Golf Schools
Golf is an extremely popular game, but its inherent complexity lends itself well to instruction in a formal setting such as a golf school. Many golf schools are available, both in the United States and around the world. Some are designed for beginners who require the most basic instruction regarding proper swing and stance, while others are intended to provide advanced instruction for experienced golfers who need to fine tune their game. Golf is a far more difficult sport to master than some might believe. Attending a golf school, where a player's swing can be evaluated and improved by experts, can be an excellent investment for serious players. For younger players, golf academies are available that offer daily instruction in the game's fundamentals.
Another advantage to many golf schools is that they are located near popular vacation destinations; thus vacationing aficionados of the sport can avail themselves of instructional opportunities while their families visit a theme park or other nearby attraction. Additionally, some golf schools are located on large resorts that cater to players by offering private, professionally designed courses of their own; players simply walk from their room to the first tee and start playing.
Selection of a golf school depends largely on the player's needs and expectations. While any golf course with a resident pro can offer an on-site golf school, the level of instruction may not match the needs of an advanced player in need of specialized assistance. The US Golf Association (USGA) offers a level of certification to certain golf schools that meet certain basic requirements. Additionally, the United States Schools of Golf (USSOG) operates sixty professionally managed golf schools that guarantee small class sizes as well as individualized instruction.
Larger golf schools typically provide access to additional facilities not available at less refined locations. These may include video swing training and evaluation systems that allow instructors to diagnose and correct deficiencies that may not be apparent to the casual observer, as well as junior schools that cater to the special needs of children. Other offerings may include significant discounts on clubs and other equipment, as well as club fitting facilities and exercise programs designed with golfers' special needs in mind.
Typically, golf school packages range from a single day of intensive instruction to a week-long immersion in the game. The cost and duration of specific programs is highly variable, depending on the club's status, location, and instructional quality.
