Please recommend a reputable golf school in the US with a 5 or 7 day summer program (preferably not in Florida). The following are the most important to me: (1) the school's teaching experience/prestige, (2) scenic surroundings for non-golf excursions, and (3) pleasant accommodations and facilities either at the school or nearby. I just took up the sport and have played for just over a year.

Some friends just returned from golf camp at Cranwell, in Lenox, MA, and reported very favorably on the facilites and caliber of instruction. I cannot comment on the the school's reputation, but it's located in the heart of the Berkshires, which is a wonderful place to be in the summer (if you're not familiar with the area, do a search on this forum, there have been many postings.)
They commuted from their own place, so I don't know about the accomodations, however there are many fine inns & B&Bs in the area.

hi,

i did a lot of research on this over the past month and signed up for the Ben Sutton Golf School. I read a lot of good things about them and their pre-sales customer service was terrific. I'll be going for a 5 day course in late August.

however, the school is in Florida, near Tampa.

another good school (from my research) seems to be the arnold palmer golf school.

regards,
Lee

I grew up near Cranwell so can attest to the beauty of the area and the wide range of cultural events available in the summer (Tanglewood, Williamstown Theater, Jacobs Pillow Dance just to name a few).

I am not a golfer however, so can't comment on the caliber of the school. My husband and son have played the course and say it's beautiful--but that's Texas talking...playing golf on hills again, which was a real treat for them!

When I was growing up, Cranwell was a private boys preparatory school, fairly prestigious and expensive. That was the 60's when those things were very much in vogue in New England. It is a resort currently and I'm sure accommodations now bear no resemblance to the dorms of my era (not that I ever saw their interiors! LOL).

Another thought...my husband is currently at a meeting in Austin and just called, having played the Fazzio course at Barton Creek today. I don't know if they offer instruction there, but the course is beautiful (you can check it out beforehand on the Links 2000 Golf game if you have it). Austin is a vibrant town, the Hill Country picturesque, and you won't find friendlier people than that area. Dell Computer is one of the big employers there and dh says the homes around Barton Creek now are absolutely unbelievable.

Any particular reason why you don't want to be in Florida? I attended the David Leadbetter (spelling) in Orlando in May, and felt it was worth every cent and every minute of time.

Try Nicholas-Flick in Florida.

Jim, for me Florida is just way too hot and humid in the Summer.

Try Kingsmill in Williamsburg, Va. Not sure of the program, but lots to do in the area and great courses!

If the Northeast is doable, the golf schools at Stratton Mountain, and Stowe Mountain in Vermont I hear are quite good. A friend of mine did the Stowe school and loved it!! And I happen to like the Stratton area alot. Lots of restaurants, bars, outlet shopping etc.

The best golf school for people wanting to make a giant stride forward with their game is the Bird Golf Academy. Bird Golf teaches in a one or two (student) to one (instructor) format, and offers 3,4 or 5 day packages at world class resorts and facilities. You will be taught privately by one of their incredible staff of professionals who include a US Open Champion, the founding Teaching Editor of Golf For Women magazine, the 1989 LPGA Teacher of The Year, PGA Master professionals and 6 members of one or more Halls of Fame.

Their customized golf school vacation packages also include superior accommodations, 6+ hours of instruction each day, a daily on course playing lesson, a take home CD/DVD of your swing and changes that you make, unlimited golf and work on the mental game with the legendary Carey Mumford.

Bird Golf prides itself on giving their students, "the Ultimate Golf Learning Experience", and they deliver in every way. For more information visit their website at http://www.birdgolf.com/

I live in Williamsburg and recommend Kingsmill often. I would not recommend it if you are trying to avoid hot and humid in the summer. They do have a very good school and there is a lot to do in the area. Come in May or October and you'll have a wonderful time.