Improve your golf game

Photo: Former South African Open champion and assistant golf pro Clinton Whitelaw shares stroke technique tips with women’s golf clinic participants that are part of University Park Country Club’s January clinic offerings for men and women.

With the New Year upon us and ideal golf temperatures on the greens, there’s no better time to tune up your golf game. University Park Country Club’s Golf Academy offers golfers a variety of clinics in January to sharpen their skills and lower their scores.

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 share their skill, knowledge and acumen.

January School & Clinic Schedule

Men’s & Ladies’ Golf Clinics

Dates: Men’s clinics are held every Tuesday: January 9, 16, 23, 30

Ladies’ every Wednesday: January 10, 17, 24, 31

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. (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. The 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.

Free Swing Analysis and Game Assessment

Date: Friday, January 5

Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; 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 the club’s experienced golf instructors will review golf 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.

Saturday Morning Drop-In Clinics with Sue Ertl

Dates: January 6, 13, 20, 27

Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Cost: $25 per person/per clinic

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

Ladies’ Second Swing Beginner Series

Date: Three-week series each Monday: January 8, 15, 22

On-Course Scramble Friday, January 26

Time: Clinics 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Scramble 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

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

For the more accomplished lady golfer and those who enjoyed their First Swing Series and want to continue to learn.

1-Day Golf School

Dates: Monday, January 8; Tuesday, January 23

Time: 9:00 a.m. – noon

Cost: $175 per person

Players start off with a 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 includes one lunch voucher.

3-Day Total Golf School

Date: Tuesday-Thursday, January 9-11

Time: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. each day

Cost: $349 per person ($100 deposit required)

This comprehensive and thorough program covers all aspects of golf: driver, woods, hybrids, irons, bunker, chipping, putting and video analysis. Golf package includes one lunch coupon and school gift. Complimentary range balls in the afternoon of school days.

Clinic and a Cocktail

Date: Friday, January 12

Time: 4:00 – 5:15 p.m.

Cost: $35 (includes post-clinic cocktail)

Warm up clinic and then play three holes on the course with your pro. This clinic is a great way to

improve your golf in a group setting with a friendly atmosphere followed by a refreshing cocktail.

2-Day Golf School

Date: Monday-Tuesday, January 15-16

Time: 9:00 a.m. - noon

Cost: $299 per student ($100 deposit required)

Improve your entire golf game including your full swing, chipping, pitching, bunker play and putting techniques and skills. Students also receive video analysis instruction plus one lunch voucher.

1-Day Short Game School

Date: Friday, January 19

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost: $199 per person ($100 deposit required)

Video analysis uses the latest software, short game mechanics and bunker play as well as putting techniques and skills improvement. Improve pitching and chipping technique. Cover the major aspects of your short game during the three-hour school and then enjoy lunch after.

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.