293 replies to this topic

[Seven Costanza]

Figured I would start a thread for the new season rather than resurrect last year's.

I'm hitting the links for the first time this year today, @ Lyman Orchards in Middlefield. I've never played there before- one of the two courses is a Gary Player design. Thankfully it's only 45 bucks today for winter rates. Anyone play there before? Thoughts?

I got a box of Pro V1x's for Christmas this year. I'm going to have to resist temptation to use them, lest I shank 6- 9 of them in to the woods on the first 3 holes. As much as I am going to suck today, it's going to be nice to be out on a course again.

[Doug Beerabelli]

The Jones course is better than the Player course. More classic design, less gimmicky.

Were the green open already?


I'm biting the bullet and will get new irons this year, probably for my birthday in May. And I was in both Florida and Vegas in the past month, and didn't play golf. Kinda ridiculous, but I'm not mad about it.

Looking forward to starting the season within the next couple of weeks.

[Seven Costanza]

The Jones course is better than the Player course. More classic design, less gimmicky.

Were the green open already?

The Jones course was the only one open. I enjoyed it; course was in tremendous shape considering the date. The greens were open- I even managed to sink a 30 foot putt from off the fringe for a par save. I shot a 102 but bookended the round with 9's- that's still a good round for me, never mind the first round of the year. More importantly, I only lost one ball over 18 holes and managed to find a few on the course, so that was a positive. The scenery was pretty nice, I can imagine it must be fun to play a round there in the fall. Only negative was the large power lines that appeared to cut through the Jones course... Wintonbury in Bloomfield is like that as well.

My brother played with me Saturday, and has played the last two days at Tunxis in Farmington- says the course they played is in decent shape. Stanley in New Britain opens today- I think I might play there on Friday.

[dolomite133]

Can anyone recommend a driver? I am in need of one of those gigantic oversized models. I'm still using a small-headed driver circa the mid-90s. And if you have any hybrid recommendations, I could use those too.

[SaladParmesan]

Can anyone recommend a driver? I am in need of one of those gigantic oversized models. I'm still using a small-headed driver circa the mid-90s. And if you have any hybrid recommendations, I could use those too.

Completely, 100% depends on your swing- slice/draw, high launch/line drive (unless you go for one of the brand new adjustable drivers- this seems like a hassle). If you have a slice, most major manufacturers- at least TaylorMade and Callaway off the top of my head- make specifically weighted versions to fight this. There are all sorts of funky shaped driverheads these days, but you can still find traditionally shaped models that are at the 460cc size limit and smash the ball. Your launch angle can be optimized by combining a driver head with an appropriate flex shaft. My only recommendation is to hit up the pro shop and try out multiple drivers to find what works. You can get a really good driver, as long as its not brand new, for around $200; you can get one probably $100-150 if you find what you like and then use the internet- www.3balls.com is a great site.

I have never hit a hybrid so I'm afraid I can't help you there.

[EP Sox Fan]

Can anyone recommend a driver? I am in need of one of those gigantic oversized models. I'm still using a small-headed driver circa the mid-90s. And if you have any hybrid recommendations, I could use those too.

I have a set of Adams A2 Idea irons that come with a hybrid 3 and 4 iron. The set is great, especially the hybrids. Lots of memories of having trouble getting my three and four irons in the air when I first started playing. The hybrids are really easy to hit. I can hit the 3 iron 200 yards in the air and have it check up on the green (that is, on the rare occasion that I am able to hit a green from 200 yards out). They are great clubs. The one trick is that you have to hit down on the ball like you're hitting an 8 iron. When I first started using them, I was trying to sweep them like hitting a 3 or 5 wood off the fairway. Once I started hitting down on the ball, I had no trouble making consistent contact and getting the ball in the air.

I've also heard that the Cobra Baffler is an excellent hybrid as well.

[jsinger121]

Jeremy Roenick bought the Pembroke Country Club.

http://www.boston.co..._a_golf_course/

[Dave Stapleton]

Can anyone recommend a driver? I am in need of one of those gigantic oversized models. I'm still using a small-headed driver circa the mid-90s. And if you have any hybrid recommendations, I could use those too.

Based on the recommendations in this thread, even if you don't do a full club fitting, it is worth it to got to decent golf shop and have them run the numbers on your swing. I did this for the first time last year and ended up with the Cleveland High Bore xLS. It was my best season off of the tee but a wide margin. I chose a driver that had much less differential on side spin which helped on the accuracy piece. I may have lost a little bit of distance but it was remarkably consistent for my swing.

This year I will replace the shaft as was suggested during my fitting which I hope will bring back some of the lost distance.

I hate living in MA. I was on a roll last year bringing my index down about 4 ticks (shot a sub 40 9 on four different occassions) and now I have to start all over again.

[Saints Rest]

I spent the weekend in Myrtle Beach with a group of 24 guys playing in a tournament-style setup. We played three full rounds (one per day) for the tourney, plus two 9-hole scrambles for the fun of it. Then the two guys I flew down with and I played a fourth round on Monday. Thus 90 holes in about 75 hours.

I am making a commitment this year to practice smarter in general, specifically with the Medicus Dual-Hinge 5-iron I got last year. It has noticably improved my swing after just 4 trips to the range. I now use it for the first 10-15 minutes on the range everyt ime, both on practice swings as well as hitting balls. Last spring I took two lessons with a pro to try to correct my ages-old outside-in swing plane. The Medicus has really improved that change and helped to groove it into muscle memory and to get it out of an intellectual pursuit.

I shot net rounds of 72, 76, 75 + 74 over this past weekend. Round 1 shined mainly because I sank three putts of over 25'. I am really hoping that more time spent practicing will help make those net rounds be regular occurrences even as my handicap drops.

[Zomp]

Where did you play?

I've gone to Myrtle Beach 2 or 3 times a year for the past 10 years.

[johnmd20]

Where did you play?

I've gone to Myrtle Beach 2 or 3 times a year for the past 10 years.

Seeing your avatar makes me realize I miss DJ. I wonder if I'm going to get censured for saying that?

[ThreeIfBaerga]

Heading to Myrtle with 12 guys in mid-May - Staying at the Avista in N. Myrtle and playing rounds at Beachwood, Black Bear, and Pearl West.

Went to Sports Authority to see if they had any drivers around $150. They had a bunch of Nike Sumos going for $200 but I balked and decided to hold off. I want to go to a place where someone can take a look at my swing and possibly even get it electronically analyzed. Where can you go in the Boston area for something like that?

[JulE6]

Is anyone playing in the four-ball coming up in May? Just got my registration in; Deadline is April 4, tournament is at two courses in the Seekonk area

[Over Guapo Grande]

Heading to Myrtle with 12 guys in mid-May - Staying at the Avista in N. Myrtle and playing rounds at Beachwood, Black Bear, and Pearl West.

One of these things is not like the other. Hopefully Beachwood is just a warmup round.

Also- not sure if you are aware, mid-May is generally when Biker Week in MB falls (week or so before Memorial Day). It's actually a pretty cool, if not somewhat loud, experience.

Overtime Sports Bar, (across the street from Possum Trot - just up 17 from Beachwood) is a good place to catch Sox games when you're there. In my experience they've never failed to have NESN on.

[leithbones]

I want to go to a place where someone can take a look at my swing and possibly even get it electronically analyzed. Where can you go in the Boston area for something like that?

Come see us in Nashua (about 40 minutes up Rt 3). We have V1 video analysis, launch monitors, and PGA Teaching Professionals with experience of 20+ years. More importantly, we're not beholden to any manufacturer based on 'Staff Agreements'. We don't sell equipment- just provide a fitting service and recommendation as a supplement to our primary business of instruction and lessons.
PM me if interested.
Eric

[ThreeIfBaerga]

Is Beachwood a pit? I know nothing about these three courses.

We went last year during biker week and it was actually quite good. Not only were the courses completely empty giving us unlimited play but the crowd down there for biker week was pretty cool. We had reservations about it going in but we decided to do it again this year since it worked out so well.

Leith, I just may take you up on that. I'll be in touch as soon as I know when I can shoot up to Nashua. Much appreciated!
Of course, I absolutely dread the idea of my swing being analyzed. I have this recurring nightmare that I'll swing and the computer will come back and say it didn't register an actual golf swing.

[Doug Beerabelli]

Private country clubs are not surprisingly having a tough time these days. One local club sent an offer out that included a free round of golf for four as part of its marketing strategy. Of course, this offer expires 3/31/09. I wonder how that'll do (although today's a nice day to play).

Might sneak out for the range or a few holes this weekend. I've been playing Wii sports golf with the kids, and they're into it. I think the 3 year old is already better than I am, but he likes to swing hard at things, so it's made for his game.

[Zomp]

My club is hurting.

They've waved the initiation fee, and offered new members a huge percentage off dues. Long time members arent happy.

[Doug Beerabelli]

Our club is doing OK, but membership is down. A nearby club filed bankruptcy, and we've gotten a few of their members. This other nearby club may be hurting badly, too.

We extended our reduced initiation fee program. It's less than half of what I paid in 1998. It's not a bad thing in the big picture -- the more members, the lower the repetitive costs. Basically, you can pay $3K and start full golf with no wait list immediately, which really is a good deal. My brother de-memberized a few years back, but he could rejoin for free due to the fact prior members get credit for any initiation fees paid in the past. With two young girls, I'm not sure he want to pay the monthly costs when he golfs infreqently, and he can play as my guest for 50% of the green fees.

[Over Guapo Grande]

Is Beachwood a pit? I know nothing about these three courses.

We went last year during biker week and it was actually quite good. Not only were the courses completely empty giving us unlimited play but the crowd down there for biker week was pretty cool. We had reservations about it going in but we decided to do it again this year since it worked out so well.

Beachwood is essentially a glorified muni. I'd actually call before heading down-- there are rumblings of it (along with it's neighbor Azalea Sands) closing down. They've really scaled back the amount of $$ that they are putting into upkeep.

[patinorange]

Heading to Myrtle with 12 guys in mid-May - Staying at the Avista in N. Myrtle and playing rounds at Beachwood, Black Bear, and Pearl West.

Went to Sports Authority to see if they had any drivers around $150. They had a bunch of Nike Sumos going for $200 but I balked and decided to hold off. I want to go to a place where someone can take a look at my swing and possibly even get it electronically analyzed. Where can you go in the Boston area for something like that?

It's been almost 20 years, but my memory of the Pearl is that it was an awesome course. ( I don't remember if was east or west, or if there were even 2 courses back then.) Watch out for the oyster shell hazards.

There is nothing better than a bunch of guys heading to Myrtle Beach, especially coming out of a Boston winter.

It's tough to convince my So Cal golfing buddies to pony up for that trip when we can just drive to Palm Springs or Vegas for the weekend, but I really want to get back to Myrtle Beach some day.

[doldmoose34]

on the private clubs hurting, here is an article from the Wicked Local papers
come on down, and play

Black Rock (125k init) has a waiting list TO GET OUT, won't let you bail until someone takes your place

I know a few guys who got into LaBaron Hills early, left and I still think thhey are waiting to get their money back

the Walk opened Friday, hockeyed it around but did stripe my first drive of the season, so I've got that going for me

[jaret001]

Can anyone recommend a driver? I am in need of one of those gigantic oversized models. I'm still using a small-headed driver circa the mid-90s. And if you have any hybrid recommendations, I could use those too.

If you haven't picked up a new driver yet: I've been with Callaway for years - now using the FT series - and have a 3 metal as well. I was given a Callaway hybrid for Christmas to replace my 3 iron but when I tested it with others at Edwin Watts here in Sarasota I didn't like the way it set up or how I hit it. I ended up with the Exotics Tour Edge. http://exoticsgolf.com/index.html

[Comfortably Lomb]

You can do really well on the Calloway pre-owned website: http://callawaygolfp...om/drivers.aspx

I generally find a Taylor Made Whatever (I generally love their drivers but they're not for everyone, just like Callaway) that's a year or two out of date and upgrade for $70-100 every other year rather than spend the $300+ for whatever is state of the art. Two thumbs up for Callaway stuff though.

[Doug Beerabelli]

You can do really well on the Calloway pre-owned website: http://callawaygolfp...om/drivers.aspx

I generally find a Taylor Made Whatever (I generally love their drivers but they're not for everyone, just like Callaway) that's a year or two out of date and upgrade for $70-100 every other year rather than spend the $300+ for whatever is state of the art. Two thumbs up for Callaway stuff though.

I'd bought the new TM Burner for retail at $299 in '07. I'm normally a cheap bastage when it comes to clubs (discounted Adams tight lies, cheap 18 degree Walter Hagen hybrid, bought my TM burner bubble irons oversized for $150 off Ebay after borrowing a set once and liking it better than my irons), but I hit the things so well, I had to get it. And it wasn't $400 or $500 like the top line clubs, so in my mind, there was a built in discount.

The club was selling for $200 later in the season last year, and is $150 right now. So for $100, I got to drive the ball straighter and farther for a season and a half.

Not to say that I couldn't have found something cheaper that would work (I tried), or that someone else would be fine with doing so, but if you find something you like that works, the extra cost per swing vs. the satisfaction probably isn't all that much.

And I'm a consistently inconsistent 18 who plays 3 times a month if I'm lucky, so I can't say the driver has dropped my score five strokes a round, but I definitely hit it better than the old one, and have confidence in it when I tee it up.

[Worst Trade Evah]

Woodbridge Country Club in CT just shut down, which surprised me.

There are some great deals on drivers around: rockbottomgolf has the MacGregor MT460 for $69 -- that's a pretty good driver for that money, seems to me. MacGregor is apparently going through some liquidation thing, because their excellent wedges are also floating around for pretty cheap. You can mix and match a Callaway FT-i head and shaft set there for around $200. I'm lusting for one, because my current driver is an old TaylorMade 580, which is actually probably fine for my skill level (poor).

I haven't played yet this year, and it seems likely I won't play much, between new wife, new home, and apparently losing my job. I dream about it though. I got one of those crazy-looking Cleveland Niblicks this winter, and am anxious to try it out.

Edited by Worst Trade Evah, 31 March 2009 - 02:44 PM.

[RedOctober3829]

Going out to the local pitch and putt today to work the kinks out. I hope I don't kill anyone.

[JulE6]

I haven't touched a golf club since October [brag] when I shot 71 in the 2nd day of the fall member-member [/brag], and I've got the fourball coming up here in just over a month. Targeting Friday afternoon as my return to the links, the weather has been beautiful down here on the Cape.

[johnmd20]

You can do really well on the Calloway pre-owned website: http://callawaygolfp...om/drivers.aspx

I generally find a Taylor Made Whatever (I generally love their drivers but they're not for everyone, just like Callaway) that's a year or two out of date and upgrade for $70-100 every other year rather than spend the $300+ for whatever is state of the art. Two thumbs up for Callaway stuff though.

Year old clubs aren't bad, that's for sure. If you're looking to cut golfing costs, used clubs is a good idea.

I am a Taylor Made man myself. Their hybrids are so good, they should almost be illegal. Almost. And the Monza Spider putter finally made me a good putter last season.

[johnmd20]

I haven't touched a golf club since October [brag] when I shot 71 in the 2nd day of the fall member-member [/brag], and I've got the fourball coming up here in just over a month. Targeting Friday afternoon as my return to the links, the weather has been beautiful down here on the Cape.

I don't think I know a single female in my family or social circle that can break 80, let alone shoot a 71. Very impressive lil' lassie, good job, you should be bragging.

[RedOctober3829]

I tried out my new putter today. It is the Ping Karsten Piper. I really like the feel of it because I found myself lagging putts a whole lot better than my old Ping blade. I still have to putt with it more but it feels good initially.

[RedOctober3829]

Played today at a hackers' course near my house. Teed off at 7:30 AM in the midst of 50 MPH gusting winds and the first hole was a 175 yard par 3 and I stuck it to 5 feet. I should have stopped there because I ended up with a 47 on the front 9 which is all we played.

[doldmoose34]

to kind of follow up on my post above I just saw on the auction pages of Todays Globe, that Glen Ellen in Millis is on the auction block at the end of the month

listed as a 'development opportnity' for what Housing? in this economy? in Millis?

[leithbones]

As always, bring your Rules of Golf questions here. I've posted my credentials before-- highest USGA Certification, PGA Club Pro, Official at PGATour events, LPGA, Nationwide/Champions, regional & state Am championships, etc. Try me; I know the rules. What's more, Leith, Scotland is where the R&A first codified the Rules of Golf in 1744.
If you don't know the difference between a loose impediment and a movable obstruction, I'm your guy.

Edited by leithbones, 19 April 2009 - 02:01 PM.

[mascho]

First round of the season today at Maryland National. The 18th hole pretty much sums up my day. Short par 4, tee off with a 3 wood and crank one right down the middle, just to the end of the fairway. Pretty much position A. Have to clear about 80 yards of marshland to reach the green in regulation. What do I do? skull my lob wedge into the marsh.

I just couldn't string two decent shots together to save my life. But it's early in the season....

[JulE6]

First round of the season today at Maryland National. The 18th hole pretty much sums up my day. Short par 4, tee off with a 3 wood and crank one right down the middle, just to the end of the fairway. Pretty much position A. Have to clear about 80 yards of marshland to reach the green in regulation. What do I do? skull my lob wedge into the marsh.

I just couldn't string two decent shots together to save my life. But it's early in the season....

That is such a beautiful course. I played it during my trip to Camden last year. Fantastic layout

[Comfortably Lomb]

Year old clubs aren't bad, that's for sure. If you're looking to cut golfing costs, used clubs is a good idea.

I am a Taylor Made man myself. Their hybrids are so good, they should almost be illegal. Almost. And the Monza Spider putter finally made me a good putter last season.

I'm finally on the hybrid wagon with a Cobra Baffler DWS 23 degree/4 iron and it's like hitting an even more forgiving high lofted wood. I can't believe it's taken me so long to pitch my 3-4 irons. There's really no reason to be carrying long irons anymore unless you're a particularly good ball-striker.

[PedroSpecialK]

I'm finally on the hybrid wagon with a Cobra Baffler DWS 23 degree/4 iron and it's like hitting an even more forgiving high lofted wood. I can't believe it's taken me so long to pitch my 3-4 irons. There's really no reason to be carrying long irons anymore unless you're a particularly good ball-striker.

I disagree - if only because my primary goal in my game right now is to become a better ballstriker. I've kept my 3 and 4 irons in my bag (Titleist blades) despite numerous coaches and friends telling me to chuck them in favor of hybrids. This past summer I stuck with them, finally learned how to hit them, and as a result have become much better from 180-in with my 6 and down.

If you're a very casual, once every few weeks golfer or are working on developing confidence in your game, hybrids are great. Otherwise, I think it's only beneficial to keep your long irons in your bag, take the time to hit them properly, and see the residual effects on ballstriking trickle down to the rest of your game. Obviously it's all about personal preference, but I feel like long irons are incredibly useful tools that are disappearing much too quickly in lieu of quick fixes.

[Dgilpin]

If you're a very casual, once every few weeks golfer or are working on developing confidence in your game, hybrids are great. Otherwise, I think it's only beneficial to keep your long irons in your bag, take the time to hit them properly, and see the residual effects on ballstriking trickle down to the rest of your game. Obviously it's all about personal preference, but I feel like long irons are incredibly useful tools that are disappearing much too quickly in lieu of quick fixes.

I have to agree, I would recommend golfers of all skill levels to work on using your long irons. I could never effectively or consistently use my 3 or 5 wood from the fairway(and I was too cheap to purchase a hybrid), so I got in the habit of playing my 3 and 4 irons and eventually a 1 iron. I have to say by working on hitting those clubs effectively in turn improved my play on all my irons. Granted I'm about a 20 handicap, but my ball striking and my overall iron improved considerably when I put the time in to learn to hit those clubs.

[mascho]

That is such a beautiful course. I played it during my trip to Camden last year. Fantastic layout

Yeah, probably play there about 6-7 times a season. Always in great shape. Tough, but fair.

[Doug Beerabelli]

It's April 23, and I still haven't hit a golf ball yet this year. The latest by far, but this was in part to being on a cruise and traveling from 4/11-4/20.

The weather this weekend beckons me to the course, hopefully I can answer the call.

[Zomp]

For those who have been to Myrtle Beach, right now the Grande Dunes (top 5 course in the area) is burning in that huge fire...and the Barefoot Landing resort hs reportedly been evacuated.

[Seven Costanza]

I just got my ass HANDED to me by a random high school girl I got paired up with. Talk about emasculation.....


She wasn't hitting from the women's tees either...

[JulE6]

In preparation for the MGA fourball at the beginning of May I'm trying to work out the kinks in my swing. My 7-iron on to my wedges feel spectacular right now, but from my 6-iron up is a disaster with what I feel like is the same swing. Can anyone clue me in on what I could potentially be doing (or not doing) that's fouling this up?

[Seven Costanza]

In preparation for the MGA fourball at the beginning of May I'm trying to work out the kinks in my swing. My 7-iron on to my wedges feel spectacular right now, but from my 6-iron up is a disaster with what I feel like is the same swing. Can anyone clue me in on what I could potentially be doing (or not doing) that's fouling this up?

I have no answers for you, but I have the EXACT same problem. I'm generally pretty lethal with a 7 on down, and I can drive it pretty well too. At this point, long irons are the one thing I think that's holding me back from posting some legitimately respectable scores. If this continues through the summer I may just bite the bullet and pay for a lesson.

[PedroSpecialK]

I was doing the exact same thing. What fixed it for me was remembering to snap my wrists through the ball just as much with my long irons as I do with my wedges. Might not help, but worth a shot.

[D Jack's Dome]

Just went and hit some balls (2 buckets) for the first time this year and--embarrassingly enough--the first time in over 2 years. Hit pretty well, but it made me realize how badly I needed some new clubs. Went online and bought a cheap little set almost immediately after returning from the range. I have no idea how good/bad these clubs will be, but they can't be any worse then what I have now. I'm 6'3 and have been working with a junior set my grandparents gave me in high school (well over 8 years ago now.) I was so hunched over I felt like I belonged in a bell tower in Notre Dame. Regardless of the clubs --both length and size of driver head-- I still hit the ball fairly well and true both in distance (over 200 yards on more then a handful of balls) and accuracy (plunked quite a few low irons right around some flags.) I'm really looking forward to the summer and playing some courses.

Anyway, this may seem like quite a broad question, and if it is feel free to ignore it. But does anyone have any tips on practicing with new clubs? Is it as simple as practice, practice, practice? Is it really worth it to get my swing looked at and/or my clubs fitted? I'm both rusty and a poor --generally new-- golfer to begin with, so I have to assume the cost may not be worth it for my first full summer on the links. I'm not an avid golfer, but I would like to get in a round at least once a week throughout the summer. Any tips or ideas are appreciated.

[Over Guapo Grande]

In preparation for the MGA fourball at the beginning of May I'm trying to work out the kinks in my swing. My 7-iron on to my wedges feel spectacular right now, but from my 6-iron up is a disaster with what I feel like is the same swing. Can anyone clue me in on what I could potentially be doing (or not doing) that's fouling this up?

What kind of misses were they? Sha Hosel hits? Yanks? All over the place?

[Lupe Whalewatch]

In preparation for the MGA fourball at the beginning of May I'm trying to work out the kinks in my swing. My 7-iron on to my wedges feel spectacular right now, but from my 6-iron up is a disaster with what I feel like is the same swing. Can anyone clue me in on what I could potentially be doing (or not doing) that's fouling this up?

You are a better golfer than me so take it for what it's worth, but to start out the year I have taken an extra club on just about every shot. I'm hitting alot of 3/4 shots, and alot of choke down shots and the result has been a much smoother tempo. I'm a 6 hcp, and have started out the year 80-80, so I guess it has worked out ok.

[ThreeIfBaerga]

I got an offer for a free golf lesson w/ video analysis on Saturday so I decided to go for it. First lesson ever.

What a truly eye opening experience. When I got there, he told me to grab my 8 iron and just hit some balls. Then he called me over to the screen so I could watch myself. My reaction was, "Why haven't my friends ever told I look like such an asshole?". I looked like I was getting ready to take a slapshot.

Only a few tweaks made and my post-lesson swing juxtaposed to my pre-lesson swing were night and day.

-Changed my grip and told me not to do the "intertwined" thing anymore. Said it's for people with smallish hands. This also got the club less in my palm and more on my fingers. Noticeably more feel right away.
-Got me to keep my head up a bit more, which helped my posture. I have always kept my head buried with my chin in my chest to help "keep my eye on the ball". He told me that's a big misconception and helped me learn to move my head along with the club.
-Had my point my left foot out a bit, which made a world of difference in terms of making my hips come around.

I went out and played 18 yesterday and, while I still played like the duffer I am overall (lucky if I hover around 100), I had 5 of the best shots of my life, including hitting the pin on the fly on a 140 yard par 3.
Those 5 shots gave me some hope and I figure I'll use it as a building block moving forward.

After I work on this stuff, I might head up and see Leith in a few months for some additional lessons. Overall, I got a lot more out of it than I thought I would.