Having been asked by and attended numerous golf schools, one has to evaluate the succinct differences and idiosyncrasies that these schools offer. This article is about the California golf schools only. From the average John Jacobs Golf schools to the exemplary schools such as Glen Deck’s Pelican Hill Golf Academy and The Kip Puterbaugh Aviara Golf Academy  I have chosen to feature The Kip Puterbaugh Academy in Carlsbad, California.

With the name Four Seasons associated with a project, it is understood that superfluous adjectives are the norm and one cannot be dissatisfied with the facilities at the school.

The accommodations, though pricey, are outstanding. Great food, wonderful service, outstanding golf course and facilities are the focal points of this property.

Kip Puterbaugh, is world-renowned as a teacher and is one of Golf Magazine’s Top 100. For those readers who love pro facts, both Corey Pavin and Dennis Paulson are among his students.

On the first morning, our group of seven, gathered at the school’s conference room. These are classy surroundings with great ambience for golfers. Here we were introduced to Kip and his staff as well as introducing ourselves. Kip’s assistants, Wayne Searle, Bruce Nakumara, Ken Green and Bob Knee are all excellent golfers (plus handicappers) as they are teachers. Kip’s wonderful office support staff is also there to cater to your every need, whether for directions or suggestions.

Thereafter, we were given Kip’s well-written and illustrated instructional manual, which covers all the aspects taught during our 3-day school. Our days were laid out to the minute, our playing times, which were of great interest to us as the average daily rate of Aviara is about $175, and lunch arrangements were all dutifully presented. Not only were we to be taught on the fabled Aviara course itself, but also after school, we were allowed to play 18 holes as a part of the program.

Next, all the participants were encouraged to discuss their reasons for attending and the goals we were attempting to achieve from the Academy. Then Kip showed us videos of swings of numerous well-known pros and then went into detail on the myths associated with golfing and his three most important teaching philosophies: that of the swing being non-mechanical, the adaptation of a swing to suit the individual golfer and the “feel” method of teaching.

Our next stop was to the exceptionally well laid out range and video stations where Kip took individual photos and videos of our existing swings/faults while the rest of the group began practicing under the watchful eyes of Wayne, Brad Ken and Bob. The Academy uses the most current equipment for video analysis, the ASTAR System, which enables and includes amongst its numerous features, single screen shots, side-by-side comparisons of both your early beginning swing to your new improved swing, the comparison to any pro, or more specifically a pro of equal build to yourself. At the end of the school, you receive this tape to take home, as well as for points of reference for yourself, for we all know, when our game suddenly falls apart as it so often does, this “comfort” tape can get you back on track.

All throughout the course, the camaraderie was evident between the students and the teachers. Instead of feeling that you were in a group, afraid to ask questions or taking up every one else’s time, the feeling of individual attention to your needs permeated through the group during these three days.

Initially, the “PGA theory” was introduced  Posture Grip and Alignment. It never ceases to amaze how often these three basic tenets become misaligned. The advantage of incorporating a pre-shot routine was the next subject covered and then, after practicing these 4 subjects, we went to lunch.

Lunch at Aviara, at the Four Seasons Argyle Restaurant, was a highlight of each day. There were no limitations on price, which in itself improved the enjoyment of the already marvelous menu and service. The instructors were always at the table during lunch and the bonding with both fellow participants and staff made the learning experience that much more enjoyable. The afternoon’s golf began at 2.00 p.m., after further working on our swings and the short game  chipping, pitching and putting.

The second day included revisiting the PGA theory, the option to use Kip’s new stretching machine, The ProFlex, which is specifically designed for golfers and I now have at home, and instruction on rhythm, balance, relaxation and visualization exercises.

More range work continued and the class was split into the swing group and the short game group. Through the Academy’s method of teaching bunker shots, by the end of the session, all of the students were becoming consistent at getting out of bunkers. After Kip’s techniques were introduced, the results were evident. The secret to bunker play is: keep it a swinging motion with the body turning back and through to the finish with the feel of the club splashing the sand. This part of the training was well worth the entire cost of the course.

After another wonderful lunch, the afternoon session was spent on trouble shots, the short game, review of the long game, equipment review and developing a consistent short game for each student. Thereafter, golf was available on the course.

On the morning of the third and last day, the instructors scheduled a playing lesson on the course with three students to an instructor. This was particularly invaluable as we were shown how to play downhill, uphill, side hill and trouble shots from a variety of distances. The course management instruction module was informative and opened our eyes on how to play a round of golf rather than hacking away through a round. Playing out of the bunkers on a golf course offers an insight that puts the practice bunkers into reality and confirms the Academy’s sound theories.

The afternoon was spent with Kip and his instructors reviewing all the previous day’s lessons and bidding our farewells. Of course, golf was available to those who wanted to play one final round. All instructors offer past students refresher lessons on an as needed basis and at a reasonable rate.

Every attendee of this school, myself included, gained tremendous results, had a absolutely positive experience, whether they were a beginner or serious golfer, and all agreed that the three distinct lessons we all learned and carried away with us, were a.) To always TURN, b.) The motion is the same whether it is a full swing, chip and even the bunker shot and c.) As per Kip ingrained in us, “Good golfers are willing to give up control in order to get control”. I found an additional lesson learned from the school  Ones does not play golf to relax, one relaxes to play golf.

This is a school, where the instructors like to tell you that their students “don’t go from a 20 handicap to an 18; they go from a 20 to an 8! “With the lessons learned and diligent practice, I believe this statement!

Two-day schools are offered at $895, while the three-day schools run $1295, excluding accommodations and travel, but do include those delicious Argyle lunches. As mentioned earlier, golf, with the use of a cart, is available at no charge after each day’s teaching.

Kip has also introduced a two-day playing school with a 3/1 student-to-teacher ratio. This school starts on the first and third Monday of every month and includes two days of early morning 18-hole golf instruction and afternoon review classes. $1495 Single, $1295 for two in a group and $1095 with three in a group.

The academy is located at the Fours Seasons Aviara Resort in Carlsbad, California and can be reached at 800.433.7468 or on the Internet at www.kipputt.com or ezgolfswing.com. email: kipputt@aol.com