3:09 | Instruction
Brandel Chamblee's Old School Power Moves
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.