Academy in Florida-Any recommendations?

[jigsaw1011]

My son recently expressed interest in attending a golf academy for his last 2 years of high school.  He has been homeschooled since he was 5 (and not because of golf lol).  We live in the Northeast so we are looking at Florida.   He is a self-taught golfer and is a feel player.  My son has never had more than a handful of lessons so I am concerned with the amount of instruction that may take place at an academy.  Are there academies where they respect a player's individual swing? He is already a pretty competitive tournament player. Not sure how much an academy will benefit him but I told him we would explore different options.   What do you think are the advantages/disadvantages of an academy?  Any input would be appreciated.

[Movingday]

So move to Florida and live at an academy and you continue to live in the NE?

[Tugu]

Gosh, how to do this without trashing people's livelihoods...? There are more than a few that may make your kid a nice golfer, but not desired by top colleges (despite endless promises to the contrary).

 

So if life experience and a better golf game is sufficient, the choices are somewhat broader.

 

If you are going for that D1 scholarship or potential pro route, it's a much tougher conversation. 

Edited January 21, 2023 by Tugu

[tiger1873]

Most the academies you want to attend are around Orlando.  I have seen lot kids who attend these academies and some them love it while others have talked about issues.

 

Before you send you kid there to improve on golf i should say that the academies have a variety of golfer. Some are very good while others are average. So you may not get results you want.  

 

I would avoid saddlebrook as the kids never seem to like it there.   It seems like kids are are generally happy at Leadbetter, Bender and IMG. I think some of the other ones out there are ok but the those 3 seem to have the best and most rounded kids.

 

Based on what your saying IMG might be my first choice it’s big and there is a lot social activity for them.  If they don’t excel at golf they should at least have a good experience like a traditional boarding school.

 

The other schools are much smaller and talking to parents who kids went to leadbetter they like the smaller ratio of kids and golf focus.   
 

the last option is to find a traditional boarding school and work with local pros to teach them. I think some kids do this but that is a lot work for you.
 

I think your kid will get instruction and if they like golf will be fine there.  They will improve but most likely will not be as much as you hoped for and they can’t magically get results you most likely could do at home.

 

If I was you since he is home schooled I would just take him south during winter a few times and use simulators.   You might be happier and get similar results

[Jkhogbear]

Just out of curiosity, how much do these schools cost per year?

[jigsaw1011]

14 hours ago, Movingday said:

So move to Florida and live at an academy and you continue to live in the NE?

Yes, that would be the idea.

[jigsaw1011]

9 minutes ago, Jkhogbear said:

Just out of curiosity, how much do these schools cost per year?

Most of the ones I have looked at the price range is between 60,000 to 70,000 for room and board, school tuition, and golf training/instruction.

[jigsaw1011]

12 hours ago, Tugu said:

Gosh, how to do this without trashing people's livelihoods...? There are more than a few that may make your kid a nice golfer, but not desired by top colleges (despite endless promises to the contrary).

 

So if life experience and a better golf game is sufficient, the choices are somewhat broader.

 

If you are going for that D1 scholarship or potential pro route, it's a much tougher conversation. 

Yeah, not looking to trash anyone.  Since we are in the Northeast, just looking for leads from people who may be in Florida or have had a son/daughter attend one.

 

I think my son is looking for life experience and better practice facilities/year round golf.  He already has interest from DI schools and we are not necessary on the D1 or nothing bandwagon.  We want a college that would be a good fit for him.

[iteachgolf]

Better money spent I think is a good boarding school and working with an instructor not affiliated with any of the academies.  Generally going to get better instruction/and education for similar money. 

[MB19]

7 hours ago, jigsaw1011 said:

Yeah, not looking to trash anyone.  Since we are in the Northeast, just looking for leads from people who may be in Florida or have had a son/daughter attend one.

 

I think my son is looking for life experience and better practice facilities/year round golf.  He already has interest from DI schools and we are not necessary on the D1 or nothing bandwagon.  We want a college that would be a good fit for him.

This is a tough one, as there are quite a few different academies here in FL with talented instructors.  As someone who is also in the homeschool boat, I must say I would definitely research the programs personally to figure out where the best fit would be.  Someplace like IMG may have the best bones of any sports academy in FL, but it is hard to say if it actually puts many kids in a much better position than they would have been in had they gone a different schooling route.  

 

2 hours ago, iteachgolf said:

Better money spent I think is a good boarding school and working with an instructor not affiliated with any of the academies.  Generally going to get better instruction/and education for similar money. 

Pondering this post quite a bit, and it seems like a good point.  With so many great boarding schools in your neck of the woods, it seems like an obvious answer.  On the other hand, how would a homeschooled kid adapt to Phillips Exeter or Choate Rosemary?  I don't know the answer to that, but it is definitely a different deal than sending a kid to IMG or Ledbetter where golf is the main ingredient pulling all the kids there instead of a path to an Ivy/Stanford/MIT.

 

To be sure, finishing HS and competing against the best golfers in Central, North and South FL is going to be a vastly different experience than, well, just about anything.  Orlando, in particular, is a great place to be from November-April for a young person.  Golf and golf culture is everywhere there... it is the lightning capital of the world, usually happening after lunch-but-before dinner.

 

@heavy_hitter is a great resource for all things prep golf in FL, maybe he can chime in?

[tiger1873]

4 hours ago, iteachgolf said:

Better money spent I think is a good boarding school and working with an instructor not affiliated with any of the academies.  Generally going to get better instruction/and education for similar money. 

 

Too broad of a statement because some these schools have a track record of having young but solid instructors start at these schools.  Some the best instructors in florida have worked at these academies. 

 

The package at these schools is very attractive for international students who want to send their kid to the US for school.  Much easier to arrange everything including travel to and from tournaments.

 

 

I can’t comment on the money part. I have had these schools approach me and tell me affordability is not a problem. I never sat down with any of them but i get the feeling there is some sort of discount or scholarship money possible available based on talks with parents.
 

I personally would not want to pay the advertised costs.  I also think other then the social aspect they do not offer much more then you can do yourself.

 

At the end of the day they all offer a place where kids who want to play golf can excel but it is up the kid to take advantage of it.

 

 

[leezer99]

Everything about IMG Academy is the dumbest ish I've ever heard. $95,000 a year for boarding school that produces mediocre athletes? FFS... get outta here with that nonsense. If you really hate your kids just send them to the NY Military Academy for half the price.

[tiger1873]

3 hours ago, leezer99 said:

Everything about IMG Academy is the dumbest ish I've ever heard. $95,000 a year for boarding school that produces mediocre athletes? FFS... get outta here with that nonsense. If you really hate your kids just send them to the NY Military Academy for half the price.

Very Clueless statement Have you every been to the IMG campus??? Have you actually met kids that go there? A lot parents are happy sending there kids there.

 

It’s a pretty nice facility and they have produced a lot decent athletes there.  It not just golf but all sports.
 

Like all schools the advertised rate is just that. A lot international kids from there national teams go there and they pay nothing.

I wouldn’t pay 95k either but I can see why people would want to if they have the money and kid wants to go. 

 

[iteachgolf]

19 hours ago, MB19 said:

This is a tough one, as there are quite a few different academies here in FL with talented instructors.  As someone who is also in the homeschool boat, I must say I would definitely research the programs personally to figure out where the best fit would be.  Someplace like IMG may have the best bones of any sports academy in FL, but it is hard to say if it actually puts many kids in a much better position than they would have been in had they gone a different schooling route.  

 

Pondering this post quite a bit, and it seems like a good point.  With so many great boarding schools in your neck of the woods, it seems like an obvious answer.  On the other hand, how would a homeschooled kid adapt to Phillips Exeter or Choate Rosemary?  I don't know the answer to that, but it is definitely a different deal than sending a kid to IMG or Ledbetter where golf is the main ingredient pulling all the kids there instead of a path to an Ivy/Stanford/MIT.

 

To be sure, finishing HS and competing against the best golfers in Central, North and South FL is going to be a vastly different experience than, well, just about anything.  Orlando, in particular, is a great place to be from November-April for a young person.  Golf and golf culture is everywhere there... it is the lightning capital of the world, usually happening after lunch-but-before dinner.

 

@heavy_hitter is a great resource for all things prep golf in FL, maybe he can chime in?

A place like Bolles send kids to top schools academically and has a history of great athletics.  There a good number of others with similar track record 

[MB19]

44 minutes ago, iteachgolf said:

A place like Bolles send kids to top schools academically and has a history of great athletics.  There a good number of others with similar track record 

Just a question, but why didn’t you recommend Bolles straightaway?  Places like Bolles, American Heritage Montverde and St. Andrew’s are top-notch, but perhaps not the best fit for some (many?) homeschool students.  

[MB19]

On 1/22/2023 at 6:07 AM, leezer99 said:

Everything about IMG Academy is the dumbest ish I've ever heard. $95,000 a year for boarding school that produces mediocre athletes? FFS... get outta here with that nonsense. If you really hate your kids just send them to the NY Military Academy for half the price.

There was a (let’s call him interesting) 2+2 Forums poster years back who detailed his experience finishing HS at IMG/Bollettieri coming from Oregon.  The routine at the academy drove him into a deep depression, and seemingly did little for his play.  He ended up signing with a D1 in TX, where he was 5/6 singles.

 

The one positive seemed to be that he built up a nice bankroll playing poker online at IMG and college, which he padded further when he took his stake to Vegas.  
 

No idea where the guy is now, but after taking a beating in couple of professional matches I’m pretty sure he never picked up a racquet again.

Edited January 24, 2023 by MB19

[tiger1873]

1 hour ago, iteachgolf said:

A place like Bolles send kids to top schools academically and has a history of great athletics.  There a good number of others with similar track record 

These are all fine institutions but how do they help the parent who doesn’t live nearby schedule and transport kids to any number of tournaments.

 

The best thing about these golf academies is they will bring kids and supervise them when parents can’t be there.

 

since the OP is home schooling and an accomplished golfer would think if there  schedule made sense they really should just travel a few times a year to florida or another warm climate.

 

No need to change much just rent a condo near some public courses and play a bunch of courses and schedule a tournament.

 

If it specific teaching I would say just travel to the instructor.

 

If there working a lot so time is an issue I say look up an academy and figure out a good fit.

[iteachgolf]

1 hour ago, MB19 said:

Just a question, but why didn’t you recommend Bolles straightaway?  Places like Bolles, American Heritage Montverde and St. Andrew’s are top-notch, but perhaps not the best fit for some (many?) homeschool students.  

I dont think any boarding school is the best fit for a kid who’s been homeschooled.  I just think there are better values when it comes to education and working on golf game than the cookie cutter academies.  Only used Bolles as an examples as it’s local, so it’s the one I know the best.  I think there’s places I’d send my kid over Bolles locally, but they don’t have a boarding option. Like I said there are a good number of schools that can provide top education in areas that also have top golf courses/facilities near by.  

[iteachgolf]

1 hour ago, tiger1873 said:

These are all fine institutions but how do they help the parent who doesn’t live nearby schedule and transport kids to any number of tournaments.

 

The best thing about these golf academies is they will bring kids and supervise them when parents can’t be there.

 

since the OP is home schooling and an accomplished golfer would think if there  schedule made sense they really should just travel a few times a year to florida or another warm climate.

 

No need to change much just rent a condo near some public courses and play a bunch of courses and schedule a tournament.

 

If it specific teaching I would say just travel to the instructor.

 

If there working a lot so time is an issue I say look up an academy and figure out a good fit.

Considering the kid is of driving age, and if they can afford the schools in question they can easily afford a car for their kid to drive.  Those academies are somewhat limited in what events they travel to as not all kids can be assured entry in to all events.

[tiger1873]

3 hours ago, iteachgolf said:

Considering the kid is of driving age, and if they can afford the schools in question they can easily afford a car for their kid to drive.  Those academies are somewhat limited in what events they travel to as not all kids can be assured entry in to all events.

 

A kid under 18 can’t rent a hotel room which means there not going to be able to travel to tournaments.

 

Also boarding schools usually don’t let kids leave there schools very easily because of liability.  Kids have to go on planned outings or be chaperoned.

 

 

[iteachgolf]

13 minutes ago, tiger1873 said:

 

A kid under 18 can’t rent a hotel room which means there not going to be able to travel to tournaments.

 

Also boarding schools usually don’t let kids leave there schools very easily because of liability.  Kids have to go on planned outings or be chaperoned.

 

 

As usual, not accurate. Kids from boarding schools absolutely can drive to take lessons or go to tournaments. I know because I teach several.  And if your in the Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, etc you can easily play a good number of events and sleep in your own bed every night.  No need for a hotel room. 
 

Again I don’t think any of the options are great but if someone is set on a boarding school in FL I think you could do better than most of the golf academies 

[tiger1873]

11 hours ago, iteachgolf said:

As usual, not accurate. Kids from boarding schools absolutely can drive to take lessons or go to tournaments. I know because I teach several.  And if your in the Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, etc you can easily play a good number of events and sleep in your own bed every night.  No need for a hotel room. 
 

Again I don’t think any of the options are great but if someone is set on a boarding school in FL I think you could do better than most of the golf academies 

 

I know you don't have kids so you probably never had to deal with this. But a kid that under 18 is a minor and they can't do a lot things without an adult around. It's and issue and should be a concern for any parent if they're not able to be with them.

 

I would think anyone considering a golf academy would also be thinking they need to attend Tournaments the could possible be all over the country. At very least a few AJGA. If your not going to travel to tournaments there is no need to send a kid away to school for golf.

 

These academies are for people who kids want to play golf and the parents are too busy or can't take them. Generally you see a lot international kids and kids who parents are very busy and really can't spend time on the weekends with their kids.  

 

The vast majority of us who reads this forum would never send their kid to one these schools. It makes no sense to pay someone to watch your kid practice golf and take them to tournaments.  That is basically all they do.    In certain situations it almost certainly makes sense.

 

It can't be said enough that If you're looking at these academies to help your kid get into the LPGA or PGA or even a college you are going to be disappointed.  Despite what they say your kids is just not going to get that level of one on one focus.  I would be very weary of any school that promises that to you.

 

Sending kids to a private school and then off to private instructors really only works if you have family or a friend you can trust. I have seen kids who do this and yes this is a much better then a boarding school.  But it really isn't realistic if you have no contacts near the instructor.

 

[heavy_hitter]

I personally think it would be a waste of time and the education value isn't great.  With that said the only two I would go to would be Leadbetter or Gary Gilchrist.  Matt DeJohn runs a good Academy as well.

Edited January 24, 2023 by heavy_hitter

[golfortennis]

On 1/22/2023 at 6:07 AM, leezer99 said:

Everything about IMG Academy is the dumbest ish I've ever heard. $95,000 a year for boarding school that produces mediocre athletes? FFS... get outta here with that nonsense. If you really hate your kids just send them to the NY Military Academy for half the price.

 

There are a couple of things to think about here.  First, "a school that produces mediocre athletes."  No, genetics produce mediocre athletes.  The biggest crock of you know what has been the attitude that if a kid works hard at his sport he can rise to the top, and that work is all that matters.  Work will differentiate people of similar talent levels, but a guy who has it will win out over the lung run over a guy who doesn't, even if the latter spends 28 hours a day working on his game.  A school that "produces great athletes" is one that recruits those who are great athletes to begin with.  Coaching can make something of a difference, but as a 5'8" white guy with a 22" vertical leap, Dean Smith or Dean Jones, neither one was "getting me to the NBA."  Just like the "all-work, no-talent" MLB players.  They were the best athletes on their teams right up until they go to the majors, typically.  They just seem like "no-talent" in comparison to other major leaguers.

 

As far as your thing about "mediocre athletes" and the price, that's because they most likely continue Nick Bolletieri's method:  Andre Agassi(who it was known very early on was going to be great) hardly paid a cent to go there.  But JimTon Smith's kid who was never going to sniff college tennis could attend, for the price you mentioned, because his dad was funding not only his kid's attendance, but Agassi's as well.  Back to hoops, these kids from the inner cities, many of whom aren't sure if they will be eating that night, who attend these prep schools, are not paying to go there.  Someone else is.  Someone with money who isn't as good an athlete.

 

IMG Academy may or may not be a good place, but they don't produce anything.  They can't take coal and turn into gold.

[MB19]

4 hours ago, golfortennis said:

 

There are a couple of things to think about here.  First, "a school that produces mediocre athletes."  No, genetics produce mediocre athletes.  The biggest crock of you know what has been the attitude that if a kid works hard at his sport he can rise to the top, and that work is all that matters.  Work will differentiate people of similar talent levels, but a guy who has it will win out over the lung run over a guy who doesn't, even if the latter spends 28 hours a day working on his game.  A school that "produces great athletes" is one that recruits those who are great athletes to begin with.  Coaching can make something of a difference, but as a 5'8" white guy with a 22" vertical leap, Dean Smith or Dean Jones, neither one was "getting me to the NBA."  Just like the "all-work, no-talent" MLB players.  They were the best athletes on their teams right up until they go to the majors, typically.  They just seem like "no-talent" in comparison to other major leaguers.

 

As far as your thing about "mediocre athletes" and the price, that's because they most likely continue Nick Bolletieri's method:  Andre Agassi(who it was known very early on was going to be great) hardly paid a cent to go there.  But JimTon Smith's kid who was never going to sniff college tennis could attend, for the price you mentioned, because his dad was funding not only his kid's attendance, but Agassi's as well.  Back to hoops, these kids from the inner cities, many of whom aren't sure if they will be eating that night, who attend these prep schools, are not paying to go there.  Someone else is.  Someone with money who isn't as good an athlete.

 

IMG Academy may or may not be a good place, but they don't produce anything.  They can't take coal and turn into gold.

More than anything, it just seems like IMG is a place where kids with B+/B talent go to burn out.  I could be very wrong about that, of course.