Appropriate to Tip Pro for Lessons

[Bluebear]

Is it appropriate to tip a pro for lessons? how much is usual?

 

I took two lessons last year at a public, but nice course and tipped the pro. The half hour lesson was $50 and I tipped $10. The one hour lesson was $90 and I tipped him $20. He said "Thanks, this pays for lunch", but I could not tell from his look if he appreciated the tip or was insulted.

 

Planning to take more lessons soon, but I'd like to know about the tipping.

 

Also, I've scheduled a fitting session for irons. What about tipping the clubfitter/ pro?

 

Thanks,

Bluebear

[DRGJR72]

Blue,

 

As a now former PGA member and instructor (officially sent in my resignation letter) I would say that tips are an added bonus. You have no responsibility, nor are you expected to tip for a lesson, unless you thought it was above and beyond what you would expect (i.e. went over the time limit, took you on the course as well, gave you a free putting tip, etc..)

 

I would never expect a tip from a client, and I would graciously decline at first and if they insisted I would reluctantly take it as to not offend. I would have said this will buy a few beers, but hey that is me!!! My regular clients usually would "take care of me" at the end of the year, or every six months, meaning they would throw me a little extra, especially if they were improving and winning money from their usual game more often. But again, it was never expected and would not make one bit of difference to me whether I got a tip or not...(these are just examples)

 

Hope that helps.

 

Dan

[Bluebear]

Dan,

Your comments were very helpful. More than just "it's OK", or "it's n ot expected."

Thanks.

 

Bluebear

[Charlie_Foxtrot]

Bluebear-

 

I had the same question when I started taking lessons.

 

I resolved the issue by not tipping after each lesson, but instead, mailing my pro a holiday card in December with a check for the amount of one lesson with a note that said "Holiday Bonus."

 

That seemed to go over well.

[bobgt91]

I am about to get lessons and I had the same queations but now I know if he is good I will tip him.

[TexasAg]

IMO, you're already paying for his time and expertise. I'm not sure why you would think a tip is necessary on top of that.

[FlyFish]

Why would you tip them? They are professionals not service employees.

[Charlie_Foxtrot]

IMO, you're already paying for his time and expertise. I'm not sure why you would think a tip is necessary on top of that.

 

 

Why would you tip them? They are professionals not service employees.

 

As a certified professional snowboard instructor, I can tell you that sports instructors are in the service industry and that tips are not expected, but they are commonplace.

 

I can also tell you that I don't know a single instructor who would try harder if you tipped them, or not try as hard if you didn't. People who teach do so because they love the interaction and watching the students progress, and watching the joy the students get out of getting better.

 

If you have the money to spare and you want to, tip. Your local PGA professional is more than likely not making a boatload of money and a free lunch per diem is an appropriate way to say thanks.

 

If you don't have the spare money but you appreciate what your instructor is dong for you, let him/her know by showing up on time, not missing appointments without canceling far enough in advance to allow a replacement student to get the spot, be polite and listen during the lesson, smile and shake their hand when you thank them at the end of the lesson, and practice what s/he has taught you so you will be ready for the next lesson. (Of course, still do those things if you are tipping.)

[TXPoppet]

On the occasion of my first Eagle this year, I sent my pro a thank you note with a generous tip and a suggestion that he take his wife to dinner on me. (They have a new baby, so I knew extra cash would come in handy).

 

Why not give your pro a "practical thank you" when he/she deserves it? Of course, hubby would drop dead before writing a thank you note, but I've seen him give guys a hearty ($) "loaded handshake" for a job well done.

[Bluebear]

Thanks for all of your comments... professionals and clients both. I recognize the difference between professionals and people in the service industry. If I'm very satisfied with my golf pro's instruction, I think it better to say "thank you" in a monetary way after several lessons or at the end of the season.

 

 

Thanks,

Bluebear

[oneplanedan]

Why would you tip them? They are professionals not service employees.

 

 

You would be the guy that I don't care where you hit it ................as you can tell that there are gift cards $after winning...............tips are needed to help PGA pro's stay PGA pro's and look forward toward doing that extra little bit with everyone who ask

[TexasAg]

Why would you tip them? They are professionals not service employees.

 

 

You would be the guy that I don't care where you hit it ................as you can tell that there are gift cards $after winning...............tips are needed to help PGA pro's stay PGA pro's and look forward toward doing that extra little bit with everyone who ask

 

I take lessons from a guy that's reasonably well known (and a hell of a good teacher). However, considering that I'm already dropping 5 bills for a half-day with him, it's never even occurred to me that I should tip him on top of that. I really don't think he expects it anyways. I've referred people his way (including signing my father up for some lessons) and frankly I think that is more valueable than any monetary tip I could give him.

[FlyFish]

You would be the guy that I don't care where you hit it ................as you can tell that there are gift cards $after winning...............tips are needed to help PGA pro's stay PGA pro's and look forward toward doing that extra little bit with everyone who ask

 

I'd dump you after one lesson if that was your attitude.

 

I don't know what you charge, but I pay my golf pro $125 an hour. That is a professional rate as far as I'm concerned.

[DRGJR72]

Why would you tip them? They are professionals not service employees.

 

 

You would be the guy that I don't care where you hit it ................as you can tell that there are gift cards $after winning...............tips are needed to help PGA pro's stay PGA pro's and look forward toward doing that extra little bit with everyone who ask

 

I am offended by this reply and not just its ignorance of English grammar. I am now a recently resigned PGA member (8 year member, and 6 year apprentice, 14 years in the business) who when read this reply almost fell off of my chair. This is an example of what is wrong with the golf industry and, in fact, many aspects of the world in general. A tip is an optional benefit, not an entitlement.

 

As a teacher of the game for almost 14 years, I taught for the joy of seeing a junior hit his first 200 yd drive, or a beginner hit his/her first shot, or the low handicapper shoot his low round ever. I never in all of my years gave less than 100% in my lesson based on whether or not I "thought" I might receive a tip. Although being a golf professional will not yield one the highest paycheck and I did receive tips. However, as any golf professional will attest, we are not making Donald Trump money here, nor should one in the industry expect to. True golf professionals teach because they love the game, not for the extra 20 toward their dreams of grandeur. If you are going to take an attitude with your lessons where you would intentionally give a poor lesson to anyone, I really think that you should head to a different industry. Any good professional would take all of your lessons from you, just from the bad attitude alone. Why waste your time going through the day waiting for a tip. Your philosophy totally goes against the game of golf, the profession of being a PGA professional, and all people that enjoy their career. True PGA professionals promote the game to best of their ability and are true professionals.

 

I apologize for any one that wants to take a lesson and would have to imagine that their teacher would have a mentality such as this one. It is completely unacceptable in my opinion to have an attitude such as that, towards teaching the game of golf to people who are already paying you for your time.

 

Dan