John Jacobs, Indio
The John Jacobs Golf School in Indio offers a few different instruction packages. If you want a quick course, you can sign up for two days of learning; if you want more in-depth instruction, you can attend for three or five days. The school is held at Indian Palms Country Club, which features three nine-hole courses offering different challenges.
John Jacobs Golf School
Indian Palms Country Club & Resort
48630 Monroe St.
Indio, California 92201
(800) 472-5007
http://www.jacobsgolf.com
John Jacobs, Palm Desert
If you prefer Palm Desert, John Jacobs has a second school there that offers two- and four-day packages. It's located at the Desert Springs Marriott Resort, which has two 18-hole courses designed by Ted Robinson.
John Jacobs Golf School
Desert Springs Marriott Resort & Spa
74855 Country Club Drive
Palm Desert, California 92260
(800) 472-5007
http://www.jacobsgolf.com
Bird Golf Academy
Pros at the Bird Golf Academy don't believe in a one-size-fits-all philosophy. Instead they customize lessons to students' individual needs and skills. Each session lasts six hours and includes time on the course, which the pros feel is important to accelerate the learning process. You can choose a program lasting three, four or five days.
The academy takes place at the Desert Springs Marriott Resort. (The John Jacobs Golf School is in the same location.)
The Bird Golf Academy
Desert Springs Marriott Resort & Spa
74855 Country Club Drive
Palm Desert, California 92260
(877) 424-7346
http://www.birdgolf.com
Faldo Golf Institute
The Faldo Institute by Marriott offers several options for beginners. These include weekday afternoon clinics covering different aspects of the game; private one-hour instruction; and 21/2--hour private or semi-private playing lessons. The institute also also offers multi-day golf school for players with some experience.
The institute is located at Marriott's Shadow Ridge Resort, which features an 18-hole championship course designed by Nick Faldo.
Faldo Institute by Marriott
Marriott's Shadow Ridge Resort
9000 Shadow Ridge Road
Palm Desert, California 92260
(888) 463-2536
http://golf-instruction.marriott-vacations.com
Balance Point Golf Schools
Balance Point offers golf lessons with a difference. Owner Jim Waldron emphasizes a mind-body philosophy that combines Eastern martial arts with Western science. His golf school is held at various locations in the Palm Springs area.
Balance Point Golf Schools
(800) 898-4563
http://www.balancepointgolf.com
About The Author
Barbara Dunlap is a freelance writer in Oregon. She was a garden editor at "The San Francisco Chronicle," and she currently specializes in travel and active lifestyle topics like golf and fitness. She received a master's degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has been a Knight Foundation Fellow.
