PHOENIX

FORE-EVER LEARNING

BY KAREN SCHALER

have you ever had one of those magical moments when you’re standing on a plush emerald green tee-box at a gorgeous golf course, setting up to hit the ball, and you just feel it in your gut that this is going to be your best round ever?

Then you swing and hear a defeating SMACK! Your ball goes flying, only instead of heading straight down the fairway, it takes a familiar detour to the right, disappearing into no man’s land. The magical moment is shattered, and you’re left muttering to yourself, wondering why you even play this silly game in the first place.

HIT ’EM STRAIGHT

If you’re like most golfers, you play because, every once in a while, you have moments of brilliance—you make that 30-foot putt or impossible chip—and it keeps you coming back to the course. Or, maybe you’ve always wanted to play but are too intimidated to really learn how.

If either of these situations sounds like you, it’s time to look into some golf lessons. Of course, you only want to learn from the best of the best. So, head to the Phoenix area, where you’ll find some of the top golf instructors in the country.

One of the many benefits of learning how to play golf in Arizona is you’re almost always guaranteed dependable, great weather. And in the summer, when the temperatures sizzle, you can find some amazing deals. An added bonus: After golfing, take advantage of some of the top resorts, dining, shopping and spas in the world. Whether you’re looking for a school for children, women, senior citizens or the seasoned pro, the Phoenix/ Scottsdale area won’t disappoint.

JOHN STAHLSCHMIDT // Head Instructor, TOUR Academy TPC Scottsdale

1 - A high loft with a high bounce is key when you’re just off the green.

2 - Improved tempo and balance will lead to more consistency.

3 - Always swing at a speed where you stay balanced.

4 - Better speed equals lower scores.

5 - Pick the correct set of tees for your game.

FIRST-CLASS EXPERIENCE Troon Golf Academy

Some of the top-rated golf courses in the country are in Arizona and managed by Troon Golf. When you take classes on a Troon property, you’re playing on courses most people only dream about.

In charge of the show is world-renowned instructor Tim Mahoney, whose 30-year career includes time spent teaching golf greats like David Duval and dozens of appearances on the Golf Channel and ESPN. Mahoney runs the Troon Golf Academy programs, making sure all the instructors follow the Troon mantra of always exceeding expectations. People fly in from all over the world to learn from Mahoney, and if you can pin him down, he also gives private lessons ($175/hour, $1,500/day) and swears he can teach anyone to golf in just a few hours.

So what’s Mahoney secret? He’s as shrewd as he is talented. From the moment you arrive for your lesson, he watches the way you walk and talk to determine the best way to teach you. In addition, he teaches all the Troon instructors to personalize their lessons by tailoring them to fit each golfer’s personality.

Located at several award-winning courses throughout the area, including Talking Stick Golf Club and the newly redesigned Troon North Golf Club, Troon Golf Academy offers two- and three-day programs for all ages and levels. You’ll spend seven hours a day living and breathing golf. The student/ teacher ratio is 4:1, and besides hitting at the range, you’ll actually get on the course and learn about club fitting and golf fitness. Troon also partners with several luxury resorts, such as The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, offering fantastic year-round “stay and play” packages, so you’ll get to retire in extravagance after a long day of perfecting your game. www.troongolfschools.com

TIM MAHONEY // Director of Education, Troon Golf Worldwide

1- Don’t resist change. Try changing what instructors tell you to.

2 - Practice at least 10 minutes a day (if not on a course, then in front of a mirror).

3 - Preparation is key. How you address the ball is huge.

4 - Have good posture; don’t drop your chin all the way to your chest.

5 - Hold your club the right way.

PGA PERFECTIONS TOUR Academy TPC Scottsdale

This new golf school opened in 2007 at one of Arizona’s most famous courses: TPC Scottsdale. A PGA teaching staff offers everything from exclusive private lessons to two-, three- and five-day programs. TPC prides itself on taking teaching to a new level by focusing on four major aspects of the game: swing instruction, custom club fitting, mental conditioning and physical conditioning. You can work on certain parts of your game with specialized lessons like the two-day Short Game School or the three-day Full Swing School.

If you really want to splurge, check out the Elite School, taught exclusively by TOUR Academy Head Instructor John Stahlschmidt. This special school is limited to only three students. You spend most of your time learning while you’re playing the course. Another bonus: Students receive a comparative video analysis, where their swings are split-screened with some of the best golfers in the PGA. www.pgatourexperience.com

PAUL TRITTLER // Director of Instruction, Kostis McCord Learning Center

1 - Hit down on the ball for solid contact.

2 - Hold your finish until the ball lands for good balance.

3 - For better bunker shots, explode the sand towards the target.

4 - Try hybrids to replace your long irons for more consistency.

5 - To help your swing tempo, maintain constant grip pressure from start to finish.

CLASSIC GOLF Kostis McCord Learning Center

Based at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, the Kostis McCord Learning Center is named for golf greats Peter Kostis and Gary McCord. Both are still very much involved in the school, but when it comes to teaching, most lessons are headed up by Director of Instruction Paul Trittler, one of GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers.

This school isn’t a “stay and play” golf vacation experience. Rather, it’s a place you go to when you want to get right down to business and concentrate on improving your game. Known for its sensational Three-Day Golf School, catering to golfers of all skill levels, the center offers students course time instruction along with the usual driving range drills and video analysis. It also offers custom-made corporate lessons and a great junior instruction camp. If you only have time for a quick tune-up, check out the half-day workshops. www.kostismccordlearning.com

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