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.
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.
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.
