[unishisse]

I'd say if you only had a $500 budget, it would be much better spent on lessons, playing time and range time.
I'm not a huge supporter of continually upgrading equipment. You are better off getting used to the clubs you have which will create better consistency in your game.
My golf clubs are amongst the cheapest on the market, but were made at the same factory in China as your "top of line" clubs. I'd much rather swing and play like a real golfer, and not just dress up like one.

[agrismhig]

I'd go for the lessons too, given the two choices. But although as Jeff points out, that's a lot of greens fees.

[sandracuk]

I would go with the lessons. I know lots of guys who use old clubs but have the proper swing technique and they beat the guys with $2k worth of clubs in their bag everytime!
A proper lesson (one on one) should be about $70-$90 but if you go shopping around and talk to your local pro's you can normally get a good deal on a set of lessons. Unless of course you are trying to get time with Hank Haney or Butch Harmon then your budget might have to be adjusted!

[cjOTw7ov]

A proper lesson (one on one) should be about $70-$90 but if you go shopping around and talk to your local pro's you can normally get a good deal on a set of lessons. Unless of course you are trying to get time with Hank Haney or Butch Harmon then your budget might have to be adjusted!

You also have to take regional differences into account. $500 won't buy many lessons around here.

[space-on-s]

I would take lessons, my equipment may not be the latest technology on the market but until I get to the point that I can make a good, repeatable swing on the ball it doesn't matter.

[Nzmoafzn]

I`d love to put something new in the bag but it`s got to be lessons.$500 wisely invested in lessons will go a long way to improving your golf game and hopefully help in taking a few bucks off your golfing buddies.

[wooclosmercob]

I am thinking of dropping ~ $1000.- on a set of lessons / practice sessions at a local indoor golf place. My self-taught swing has self-destructed. I haven't made a good shoulder turn since May, but preferred to keep playing instead of fixing it! It has gotten pretty bad. I hope I can get back on the rails this winter, while I am not playing, which should help. It took about 4 months to spiral down. I hope I can get it back to somewhat normal in the next 4 months!

My set-makeup varies, but I hardly ever play with a bag that I have paid more than $500.- for, including it and all its contents.

[sandracuk]

You also have to take regional differences into account. $500 won't buy many lessons around here.

well what are the prices like in your area?

[cjOTw7ov]

well what are the prices like in your area?

$120 with the teaching pro at the local muni.

[loikrso]

$120 with the teaching pro at the local muni.

For how long?

And that is ridiculous.