GOLF EXPERIENCE PACKAGE (US SOUTHEAST)

The US Southeast is home to some of the most iconic golf courses in the world, including Augusta National, Pinehurst No. 2 and TPC Sawgrass. The region consistently ranks at the top of global and national lists for course quality and diversity, offering everything from major championship venues to innovative new layouts. The abundance of high-caliber courses provides golf schools with exceptional facilities for both instruction and play, allowing students to train and test their skills on championship-level grounds.

Among the best golf schools, a handful stand-out for their unique programs, top-tier instructors, state-of-the-art facilities and beautiful settings. Though no school caters to extended sabbatical periods, they all have intensive programs typically lasting 3 - 5 days. For this reason, we will work with you to design a curated itinerary involving multiple schools in the southeast to provide a range of top-notch learning and course play. What's more, our recommended schools are all located in resort communities with plenty of activities outside of golf.

Pinehurst Golf Academy (Pinehurst, North Carolina)

Pinehurst Golf Academy is regularly featured in lists of the best golf schools in the country, noted for blending advanced technology with traditional instruction. It features top-tier instructors, including those recognized by Golf Magazine as among America’s Top 100 Teachers. The facilities are extensive with 10 courses, covered hitting areas, a large outdoor range, video analysis, and dedicated short game areas. The learning experience is often described as immersive, with some likening it to a “boot camp” for golf, offering intensive, hands-on learning.

Sea Island Golf Performance Center (St Simons Island, Georgia)

The Sea Island Golf Performance Center is widely considered one of the best golf facilities in the world. Indeed, it was recently rated a "Top 10 Golf School" by Links magazine. The school is housed in a state-of-the-art 17,000 square-foot facility, and surrounded by 3 championship courses. Individualized and multidisciplinary instruction is provided by a team of world-renowned golf instructors. It's no surprise that over 20 touring pros live, play and train at the center, including Davis Love III, Harris English, Zach Johnson and Matt Kuchar.

PGA Tour Performance Center at TPC Sawgrass (Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida)

The PGA Tour Performance Center is a world famous golf instruction and training facility located next to the legendary Stadium Course, home of THE PLAYERS Championship. It offers a comprehensive range of individualized programs designed to improve all aspects of a golfer’s game, integrating instruction, fitness, club fitting, and playing strategy to help players lower their scores. Over 50 PGA Tour pros call the practice facility home, including current players as well as past champions like Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk and David Duval.

Golfzon Leadbetter Academy (Kissimmee, Florida)

Golfzon Leadbetter is widely regarded as a top-tier golf school, offering world-class instruction and facilities. Founded by David Leadbetter - one of the most influential golf coaches in the sport’s history - this world headquarters has a reputation for developing junior players, NCAA athletes, and helping thousands of amateurs improve their game. Leadbetter’s teaching philosophy emphasizes not just technical skills, but also mental toughness, course management, and physical fitness, creating a comprehensive approach to golf instruction.

For this Golf Experience sabbatical, we will design a custom program for you lasting 1 to 2 months:

• Due to their short course focus and availability constraints, no golf school caters to a sabbatical format. That's why we will need to design a custom program involving multiple schools to suit your timeframe, learning and travel preferences. Our recommended schools are located in North Carolina, Georgia and Florida, all within easy driving distance of one another

• We also recognize that no golfer will want to be on the course 7 days a week. Plenty of downtime is needed to rest, unwind and enjoy everything the US Southeast has to offer. Whether in Pinehurst, NC, St Simons Island, GA, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL or Orlando, FL, there are plenty of activities on offer outside of golf

• We start your golfing journey with a tour quality club fitting by resident professionals, using diagnostic tools and a range of brands to match the right club to your swing style and objectives
  
  
• A learning itinerary is then tailored to individual goals and skill levels. Each school will have its own structure and philosophy for how best to improve your game, providing a wider range of learning opportunities and course play

• Of course, schedules can be as heavy or light as you would like, allowing for time on the amazing golf courses, practice facilities or getting to know the local surroundings
  

• Sabbaticals.com will act as your liaison with each school involved in your experience to ensure all your needs are met
  

The ideal goal will be a significant improvement in your handicap, using the United States Golf Association's calculation at the start and finish of your program. The beauty of the bespoke model is that course correction along the way is anticipated to ensure those aspects of your game that need the most attention are given focus. Schools will also work with the golfer’s preferred target areas.

The Golf Experience Package provides a mix of luxurious resort stays and premium vacation rentals. In some cases, to gain access to elite golf schools one must stay at the host resort, while for other schools and in between programs we will propose fully-vetted short-term homes, apartments or condos through our partner, Expedia (VRBO). Ultimately, accommodation will depend on your selected golfing destinations:

Pinehurst, NC:

To access the Pinehurst Golf Academy, one books a golf package with Pinehurst Resort, which in addition to accommodation and lessons includes additional golf rounds and 3 meals per day. The resort itself spans 2,000 acres with 3 historic hotels, a charming village and an array of recreational activities. The atmosphere is characterized by classic Southern charm, with attentive staff and a welcoming environment that guests often describe as feeling like home. We suggest staying at The Manor, which offers a boutique feel and is popular with golfing groups.

St Simons Island, GA:

To access the Sea Island Golf Performance Center, one must stay at the Sea Island Resort. This world-renowned resort is located on the coast of Georgia and offers a private island community. It's celebrated for its gracious Southern hospitality, five miles of private beach, and lush natural surroundings of rivers, salt marshes, and the Atlantic Ocean. We suggest staying at The Lodge which is located in the heart of the resort's 3 championship courses on St Simons Island, and a short walk to the Golf Performance Center.

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL:

For the PGA Tour Performance Center, we will propose a premium vacation rental that is close to the school for a comfortable stay. Though if you prefer, we can also arrange accommodation at The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, one of Florida's most iconic and luxurious beach resorts, offering dramatic ocean views with a blend of quiet grandeur, Southern hospitality and a range of amenities including 2 golf courses. Alternatively, the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa is next to TPC Sawgrass, and caters almost exclusively to golf enthusiasts.

Kissimmee, FL:

For the Golfzon Leadbetter Academy, we will propose a premium vacation rental in the Reunion Resort community just outside Orlando, which also encompasses the academy. Though if you prefer, we can also arrange accommodation at the resort's own upscale hotel. Reunion Resort is known for luxury accommodations, 3 golf courses, a 5-acre water park and numerous dining options. It's also easy to get to Orlando's many amusement parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and Discovery Cove. 

In summary, we will work closely with you to design the perfect golf experience sabbatical across your desired schools and destinations. Having direct experience with all locations and golf programs, we can advise on every aspect during this process.

To get the most out of your golf experience, you will have a mentor and concierge both based in the southeast.

Your mentor is a professional golf instructor from a leading golf academy who can advise and encourage you along the way. What's more, they will introduce you to the local golfing community, as well as the best courses to play at other clubs in the southeast.

Your concierge is a hospitality professional who can help you in a range of areas, including settling in to your chosen accommodation, neighborhood highlights and general advice for local activities. As your itinerary likely includes multiple golf schools and locations, they will ensure smooth transitions throughout your journey.