[xtc2d6u8]

I have had 3 lessons before. 2 were promotional "free" lessons and one was an overpriced lesson at a driving range by an instructor that was only half paying attention. I have finally found an PGA pro instructor that I "click" with at a local course. I have had 1 informal lesson from him already and I have a "real", formal lesson scheduled for next Tuesday. Assuming everything goes well, I hope to continue with 1-2 lessons per month. With that said I want to start out with the correct etiquette. Am I supposed to tip the instructor? I'm not sure if I will be paying the instructor himself or the course. Does that matter? If I am supposed to tip, how much?

[tyclislavaify]

I tipped most of the time when I was getting lessons. Just depended on the situation. I always did when he went over the allotted time though.

[xyupi]

I have had the same PGA teacing pro since the early 70's. I don't pay for many sessions simply because he never charges me and refuses to take anything, but I buy gift certificates for him so he and his wife can go out to eat.

I think that if you have a few sessions with your teacher and something he teaches you really clicks, than maybe a gift card for a nice place to eat would be in a nice touch.

[gogona]

I always tipped when I got a lesson. After a few times, he would spend a little more time with me and even when I wasn't taking a lesson, just hitting balls at the range he worked at, he would come over to see what I was working on. TIPS = To Insure Proper Service

[KRbGA0Bg]

I was always told that tips were for those that made less than minimum wage such as waiters and waitresses. An instructor who is already getting $50+ for an hour lesson probably would not get a tip from me.

[SallythePearl]

I have only had one lesson and it really helped. The pro was very helpful and said I could stay as long as I want when my lesson was done and hit balls. He had a huge trash can full of balls to hit and left his teaching aids out for me to use as well. So I tipped him about 60% of what I payed him for the lesson. He also gave me a great discount as my father uses him a good bit.

[Yarikoff]

The culture may have changed over the years but tipping your golf pro is a personal decision. There is no precidence for it, that I know of. I taught for years and maybe recieved a handful of extras after a series of lessons. Charging $75 an hour was plenty and I am sure the clients I had felt the same way.

[inhitoemits]

I tipped once for a pro I knew outside of golf. He went above and beyond to help me out. The current run of lessons I'm going through I don't tip. They are plenty high, and the head pro I'm quite sure pockets the money as part of his 'salary.'

[soonahonsefalh]

I tip after the lesson, I think it helps, maybe you get a little more attention, some extra minutes here and there...

[grinaJanoDant]

Depends on the type of lesson. If it's at your private club, I'd say tip the younger assistant pros and guys doing their apprenticeship, but not the head pro. If it's some guy giving you a great lesson for a good price at a local range, throw him a tip. It's all up to you. If you feel the actual person who's teaching you will be getting a decent enough percentage of what you're paying for the lesson and doesn't exceed your expectations for the lesson, don't tip them.


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[obegeLype]

My instructor always goes above and beyond for me and that doesn't go unnoticed. Last time I saw him I dropped off a bottle of Scotch.

[SpeavaJap]

It has been several years since I took lessons, but I never tipped when I did. Never even crossed my mind. The guy was good, and helped me out a ton, but I guess I just figured the $50/hour was his fee, so that is what he gets.

[Seiblybiozy]

At most of the clubs in my area, the fee paid goes directly to the instructor. So, no I wouldn't tip after each session. But if after a series of 5 lessons and things being taught were really clicking for me, I probably would though in an extra $20 or a gift card of some sort. Or, if you're going to be taking lessons all year long, maybe treat it like the mailman and give a little something during the holidays.

[loan4younow]

I always tip but I do it after my series of lessons. When I took lessons at my old club it was a group of 5 lessons and then at the end of the 5 I would tip.

[boiffrona]

I have taken a dozen or so lessons that I can recount. I have tipped only once. and it felt a bit awkward. Mind you, I have no problems with tipping your instructor, but in the future I would go the bottle of scotch, gift certificate or other token of appreciation versus slipping the guy a $20 on the practice range.

[Lymnempomma]

I never tipped, but I always offered to pay for informal and impromptu lessons at the range or putting green. He never accepted, but I think it went a long way. That being said I have always asked personal at golf courses if they work off tips. If they say yes I give them a tip. In this instance I'd go with Fairways advice of tipping anyone who isn't directly benefiting from the hourly rate.