace of the class is set for the group, not the individual.
Private Golf Lessons
What They Are
One-on-one instruction with a coach for 30-60 minutes. Every minute is focused on your game, your swing, and your goals. We use video analysis, launch monitor data, and hands-on coaching.
Who They're For
The Advantages
Personalized: Everything is tailored to you. Your swing, your body, your goals. We can spend 30 minutes on one concept if that's what you need.
Depth: We can use video analysis, launch monitor data, and detailed technical instruction that isn't possible in a group setting. The analysis goes deeper.
Pace: You set the pace. If you master something quickly, we move on. If something takes longer, we stay with it.
Accountability: Your coach knows your game intimately and can track your progress session to session. The coaching relationship deepens over time.
The Limitations
Higher cost per session. And for beginners, sometimes the one-on-one format can feel intimidating — there's no hiding in a private lesson.
The Best of Both: Our Recommendation
For most golfers, the ideal approach is a combination:
Beginners (First 3-6 Months)
Start with group classes to build fundamentals in a comfortable environment. Add a private lesson monthly to address specific questions or issues that arise. This gets you quality instruction at the best value.
Intermediate (Breaking 100-90)
Transition to bi-weekly or weekly private lessons focused on your specific improvement areas. Supplement with group clinics for short game, which benefit from the variety of shots and friendly competition that group settings provide.
Advanced (Breaking 80 and Beyond)
Private lessons become the primary vehicle. The technical work at this level requires individualized attention, video analysis, and launch monitor data. Group sessions shift to playing lessons and competitive simulations.
Golf Classes in Austin: What We Offer
Beginner Series
A multi-week curriculum covering grip, posture, chipping, putting, and full swing. Perfect for adults who are brand new to golf.
Short Game Clinics
Focused sessions on chipping, pitching, bunker play, and putting. Open to all levels. These are some of our most popular sessions because short game improves faster in a group setting with varied lies and challenges.
Playing Lessons
Small groups play 4-6 holes together with a coach. This is where classroom skills meet the real course. We work on course management, shot selection, and on-course decision-making.
Specialty Clinics
Periodic sessions on specific topics: bunker play, driver technique, distance control, putting speed. Check our events page for the current schedule.
The Bottom Line
Don't overthink it. Both formats work. The most important thing is that you're getting quality instruction from a coach who understands your goals. Whether that happens in a group of six or one-on-one, the learning is real.
Browse our classes and events or book a private lesson at BGP. We'll help you find the right format for your game.
