Is it Time to Go Back To School?

By Greg Stenzel P.G.A
Consultant V.P.
To A Tee, Bermuda Ltd. www.toateebermuda.com

 

Golfers looking to improve their games often think about enrolling in golf schools prior to the start of each season.

In the United States, the popularity of such schools has resulted in many of the most famous instructors providing multi-day opportunities. Some of the most famous include Butch Harmon and his Golf School in Las Vegas and David Leadbetter who has opened academies in Africa, England, France, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Austria, China, Korea, Japan and his original locations in Florida. Other great golf schools are available in Pinehurst, Kiawah Island, Pebble Beach, Palm Springs and Scottsdale to name a few.
If you are looking to improve your knowledge of the basics, improve a specific area of your game or hope that you might find lightening in a bottle with a two-day refresher, opportunities may exist as close as your local driving range through a recognized PGA Professional Instructor.

So what should you look for when selecting a golf school?

The Instructors – Take the time to research the faculty. While many Golf Schools boast about their curriculum and guaranteed improvements, it is important to review the actual teachers, their students, reviews and expertise. Butch Harmon knows a lot about the swing, but enrolling in his school doesn’t mean that old Butchy is going to spend three days overhauling your swing. His golf schools provide qualified instructors but ask for the resume of the instructor that specializes in the swing area you hope to improve.

The Facility Itself – If you decide that your short game needs help, make sure the facility provides a variety of short game areas including bunkers, chipping areas and a variety of set up locations and don’t forget a large undulating practice putting green. Check to see if the school provides video analysis. Finally, many students prefer that their golf school is part of a larger resort. The facility and program may include spa facilities as well as nutrition education. Don’t forget that you can’t practice all night. You better make sure the lodging facilities are adequate as well as dining and nightlife. It’s not all work and no play!

Golf As Part of The Package – No sense practicing without the ability to take it to the course. Many schools include the chance to get on the course. However, they don’t provide additional access after classes are over. The best schools give students plenty of time to get on the course and discounts during their stay.

Belmont Hills Golf Club provides a Golf Academy and Port Royal Golf Course will also provide a Golf School for those who wish to include swing education in their vacation.

 

I recommend that everyone should enroll in some form of golf swing tuition and instruction prior to the start of the season. Why not get those swing faults cured before making your trip to the first tee!

 

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