A GOLF Magazine Golf School Evaluation Panel was established to review each school's basic structure and qualifications (per the GOLF Magazine School Evaluation questionnaire).
The Panel developed a criteria model against which each school was compared. The defining criteria included:
1. Breadth of Programs
Game-specific programs such as short-game-only schools and physical conditioning programs were not considered. The Top 25 Golf Schools in America list is limited to full-game, tee-to-green skill-improvement curriculum.
2. Student-to-Teacher Ratio
The smaller, the better, although the panel did not necessarily consider a 1:1 ratio to be the ideal in a golf-school setting.
3. Technology
The Panel favored those schools that applied advanced technologies (video analysis, 3-D modeling and even platform analyses) into their lesson plans.
4. Instruction Hours
The more the better. Schools that spent more time on the practice tee were favored over those that split time between practice and play. However, schools that included intense playing lessons were favored over those that simply included play after practice.
5. Facilities/Accommodations
The cost of going to golf school isn't anything to sneeze at. The Panel awarded schools with "non-practice" amenities, and those that offered state-of-the-art practice facilities with the complete range of full-swing, short-game and putting practice areas.
6. Level of Experience
Staffs led by knowledgeable and experienced staff were favored over those that employ an even partial percentage of non-PGA teaching professionals.
Each of the Top 25 Golf Schools in America met these criteria at a higher level than non-selected schools.
