Ultimate Golf Learning Experience

When you think of golf and Kiawah Island, your immediate mental image might be of Denis Watson sinking his final putt in a come-from-behind victory at the 2007 Senior PGA Championship at The Ocean Course. But though players who have devoted their lives and careers to perfecting their games are drawn to the beauty and challenge of Kiawah courses, beginners are too. The Island’s extensive array of golf learning and training resources are tailored for people just learning the game, those focused on re-learning and refining, and those intent on passing their golfing legacy on to the next generation.

Even for novices, the artistry of golf deserves a beautiful canvas. Kiawah Island Golf Resort provides it in spades, or maybe more accurately, in clubs. The Tommy Cuthbert Golf Learning Center, named in honor of the man who served as the Resort’s Director of Golf for 26 years, is located at beautiful Turtle Point. Teaching tools here are numerous. Outdoors, there are seven private, covered hitting bays with an AstroTurf putting surface for use in inclement weather, a state-of-the-art computerized video swing analysis system, practice bunker and greens. Indoors, you’ll find a V1 video teaching system, the #1 video analysis system in golf, and the new Explanar Teaching system, a newly renovated golf shop with clubs and equipment from top manufacturers, plus men’s and women’s locker rooms and shower facilities.

Although the learning facilities are extensive, the real story here is the teaching talent. You might recognize Lead Instructor Blake Cathey from The Golf Channel’s “The Turn” or “What’s in the Bag.” He’s one of only six PGA professionals in the nation to have completed all six PGA Certifications. Teaching professional Abby Derman was captain of the University of South Carolina’s women’s golf team and PGA Class A Professional, and is now a PGA Certified Instructor. All in all, the staff consists of 12 PGA Certified Class A professionals and seven apprentices who help golfers improve their games in both private and semi-private environments.

“It’s just a beautiful, comfortable environment for families to enjoy themselves, and to spend time in.”

Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Director of Instruction Ronnie Miller, PGA, says people love to learn on Kiawah because of the exceptional natural environment. They also appreciate that the Resort does not adhere to stringent methodology like many other facilities. “Our major goal is to put the fun back in the game of golf,” Miller says.  

The array of golf offerings on the Island includes excellent resources at the Kiawah Island Club Golf Academy. The Academy provides the Club’s golf and sports members “total access” to the game, with lessons, clinics, and schools tailored to individual abilities and aspirations, in a family-friendly environment.

Whether you are new to golf, or have a mid-to-low handicap, you can enjoy a variety of programs: physical conditioning, video analysis, club fitting, rules and etiquette, bio mechanics, and more. The Academy offers these monthly programs throughout the year. The Professional staff is available daily for individual instruction, and they are enthusiastic in fostering new skills and a love of the game. They strive to create, at Cassique and The River Course, a world-class learning experience for Members, their families, and guests.  

“In the time I’ve been here,” says Carol Preisinger, Director of Instruction, “I’ve seen families grow so much in their abilities. Kids who first picked up clubs at 8 or 9 are now 13 or 14, and it’s amazing to see their progress.” Preisinger says that although the Academy offers a worldclass facility, it is friendly and inviting. “It’s just a beautiful, comfortable environment for families to enjoy themselves, and to spend time in.”  

Carol has been recognized since 2004 by GOLF magazine as a Top 100 Teacher in America. She is a former LPGA National Teacher of the Year; and Golf for Women magazine has ranked her a Top 50 teacher since 2000.  

If you want to get into, or back into, the game, this is an ideal time. Whether you’re interested in anything from 18 holes of instruction on The Ocean Course with a PGA Coach to a Women’s-Only boot camp or junior clinic, start your exploration of the possibilities at http://www.kiawahresort.com/golf/the-golf-learning-center.php and http://www.kiawahislandclub.com/golf/golfAcademy.php.