sbrentt: Good decision to take lessons! I agree with the feedback you got from drstroud and leaguegolf. I guess the only thing I'd add is that you should make sure to put in the practice time to apply what you're learning. Also, it might be good to write down questions that occur to you between lessons, so you won't forget to ask them the next time you see your teacher.

angel28: Sorry you had that bad experience. Don't give up. If I were looking for a teacher (and I should be!), I'd go to a few municipal courses near my home and ask if anyone there gives lessons. If you know some experienced golfers, ask where they play and whether anyone at their course gives lessons. Maybe someone you know has taken lessons and can give you the name of a teacher they thought was good. If there's adult education or community education in your area, sometimes golf classes are offered. These might be a less expensive way to get instruction, plus which you could meet other people at your skill level. Also, you could look on the website for your state golf association; maybe they have some info about association-approved instructors. You could even try doing a Google search; go to www.google.com and doing a search. In the search box, type "golf lessons" (include the quote mark) and then the name of your town or county. When you find someone who you think might be a good teacher, don't be embarrassed to ask about their teaching credentials. If they're PGA members, that's a good sign, I think. Good luck to you!