Essential, if they enjoy playing and are reasonably able to play.

What I've seen with my CEO wife, is that she enjoys playing a very casual game.  With someone hovering over her shoulder - and of course, making suggestions to correct a flaw, it isn't fun for her (or anyone else).

When she and I get paired with another couple of guys, I swear by the second hole they have become "pros" and are filled with advice.

She and I have an agreement; I make no comments or suggestions or helpful well-intentioned corrections unless I get asked for them. Period.

When coupled with the "pros", we typically ask them to play through on the third hole. Spending 4-6 hours with the pros like that would make for a horrendous afternoon.

It may be better to send tickets or an invitation to attend a tournament being played locally.  My wife got offered a pair of tickets from a vendor to a PGA practice round a couple of years ago. To this day she can tell you exactly what Tiger Wood's drive sounded like exploding off the tee.

The vendor? Still used as our primary and have increased our budget for them each year since.