Newbie

BunkerMentality

For someone who's never held a golf club before would you recommend going to a pro straight away for a few lessons or just hit a few balls on his own?

One of my friends wants to learn and asked what I thought... i figure go to a pro. I just started hitting balls on my own when I picked up the game and had to basically start from scratch again when I went for my first lesson. That could be just because I completely lack any natural ability at all though.

PhilipMarlowe

I'd say go for one or two lessons to get the basics, setup and grip etc., enough to start him off and get him hitting the ball.
Then I'd let him off to just 'hit balls' and have a bit of fun (and of course allegedly practice what he has been taught).

Can go for more lessons later if he feels he wants to continue playing and get better.

stockdam

Many driving ranges will do beginners courses. They'll take several people and teach them the basics (grip, stance, posture etc.). These group lessons are cheaper than individual ones - until you get fairly competent I'd just go for group lessons and then practice what I'd been taught at a driving range.