Maybe the best line ever uttered about golf instruction was by the teacher who, when asked what he charged for a lesson, responded: “Five half-hour lessons are $250. One lesson is $1,000.”

        When he was asked why one lesson was so expensive, he said: “Because if you expect a miracle, you're going to pay for it.”

        We introduce local teaching pro Tim X. Wilkins today because there is so much mystery, fear and lack of knowledge among weekend hackers about the swing. Many players would rather plunk down $500 for a high-tech driver.

        Wilkins, 48, a graduate of St. Xavier High School and the University of Cincinnati, has been giving lessons since he turned pro in 1974. He teaches at the Golf Ranch at Tri-County. He also has a cable-TV show, On the Tee.

        For $79.99, he'll videotape your swing, break it down and discuss your goals as a part of a one-hour lesson. Also part of that price: two supervised practice sessions (Tuesday night — Saturday afternoon) during which Wilkins or his assistant, Trip Navaro, will watch you swing and offer a few minutes of tips.

        Beyond that, it's up to you. Based on a player's goals, Wilkins said he will tailor a program. Single, half-hour lessons are $55; a five-lesson series is $249; a 10-lesson series is $459.

        “Nothing against $500 drivers — that's just the way the industry has evolved and the way it's going,” Wilkins said. “All we (teaching pros) are saying is, "Before you spend $500 on a club, spend at least some of that money on your swing.'

        “The swing isn't complicated. It's simple, really: grip, balance, alignment and swing plane. The rest is timing. But it's like anything else you learn. It takes some time and patience and practice before you get it.”

        Call On the Tee golf academy at 470-8438.

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