If you are thinking about taking lessons the first thing you need to do is find a good teacher. Teacher being the key word. But what makes a good one?

Most people automatically assume that anyone who is a PGA certified teaching pro is good. After all, they are the only organization that advertises so everyone has heard of them.

I have a lot of respect for the PGA, although I am not a member, but PGA membership doesn't make you a good teacher. Nor must a good teacher be a member of any teaching organization.

In fact, the PGA's rigid teaching method can often do more harm than good. But if they don't teach it, the PGA may revoke their certification as a teacher. That's why some of the best teachers are not in the PGA.

If you don't believe me, the average score of the average golfer has remained the same for the last 75 years. This in spite of all of the advances in turf and equipment. All of this time the PGA has proclaimed itself to be the teaching leader.

Mind you, I am not knocking the PGA. They have many great teachers in their organization. But just like any other "franchise", there are good ones and bad ones. Don't stay with a bad teacher because he is in the PGA if there is a good teacher who is not.

A good teaching pro knows how to communicate. That is the key to teaching. A good teacher will be able to explain the same thing in 10 different ways while a poor one will explain 10 different things in the same way.

So how do you find these people? You can call around to courses and driving ranges and you will certainly find many to choose from if you live in a decent sized town.

Probably every course you call will make a recommendation. If you have several courses in town, see how many times each guy get the nod. If the same name keeps popping up you may have found a good teacher.

Arrange to meet them. If they can effectively communicate during the initial meeting they can probably do so on the range. You should watch him or her give a lesson or two if possible.

Ask for references. He should have at least a couple of names he can give you. If he says he does not, but tells you he is just starting out, he may be worth a try. If he doesn't and isn't just starting out, run for the hills.

And guys, don't be afraid of learning from a female teacher. Women are often more adept at communicating than men. This is a big advantage to them right from the start.

I have no doubt that women can learn to teach any aspect of the golf game. Watch the LPGA on TV and you will see those gals are good.

Lastly, and I recommend this method for those who are not financially well off, try to find a good amateur hitting balls on the range and ask him if he would care to help you with your swing.

It will not only boost his ego, but his help could be just what you need. He may be a great teacher and just not know it.

Don't just walk up to him in the middle of his practice session. Wait until his balls are nearly gone, then approach him. Tell him how impressed you are with his ability and ask him if he is willing to help.

You will get a yes or a no. If they like to talk golf and are not pressed for time, odds are they will help you because that is essentially what a lesson is.

I once made a great friend because he came up to me and complimented my ability. In fact, my experience with him is what showed me that I could teach.

Don't under-estimate what a knowledgeable amateur can give you for free. And you don't have to pay him just to find out if he can do the job like you would a pro. And that money is non-refundable once it hits his pocket, even if he is the worst teacher in the world.