Florida Golf - Schools & Academies

Florida's Golf Schools
By James Y. Bartlett, Member of the Golf Writers Association of America

Every golfer occasionally goes through “one of those days” when tee shots find the woods, the rough or worse; swings with the irons more resembling an attempt to dig one’s way to China; and a smooth putting stroke is as difficult to find as an honest used car salesman.

But when those kinds of days become the norm instead of the exception, it may be time to seek help. Luckily, Florida is filled with excellent golf schools wherein an afflicted hacker can find the cure to everything from the persistent slice to the putting yips.

Golf Lessons

One can find one-day clinics focusing on a specific aspect of the golf swing, as well as seven-day schools wrapped in the luxury of a fine golf resort. Obviously, price is one consideration, but those wishing to get better at golf should also look for a golf school or instructional program where one-on-one time with a teacher is provided. Everyone’s swing is different, and a good teacher will take what you’ve got and help you make it better.

These days, of course, technology is also important. In addition to the now old-fashioned use of video, modern-day schools offer computer modeling, swing analysis and other high-tech gizmos designed to eliminate the flaws in one’s motion. Many schools also spend time on the mental aspects of the game: concentration, relaxation and goal-orientation. Here are some of the state’s best programs:

David Leadbetter Golf Academy. One of the top “gurus” for touring professionals ranging from Aaron Baddely to Michele Wie, Leadbetter himself is currently based at the ChampionsGate resort near Orlando, but also operates a golf academy at the La Playa Golf Resort in Naples. His schools range from two days to a week and offer excellent programs for golfers of every skill level, from beginners to winners. (888-633-5323; www.davidleadbetter.com)

Rick Smith Golf Academy, Naples. The guru who helped guide Phil Mickelson to his first major runs a golf instructional program at the Tiburon Resort near Naples. Student-teacher ratios of 2:1 insure lots of personal attention, and the 36 holes at the resort provide plenty of places to test out a new swing. (877-464-6531; www.ricksmith.com).

Amelia Island Plantation Golf School, Amelia Island. Longtime father-and-son teaching pros Ron Philo, Sr. and Jr. offer two-, three- and four-day schools that start with the basics and work up from there. Best success story? Daughter Laura Diaz, one

Never too young to start

of the stars on the LPGA Tour. (800-874-6878; www.4bettergolf.com)

Doral Learning Center with Jim McLean, Miami. Working with both professional clients and resort guests, McLean uses a vast array of technological gear to help students focus in on his eight swing steps. (800-72-DORAL; www.golfspan.com)

Dave Pelz Scoring Game School, Boca Raton Resort & Club, Boca Raton. The guru of the game from 100 yards and in helps students master the scoring clubs: wedges and putters. Three-day schools and one-day clinics are offered. (800-824-8899; www.pelzgolf.com)

Grand Cypress Academy of Golf, Grand Cypress Resort, Orlando. Computer modeling combined with one-on-one instruction can help smooth out anyone’s swing. Three practice holes also help. (800-790-7377; www.grandcypress.com).

Academy of Golf at PGA National, PGA National Resort, Palm Beach Gardens. Mike Adams supervises the stellar three-day programs for players of all levels. The resort offers excellent packages for students. (800-901-9742; www.pgagolfacademy.com)

Ben Sutton Golf School, Sun City. One of the oldest, longest-running golf school programs is based at the Sun City Resort near Tampa. Excellent basic instruction is provided in the school’s three-, five- and seven-day programs. (800-225-6923; www.golfschool.com)

Natural Golf Schools, multiple locations. This program promises to help “eliminate frustration” in golf by simplifying the golf swing to get results. One- to three-day programs are offering throughout Florida. (888-628-4653, www.naturalgolf.com)

John Jacobs Golf School, Fort Lauderdale and Naples. The Jacobs method, which uses certified instructors to teach the same thing at every one of their schools across the country, is especially helpful to beginning golfers and high handicappers, but even better players can benefit. Florida programs are offered in Fort Lauderdale and near Naples. (800-511-1639, www.jacobsgolf.com)

American Tour Golf Schools, Orlando. Think you have what it takes to compete on the pro tours? This program, based on biomechanical feedback and a wide array of teaching aids, is designed for better players who want to eliminate the kinks. It operates at the excellent teaching and practice facilities at the Orange County National golf center north of Orlando. (888-PAR-3672, www.americantourgolfschools.com)

For more information on the listings mentioned in this article, click here: ChampionsGate Golf Resort, Boca Raton Resort & Club, PGA National Resort & Spa , Doral Golf Resort and Spa, Amelia Island Plantation, Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge, La Playa Beach & Golf Resort

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