Golf Lessons, School & Academy on Hilton Head Island
Brush up your skills or learn some new ones
The Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy in Hilton Head, South Carolina is one of the most respected golf schools in the world. Featuring 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. Palmetto Dunes Resort offers three unique Hilton Head, South Carolina championship courses to choose from; Robert Trent Jones Course, George Fazio Course, and Arthur Hills Course.
Doug Weaver
Ranked among Best 2019 PGA Teachers in S.C. by Golf Digest
2019 “Player of the Year” for the CPGA’s Lowcountry Area
Can't make it to Palmetto Dunes in-person? Watch Golf Tips from the Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy instructors on our YouTube channel.
Learn something new every day
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.
Daily Clinic Schedule Overview
Arthur Hills Golf Course (Reservation Required)
$50 per person for each clinic
Putting
MONDAYS 10:00 AM - 10:50 AMFull Swing
TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS 10:00 AM - 10:50 AMLadies Only
WEDNESDAY 10:00 AM - 10:50 AMChipping
THURSDAYS 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM*Daily Clinics location is subject to changes. Please confirm when making reservations.
Free demos every Monday
“Where Does the Power Come From?”
MONDAYS; 4 - 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!
Schools and 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.
Learn the sand fundamentals. This is the easiest shot in golf when executed correctly. Learn why the pros would rather be in the sand trap than in the rough. 5:1 ratio. Reservations required.
When: Thursdays 3 - 3:50 p.m.
Ages: All ages
Location: Arthur Hills Course
Cost: $50 per clinic
Learn fundamentals of golf while singing songs causing amazing retention and success. 5:1 Student-Teacher ratio, parent participation required.
When: Mondays 5:15 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Ages: 3 - 7 years old 5:1 ratio
Location: Robert Trent Jones Golf Course
Cost: $50, clubs provided
Rip your drive and sharpen your putting with the acclaimed Junior Programs. Perfect for beginners or experienced players.
Clubs provided if needed.
Junior Clinics - "Fun, Friends and Fresh Air" (offered seasonally)
Enjoy instruction and games focusing on mastering the fundamentals of all golf shots, etiquette and rules. Three shots covered daily. Learn something new everyday and build your personal golf instruction manual. Attend 4 times and receive a Junior Golf School Manual. 5:1 Student-Teacher ratio, no minimum. Reservations required.
When: Sundays and 10 - 10:50 a.m. with Dustin Hayes & Tuesdays 1 - 1:50 p.m. with Sean Ritter
Ages: 8 - 17 years old
Location: Arthur Hills Golf Course
Cost: $50 per clinic
*No other discounts, promotions or specials may be used with the junior discount. One full paying adult and one junior or two juniors will be treated as one adult and one junior.
Two day schools
This school is great for new golfers who want to be introduced to the game, or advanced players who may need a refresher course.
Length: 2 Days, 3 hours of instruction per day
Where: Palmetto Dunes Courses
Cost: $750 per student
Includes:
3 hours of instruction per day
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
Description: 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. Reservations Required.
Three day schools for all skill levels
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.
Length: Three days, four hours of instruction per day
Where: Palmetto Dunes Courses
Cost: $1,690 per student
Reservations Required.
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
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.
Family programs
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.
Three Day Family Golf Class
Length: Three days, two hours of private lessons daily
Where: Palmetto Dunes Courses
Cost: $1690 per school
Reservations Required
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
25% discount on all rentals at Hilton Head Outfitters
Playing Lessons
Play with the Pro & learn as you go. Videos, photos & instruction notes are included. Also available over multiple days.
When: Seasonal- by appointment only & course availability
Where: TBD
Ages: 12+
Cost: 2 hour minimum private lesson fee
Reservations are required.
Ladies Only
Covering Putting, Chipping, Pitching, Full Swing & Concentration Skills.
When: Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
Ages: 12 years & over 4:1 ratio
Location: Arthur Hills Golf Course
Cost: $50 per clinic
Mental Golf Workshop
Learn how the best players think and focus
When: Seasonal- by appointment only & course availability
Where: TBD
Reservations are required.
Advanced Wedge Play
Make short approach shots the strongest part of your game!
When: Seasonal- by appointment only & course availability
Where: TBD
Reservations are required.
Private customized golf lessons from Hilton Head Island's Top Pros
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.
Cost |
|
|---|---|
Director of Instruction |
$140 (Doug Weaver) |
Head Professional |
$130 (PGA Class A Professional) |
Assistant Professional |
$110 (PGA Class A Professional) |
Assistant Professional |
$90 (PGA Associate) |
Extra Person |
add $20 |
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 the Hilton Head’s top golf pros here.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Tim started in the Golf business as a second career in 2008. He graduated Professional Golfers Career College in 2010 and came to Palmetto Dunes in 2012. Tim has been an avid golfer for 3 decades and has always had a passion for the game.
He began teaching at Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy in 2012 while continuing his education in The PGA Of America. He was Elected to membership as a Class A Pro in August of 2012. Tim has a simple approach to teaching and believes that every golfer has their own unique swing and enjoys teaching to all ages and skill levels.
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Sean Ritter
Sean Ritter graduated from the Professional Golfers Career College in Bluffton, SC with honors and is originally from Charlotte, NC. After his graduation, Sean was further mentored and tutored under the award-winning Palmetto Dunes, Golf Academy staff.
He has met all the requirements and has proven, competent and excellent as an associate PGA member. He is an excellent player with a calm and patient personality, and is great with all skill levels including juniors.
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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.
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Exclusive golf instruction stay & play package
The Golf Academy Package. Enjoy two full days of golf instruction and play led by PGA-certified instructors, four days and three nights at a resort villa, with video analysis, special discounts on resort activities and more!
The school year calendar
There’s a class or demo for virtually any level player to help improve your game.
