This will be a little on the long side because I want the reader to get a full understanding and know what to expect. I took the 3 day academy and will give a review from the time I signed up to the time I departed.
Pre Academy - Once signed up I had a few questions that I asked via using the contact information provided. Each time which was about 2-3 times I had questions Martin Chuck himself returned my emails and calls. He is a very easy and pleasant person and is very responsive. So off to a great start.
I used the recommended lodging which was the Holiday Inn Airport. My review on the hotel is under separate cover; however, I will say it was a pleasant experience, a shuttle to and from the airport as well as to and from the golf course. Because others used the hotel and were also taking the class, I had a great opportunity to meet some really nice people that we will continue to stay in contact beyond the academy.
Day one - Arrived at the course and joined the rest of the class as well as the instructors. The hospitality at the course and food was excellent. Each day we started with a breakfast and before we were done they took our lunch order. During breakfast there is an opportunity to meet the others in the class, instructors and write down what you would like to accomplish at the Academy, that you provided to Martin, along with an opening by Martin. Once that is done we head to the studio/office/driving range. Day one we go through several stations, putting, driver, chipping and iron low point. We also do a video swing with no coaching. I see those as establishing a base line. All that generally before lunch. Once all that is done you are divided into groups 1/3 ratio and each coach is aware what you are looking to achieve from the academy. After lunch we do more swing analysis that is focused on what you as an individual need to work on and throughout the three days you are working on what you ant to achieve at the academy and what you need to work on with regard to your swing.
Day two - we start off after breakfast with some yoga. This guy is great! The yoga instructor is a gofer and provide some great exercises to help you get ready before you begin playing golf. You may not do them all when you get home; however, he provides enough for you to chose from. Trust me you are going to need it after day one, two and three! After yoga we head to our stations and begin working on our individual needs. I also meant to add there is a lot of video of your swing in the bay on the course and in your station, where you will have access too, during and after the training. I found it to be very helpful because I was able to go back after each day and see what it was I doing vs. being told, which helped with making corrections.
Day three - Throughout all three days you are getting a lot of individual attention and Martin is constantly walking around and providing direct individual instruction to each person. Clearly he has studied your swing studied what your issues are and in tuned to what you need to do. I also meant to add at the end of each day we go out and play 2+hours of golf, which I call the playing lesson. Martin will also come around and play a couple of holes with you as well. Throughout all this if you want you can get a club fit which is separate for the academy.
Now mind you this is a long review and I have left out a lot! There is so much more you do and so much more that one can gain from this training than what I have captured here. Like any training you get out of it what you put in, you must want to come and work. I have never hit so many golf balls and had so many training devices hooked up to me or placed around me in my life. The point of all those devices and drills is to find one or two that you can use that will work for you when you get home.
Lastly we play some golf on the last day go to the 19th hole and celebrate the completion of a great 3 days of golf, learning, fellowshipping, beautiful weather, great service and just an all around excellent experience. Yes you should tip your instructor. The tip should be based on what you feel; however, a base line is $50-$100 per student in my opinion. Of course more is better less is tacky.
I do recommend and will be going back in 6 months to one; see how I have progressed, two; meet more great people and three; continue working on improving the swing. I almost forgot did I see any improvement in the three days, absolutely! read more
