When watching golf on television, one cannot help but wonder how men and women can make millions of dollars playing a game that looks so simple. Honestly, who can't hit a ball into a hole with 4 or 5 tries? Ahh, but golf is another one of those ?finer arts?, and it can take years and years of practice before you break par - let alone try for those birdie thingies! For people looking to get into the sport, golf lessons are probably the best way to go - unless you were raised on the greens like dear Tiger.

So, is there any real difference between instructors, or will anyone do?

Hey look, there are $7 an hour fry cooks at McDonald's and $100,000 per year chefs - both can teach you how to cook, but the results you'll experience will be far different. While a higher price does not always mean higher quality, it is a good rule of thumb to go by when looking for the ?Zen Master? instructor for your golf lessons.

How do I choose an instructor?

As with almost any decision we make, the budget is always a factor. How much money can you afford? Are these golf lessons to help you meet clients, or are you just looking to learn how to play the game? If you really don't like golf but know it would be a great business asset, then you will want a better instructor. After all, the golf lessons then become a business investment, correct? You will generally find the more experienced and sought-after instructors giving golf lessons at the higher end clubs and resorts. A Las Vegas golf lesson at the Walter's Golf Academy might be given by Chuck Matlack, Mike Davis, or Jimmie Pollard - all of whom are seasoned pro's with great portfolios - and with great rates to match!

Do I have to have private golf lessons, or are there other options?

Now that is a very good question. You can either receive golf lessons from an instructor in a one-on-one setting, or attend a ?Golf School? where lessons are given in groups. Clearly, you will get more personalized golf lessons with a personal instructor, but the process can take months, and progress may be slow. But if you want to save some money and need a crash course, then golf lessons from one of the many available schools is the route to take.

What else should I know?

You should definitely know your own commitment level. Look - golf lessons are not cheap. Whatever you learn - be it from Jimmie Pollard during a Las Vegas golf lesson or at Greg's Golf Shack - you will need to reinforce what you learn with practice. Otherwise, you are just wasting your money. So be sure that you really want to play the game, be it for business or pleasure, before deciding to take golf lessons.

As with anything else, you'll want your golf instructor or school to be the best investment of both time and money possible. Therefore, don't be afraid to ask for references, or even to interview the potential instructors before making a decision. After factoring in budget, instruction style, and your own commitment level, select the best golf lessons option for you and your needs. You'll be glad you did.