Above: Sea Island
SEA ISLAND
Georgia
Sea Island in Georgia is more than just a Forbes Five Star resort and golf course, it’s also the home course for some of the world’s most famous players like Matt Kuchar, Jonathan Byrd and Davis Love. All can be seen working on their strokes at any given time. Golfers looking to elevate their game head to Sea Island for the personalized instruction and the legendary Golf Performance Center, where the instructors have developed golf exercise protocol for the top 100 tour players for over two decades.
When guests arrive at Sea Island, they are evaluated with the proprietary Player Performance Index that uses 3-D motion capture to assess long game, short game, putting and fitness. The results are the basis for a highly personalize program created for each player.
Sea Island offers a variety of lodging choices, from high-end homes to budget stays at the Inn at Sea Island; accommodations are not included in the price of golf camp.
Two-day programs range from $1,625 to $3,200.
BUTCH HARMON SCHOOL OF GOLF
Nevada
Butch Harmon’s school in Las Vegas offers something for everyone. Butch is best-known for having been Tiger Woods’ golf coach from 1993 to 2004. He uses what he knows about playing and teaching pros like Ernie Els, Greg Norman and Phil Mickelson (to name a few) to create one of the most sought-after programs in the country.
Serious players can learn from Butch himself. The three-day program includes instruction on all aspects of the game, club fitting, on-course instruction, and limo transfer to and from Caesars Palace. $6,000 per person.
The staff school option offers instructors trained by Butch and students play on the same courses, Rio Secco and Cascata. Cascata has been named the No. 1 course in Las Vegas. These programs offer the same training, minus Butch, and accommodations at the less swank Paris Hotel.
$1,500 to $2,500 per person for a two or three-day camp.
JIM MCLEAN GOLF SCHOOL
Florida
This school at the Trump National in Doral offers the most high-tech options of any program we reviewed. Jim McLean himself provides hands-on instruction at every camp (he is one of the most successful instructors of all time, having trained PGA and LPGA winners Tom Kite and Cristie Kerr), and they analyze your swing with the same technology used to make the movie Avatar.
In addition to Jim’s skill, players get the benefit of the Gears 3D mapping technology, TrackMan launch monitor analysis and BodiTrak mats. These technologies break down every aspect of a golfer’s swing.
The three-day player school includes two rounds of golf at Trump National Doral and nineteen hours of instruction with Jim McLean. School includes daily breakfast and lunch. Players stay at Trump National Doral, lodging not included. But if you ask, wthey’ll throw in a limo. $4,695 per student.
GREENBRIER GOLF ACADEMY
West Virginia
The Greenbrier is more than a famous golf course. Here you can play four different courses and receive private instruction from legend Lee Trevino.
It has hosted golf royalty, including Hogan, Snead, Palmer and Nicklaus, among others. It’s also home to the most historic golf course in the country, the Oakhurst Links. Step back in time where golfers don turn-of-the-century golfing attire, which includes knickers, tall socks, caps and ties. The club provides hickory shafted clubs and Gutta Percha balls. Play conforms to old-style rules—if a piece flies off your ball, you continue with the largest chunk that can be found.
Instruction takes place at the facility featuring a 60,000-square-foot practice tee. Swing instruction is enhanced by video swing analysis, TrackMan launch monitors and T.O.M.I. putting systems.
The two-day program is $1,200 per student and includes nine hours of golf instruction and a complimentary round of golf on arrival day. Private lessons with Golf Professional Emeritus Lee Trevino are $2,500 for nine holes or $5,000 for eighteen holes (three players max).
