Fall Golf Tune-Up

Photo caption: Clinton Whitelaw, assistant golf pro and former South African Open champion, is one of the instructors for the upcoming October golf clinics at University Park Country Club.

With “season” on the horizon, it’s time to fine-tune your golf game. University Park Country Club’s Golf Academy invites golfers to sharpen their skills, lower their scores and bring their friends to a variety of golf classes and clinics in October.

Open to members and non-members, participants benefit from having head golf pro Ashley Hayden, former South African Open champion and assistant golf pro Clinton Whitelaw and LPGA Legends Tour player and head teaching golf pro Sue Ertl Tour share their skill, knowledge and acumen.

October School & Clinic Schedule

1- Day Golf School

Date: Friday, October 20

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 noon

Cost: $175 per person

Full swing analysis using the #1 video analysis software in golf. Short game mechanics and bunker play. Putting techniques and skills improvement. This school covers the major aspects of each participant’s game during the 3-hour school, and lunch is served after.

Get Golf Ready 1.0

Dates: Five-week series each Thursday: October 5, 12, 19, 26 and November 2

Time: 5:00 – 6:15 pm

Cost: $125 per person for the 5-week series

Designed for those who are new to the game or anyone that wants to be reintroduced. The program provides basic skills instruction, background of the game's rules, etiquette and values. Gain insight into techniques regarding chipping, putting, full swing and bunker play. Learn how to navigate the course and keep score. Clubs will be provided if needed.

First Swing Beginner Series for Women (new series)

Dates: Three-week series each Monday: October 9, 16, 23 | On-Course Scramble Friday, October 27

Time: Clinics 10:00 – 11:00 am | Scramble 4:00 – 5:30 pm

Cost: $125 per person for the 3-week series and scramble

Attend three Monday clinics on consecutive weeks then join in a casual, guided, three-hole “scramble” event on Friday. Participants will be paired with a First Swing buddy and play according to “guilt-free golf” rules (free do-overs, use of a tee on all shots, etc.). These clinics provide all the basics and how-to information a player needs to experience the beautiful scenery and friendly camaraderie of this great game. This class is all about getting out there and feeling what it’s like to be a golfer. Clubs will be provided if needed.

Free Swing Analysis and Game Assessment (new)

Date: Friday, October 13

Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm; please call 941-359-9999 to book a 15-minute appointment

Cost: Free

This free, 15-minute assessment will take participants through making a series of swings at our world class facility. One of our experienced golf instructors will review swings and make the necessary recommendations on how to take the player’s game to the next level. During the swing analysis, our golf coaches will look at such things as grip, setup (including posture), take-away, backswing, downswing, balance and finishing position. One of the advantages of getting a free swing analysis is participants get concrete recommendations so there can be no confusion as to what area of the game needs work.

Men’s & Ladies’ Golf Clinics

Dates: Men’s clinics are held every Tuesday: October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | Ladies’ every Wednesday: October 4, 11, 18, 25

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 am (same time for all dates)

Cost: $25 per person/per clinic

All golfers are welcome including members and non-members. Weekly topics include putting, chipping, irons, driver, hybrids, bunker play and specialty shots. Our weekly clinics are a great way for participants to improve their game in a group setting with a friendly atmosphere. Maximum class size is 10 with a minimum 5:1 student/instructor ratio.

Practice Makes Perfect Clinics (new)

Date: Friday, October 20

Time: 4:00 – 5:00 pm

Cost: $20

To play to your potential on the golf course you must practice properly. These clinics will ensure that participants receive an hour of quality practice under the supervision of a PGA professional. Use of any golf training aids and video equipment during the session. Class size of 4-8 members per session on a first-come, first-served basis.

Saturday Morning Drop-In Clinics with Sue Ertl

Dates: October 7, 14, 21, 28

Time: 10:30 – 11:30 am

Cost: $25 per person/per clinic

Call the Pro Shop at 941-359-9999 for each week’s topic.

Registration:

Advance registration required and space is limited. Register in person at the Pro Shop or call 941-359-9999.

About University Park Country Club

Located at 7671 The Park Boulevard in University Park, Fla., University Park Country Club is open to the public for daily golf play, as well as daily lunch and Sunday Brunch at the Park Grille & Café. Consistently honored with numerous “Best of Sarasota” awards from Sarasota Magazine and the Herald-Tribune, including Best Place to Play Golf and Tennis, Dining with a View, and Best Sunday Brunch, the Golf Digest 4-Star rated club’s Golf Academy provides hourly, single an multi-day clinics and social events for men and women, a Junior Golf Academy program and flexible options for seasonal and summer golf memberships, tournaments, and social functions for up to 200 people. For more information, visit www.universitypark-fl.com or call 941-359-9999.