Chunking wedges? Slicing irons? Fix every fault in your game in as little as three days at the nation's top learning centers, the ultimate stops for expert advice, state-of-the-art technology, personalized attention and lest we forget a lot of fun. (An explanation of the selection criteria is here.)
Rates are for 3-day programs unless noted. For a complete list of school programs and other locations, visit the websites listed on this page.
WRIGHT BALANCE GOLF ACADEMY
Mission Viejo, Calif.
wrightbalance.com
WHAT IT COSTS $1,195
WHY YOU SHOULD GO Over 25 hours of total instruction based on Dr. Wright's science-proven approach.
Tips from Top 100 Teacher Dr. David Wright
KRIS MOE GOLF SCHOOLS
Glen Ellen, Calif.
krismoegolfschools.com
WHAT IT COSTS $1,275
WHY YOU SHOULD GO Small learning groups give you more for your buck; excellent wine-country locale.
VISION 54
Phoenix, Ariz.
vision54.com
WHAT IT COSTS $2,495
WHY YOU SHOULD GO Two Top 100 teachers on staff; innovative programs emphasize scoring, not swinging.
BUTCH HARMON SCHOOL OF GOLF
Las Vegas, Nev.
butchharmon.com
WHAT IT COSTS $2,900 (incl. lodging)
WHY YOU SHOULD GO A 2:1 student-teacher ratio means you'll get the hands-on attention you deserve.
EXTRAORDINARY GOLF
Carmel, Calif.
extraordinarygolf.com
WHAT IT COSTS $1,200-$1,850
WHY YOU SHOULD GO Innovative program customizes lessons to complement your physical abilities.
AVIARA GOLF ACADEMY
Carlsbad, Calif.
kipgolf.com
WHAT IT COSTS $1,795
WHY YOU SHOULD GO Led by Top 100 Teacher Kip Puterbaugh; come prepared 8 hours of lessons a day.
McGETRICK GOLF ACADEMY
Denver, Colo.
mcgetrickgolf.com
WHAT IT COSTS $975
WHY YOU SHOULD GO Top 100 teacher Mike McGetrick goes all out; intense digital analysis and fittings.
JIM MCLEAN GOLF SCHOOL - TEXAS
Ft. Worth, Tex.
jimmclean.com
WHAT IT COSTS $2,295
WHY YOU SHOULD GO The new 14,000-sq. ft. performance center alone is worth the price of admission.
CHUCK COOK GOLF ACADEMY
Austin, Tex.
bartoncreek.com
WHAT IT COSTS $1,750
WHY YOU SHOULD GO Kicks off with 9 hours of intense lessons on Day 1 led by teaching legend Chuck Cook.
ACADEMY OF GOLF DYNAMICS
Austin, Tex.
golfdynamics.com
WHAT IT COSTS $950-$1,095
WHY YOU SHOULD GO One of the greatest collections of minds in golf; 3-hole Nicklaus teaching course.
KAPALUA GOLF ACADEMY
Lahaina, Maui, Hi.
kapalua.com
WHAT IT COSTS $1,295
WHY YOU SHOULD GO Incredible 23-acre practice facility, top-level staff, and the best views in golf.
JACK NICKLAUS ACADEMY OF GOLF
St. George, Utah
ledges.com
WHAT IT COSTS $1,250
WHY YOU SHOULD GO Low student-teacher ratio, state-of-the-art facilities and teaching tools in a true oasis.
TODD SONES IMPACT GOLF
Vernon Hills, Ill.
toddsones.com
WHAT IT COSTS $495 (1-day program)
WHY YOU SHOULD GO Top 100 Teacher-led school is an intense lesson in scoring just a cab ride from the Loop.
CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN GOLF SCHOOL
Thompsonville, Mich.
crystalmountain.com
WHAT IT COSTS $739 (incl. lodging)
WHY YOU SHOULD GO Morning lessons followed by afternoon playing lessons in a true vacation setting.
RICK SMITH GOLF ACADEMY
Gaylord, Mich.
treetops.com
WHAT IT COSTS $1,195 (3-day program)
WHY YOU SHOULD GO Innovative lesson plan includes on-course filming, not just on the lesson tee.
KINGSMILL RESORT GOLF ACADEMY
Williamsburg, Va.
kingsmill.com
WHAT IT COSTS $1,671 (incl. lodging)
WHY YOU SHOULD GO It's a golf vacation wrapped in a golf school; excellent total-game experience.
PINEHURST GOLF ACADEMY
Pinehurst, N.C.
pinehurst.com
WHAT IT COSTS $2,045 (incl. lodging)
WHY YOU SHOULD GO Let Top 100 Teacher Eric Alpenfels improve your swing, then test it on Pinehurst No. 2.
DANA RADER/ BALLANTYNE RESORT
Charlotte, N.C.
danarader.com
WHAT IT COSTS $795
WHY YOU SHOULD GO One of the best school values; Top 100 teacher Dana Rader hosts a variety of programs.
Tips from Top 100 Teacher Dana Rader
CLASSIC SWING GOLF SCHOOL
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
classicswing.com
WHAT IT COSTS $369-$469
WHY YOU SHOULD GO Flexibility-based lessons get the most out of your swing; excellent facilities.
PHIL RITSON-MEL SOLE GOLF SCHOOL
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
ritson-sole.com
WHAT IT COSTS $495-$595
WHY YOU SHOULD GO This group has done it longer and better than any school; priority is giving you more yards.
DAVID LEADBETTER GOLF ACADEMY
Champions Gate, Fla.
davidleadbetter.com
WHAT IT COSTS $975 (half days)
WHY YOU SHOULD GO The crown jewel of the 28 Leadbetter academies; intense video analysis.
MIKE BENDER GOLF ACADEMY
Lake Mary, Fla.
mikebender.com
WHAT IT COSTS $1,000-$2,000
WHY YOU SHOULD GO Highly trained staff provides off-the-charts attention to small groups.
BRAD BREWER GOLF ACADEMY
Orlando, Fla.
bradbrewer.com
WHAT IT COSTS $1,304
WHY YOU SHOULD GO 1-on-1 lessons with a Top 100 Teacher; online swing storage for ongoing improvement.
ARNOLD PALMER GOLF ACADEMY
Orlando, Fla.
bayhill.com
WHAT IT COSTS $749
WHY YOU SHOULD GO Lessons based on the "Palmer Method," top-notch facilities and access to Bay Hill.
GRAND CYPRESS ACADEMY OF GOLF
Orlando, Fla.
grandcypress.com
WHAT IT COSTS $1,870 (incl. lodging)
WHY YOU SHOULD GO It's the school that has everything: excellent facilities, technology and experience.





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