I started golfing when 11 years old; a pure 7-iron from 100 yards to one foot from the pin hooked me on the “feeling” of golf. I practiced and played "my game" (left to right fade). I focused on keeping the ball in play, avoided big numbers and took bogey and moved on. I shot in the upper 80s until graduated from high school. In college, improved equipment got me to low-mid 80s. No attention to mechanical movements yet, just playing my game (fire at left of green and fade to the middle). At the age of 31, I took a series of 3 lessons, nothing but alignment and grip and short game fundamentals. My very next round out I shot 77 with five birdies and won the tournament I played in. Improved putting mechanics/ mental awareness and short game. Currently a single digit handicapper with a low round of 70. Still struggle with consistency at times, but enjoy the game so much more than I ever have thanks to a few good coaches and tireless hours of practice.
Tell me, if you haven't taken a lesson before, what is stopping you? If you have had instruction, did it help? What advice would you give to someone considering taking lessons