Golf Lessons from the Pros at the Palmetto Dunes Academy
The Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy in Hilton Head, South Carolina is one of the most respected golf schools in the world.
A lifetime to master
Learn the Greatest Game
Featuring group lessons, clinics and one-on-one golf instruction from former PGA Tour professionals and professional instructors, the Academy offers a variety of programs for golfers of all ages and all skill levels. Doug Weaver, our Director of Instruction, has assembled a staff that not only makes instruction easy, but also incredibly fun.
Explore the Library
Online Instruction Videos
Take your game to the next level with expert instruction from the pros at Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy. This collection of videos features tips, drills, and insights designed to help golfers of all skill levels sharpen their technique and build confidence on the course. Learn from experienced instructors and start playing your best golf yet.
Learn something new every day
Daily Clinics
The Academy presents a daily golf clinic at the Arthur Hills Golf Course, featuring special instruction on the stroke of the day. With a student-instructor ratio of 5:1, you can be sure to get the individual attention you need from one of Hilton Head’s leading golf pros. Reservation required.
"Where Does the Power Come From?"
Free Demos Every Monday
4:00 p.m. -4:50 p.m.
Join us every Monday for a free golf clinic & demonstration at the Jones Course from Doug Weaver and his staff. The class is hands-on, interactive and appropriate for all skill levels. And there’s a prize every week for a lucky attendee. You might even win a free lesson from a PGA Tour veteran!
Learn Your Way
Schools & Programs
The Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy offers a wide range of focused instructional programs and specialized schools for helping you improve your swing and perfect your putt. Reservation required.
Playing Lessons
Play with the Pro & learn as you go. Videos, photos & instruction notes are included. Also available over multiple days. For ages 12 and up.
Little Swingers
Learn golf in the shade with proven methods of swinging, singing and fun. For little swingers aged 3-7. Parent participation required.
Junior Clinics
A new lesson taught each day specialized just for the junior golfer! Clubs provided. For junior golfers aged 8-17.
Two Day Schools
Cost $750 per student
This school is great for new golfers who want to be introduced to the game, or advanced players who may need a refresher course.
The small group 4:1 student:teacher ratio promotes important quality attention. Skill levels can be mixed and the instructor is able to meet the unique needs of each individual. The school is ideal for those who want to plan other resort activities while here. Scheduling is flexible, allowing for personal demands or side trips. The school covers all areas of the golf game and has time for your special needs and requests. The questionnaire you fill out before you arrive allows time to be used most efficiently.
Includes:
- 9 holes of Golf Daily - upgrade available
- Class A PGA Certified Professionals
- Video analysis emailed to you
- Golf School manual
- Unlimited practice range use
- 25% discount on all rentals at Hilton Head Outfitters
Three Day Schools For All Skill Levels
Cost $1,650 per student
The Three-Day Schools are very popular because of the extra time built into the program to process what students learn during the instructional periods.
The Three-Day School is very popular because of the extra time built into the program to process what students learn during the instructional periods. The itinerary is designed around a questionnaire completed by the student before the first class begins. A testing process on the first day of instruction helps to supplement information obtained from the questionnaire. Improvement begins immediately - students begin to see instant results from the coaching of gracious and patient PGA professionals. On the course, instructors share strategies for successful course management that correspond to each golfer's game. They also employ encouragement and repetitive practice principles to help build confidence.
Includes:
- 4 hours of instruction daily
- 2:1 Student-Teacher ratio, improved from 4!
- 18 holes of golf daily
- On-course instruction
- Class A PGA Professionals
- Video analysis emailed to you
- Golf school manual
- Unlimited practice range use
Family Program
Cost $1,690 per family
The Family Golf School is a custom program of golf instruction designed to fit a family's needs and skill level. The schedule is flexible, allowing time for other vacation activities.
Includes:
- Comprehensive instruction on every facet of the golf game
- Video analysis sent via e-mail
- On-course instruction
- Course management training
- Rules and etiquette coverage
- Take-home instructional materials
- Unlimited practice range use, plus 9 holes of golf each day for 4 people
- Class A PGA Professionals
- 10% discount on all rentals at Hilton Head Outfitters
One on One
Private Lessons
If you’re serious about improving your game, a private lesson with one of our pros is the best way to lower those strokes. One-on-one lessons are 50 minutes, and are the fastest way to focus on your individual needs. Clubs provided at no additional cost.
| Instruction | Cost |
|---|---|
Director of Instruction |
$160 |
Head Professional |
$130 |
Assistant Professional |
$110 |
Assistant Professional |
$90 |
*each additional player is $20
Learn from the Best
Meet our Pros
Whether you need a hands-on guide to a better swing, or you just want to watch a true professional attack the course, you can find some of Hilton Head’s top golf pros here.
Doug Weaver
Golf Digest South Carolina Top-Ten Instructor. Doug Weaver is a former PGA Tour Pro, US Open record holder and recent Lowcountry Golf Hall of Fame member.
His weekly TV show and monthly golf tips have made him somewhat of a celebrity on Hilton Head Island. Doug has many years of teaching experience and has played and practiced with Vijay Singh, Retief Goosen, Tom Watson, Payne Stewart, Fred Funk and many others. Additionally, Doug was named the 2012 Teacher of the Year by the Hilton Head Island PGA Chapter and named 2011, 2012 and 2013 Honorable Mention as a US Kids Top 50 Instructor. Let Doug teach you what he's learned in a patient and professional environment.
Clark Sinclair
Clark Sinclair has been a member of the Palmetto Dunes staff since 1983 and has been teaching since 1986. He is a graduate of Presbyterian College.
Clark especially enjoys using video analysis as a teaching aid for golf students. At six-foot, eight-inches, he has the distinction of being one of the tallest PGA members.
Samm Wolfe
Samm Wolfe has been a member of the Palmetto Dunes staff since 1986 and a teaching professional since 1988. Entertaining and affable, Samm believes he can fix any broken golf swing - while you're having fun.
He has taught students from all over the U.S. as well as Switzerland, France, Germany, Canada and England.
Edward Sires
A Charleston, S.C., native, Edward Sires caddied for Ryder Cup Captain Tom Lehman in 1982 and 1983. He earned a Class A certificate from the PGA in 1997 and has taught the James Island High School Golf Team from 2002 to 2006.
He honed his golf skills while working with Tommy Cuthbert, director of instruction at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, and earned a certificate in club fitting from Golfsmith International in 2005. He has taught thousands of players from beginners to advanced students for over 30 plus years and believes in not only teaching the basics in the golf swing and set up but also teaching the mental aspect of the game. Edward is also an accomplished player. He was on the Golden Bear Tour in 1998 and won 2 tournaments in 2010 on Hilton Head Island. Edward welcomes golfers of all skill levels.
Ed Brill
Originally from Kalamazoo, MI, Ed Brill received his golf training from Ferris State University. Ed is Titleist TP 1 Level 1 certified and specializes in Aimpoint Technology and V1 Video Technology.
Ed is also a proficient scratch player. He has taught at numerous golf schools around the country and has given thousands of private lessons. Ed welcomes golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to tour players.
George Spinella
George Spinella graduated from Siena College in 2003 and the San Diego Golf Academy in 2005. He is the 1st Assistant at the George Fazio Course and has been teaching with Palmetto Dunes since 2006.
George enjoys teaching players of all ages and skill levels.
Dustin Hayes
Dustin attended the Professional Golfers Career College in San Diego, CA, and completed his degree in Bluffton, SC. He has been an Associate PGA Member at Arthur Hills Palmetto Dunes Golf Course since 2023, and caddies at Congaree Golf Club and Harbour Town Golf Links.
An All-State athlete from Ohio and proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he has a profound love for the game of golf. Known for his engaging personality and ability to connect with golfers of all ages and skill levels. Dustin brings a fun, approachable energy to every lesson.
Jason Heintschel
A Bluffton High School graduate, Jason was first introduced to the game by his father, who became his primary mentor and taught at Sea Pines, Long Cove, and Belfair.
Jason has also spent time working alongside Doug Weaver, where he shadowed lessons and assisted with instructional clinics, helping shape his coaching skills and teaching philosophy.
Jason believes every golfer learns differently, and his focus is on breaking the game down into simple, digestible concepts tailored to each student’s individual learning style. His approach emphasizes strong fundamentals, clear communication, and steady improvement through focused, step-by-step progress.
Experience the V-One Digital Coaching System
Whether you're on the course or at the practice range with our teaching staff, we can record your swing using the V-One Digital Coaching System. Our instructors can help you improve your golf swing by analyzing it and/or comparing it side-by-side to V1 Golf’s library of Tour Professionals.
