George Vitense Golf Academy

PGA Golf Professional Staff

PGA PROFESSIONALS

Please scroll down for 2008 lesson information.

Golf instruction from our PGA Professional staff of George Vitense Golf Academy is available year round. We offer a state-of-the-art facility with indoor putting green, super high intensity heaters, overhead retractable door to view full ball flight and custom club fit you any time of year!

Joel Weitz, PGA Professional, is President & Director of Golf at Vitense Golfland. Joel has been teaching golf for 17 years and has been a PGA member since 1996. He was recognized as a 2008 & 2005 Top 50 Golf Instructor in America by Golf Range Magazine published by the Golf Range Association of America. He has taught numerous private and group lessons for all levels and types of players including juniors, seniors, women, beginners, intermediate and advanced players. He has conducted a variety of clinics at local book stores, health clubs and golf expos. Joel is a Past President of the Wisconsin Section of The PGA of America, the 2005 recipient of the Wisconsin PGA Golf Professional of the Year award and the 2006 recipient of the Wisconsin PGA President's Plaque Award for growth of the game and player development initiatives. Under his leadership, Vitense Goflland received the Wisconsin SBA's 2007 Wisconsin Family Owned Business of the Year and 2008 Dane County Small Business Award.

Mark Reif, PGA Professional, is Head Golf Instructor of the George Vitense Golf Academy at Vitense Golfland. Mark has worked at Vitense Golfland since 1983 and has been a PGA member since 1992. Mark has a wide range of golf knowledge and experience and has a lengthy resume' of satisfied golf students.

Jim Schuman, PGA Professional, is currently head coach of the University of Wisconsin men's golf team and golf instructor of the George Vitense Golf Academy at Vitense Golfland. He has tremendous playing and teaching experience and has coached and instructed many types of golfers including many accomplished players including current PGA Tour player, Jerry Kelly. He is the 2003 & 2005 Wisconsin PGA Teacher of the Year and 2006 Golf Range Magazine Top 50 Golf Instructor in America.

Bill Furnari, PGA Professional, is a Life Member of The PGA of America. He has been teaching golfers of all levels for over 40 years and retired in 1998 as Personnel Manager of Vitense Golfland where he worked since the business first opened. Although retired from daily management, Bill is still available to provide very experienced golf instruction.

Mike Schnarr - PGA Professional

Mike Schnarr, PGA Professional, is a retired head golf professional from Blackhawk Country Club in Madison, Wisconsin. Mike has experience in teaching golfers of all skill levels and has hundreds of successful examples of satisfied students. Mike is a two time PGA Professional of the year. Mike has taught multiple City, High School, and State Champions.

Derek Schnarr
Head Golf Professional of Vitense Golf Academy & Shop

Derek Schnarr is a very experienced amateur tournament player and accomplished golfer. He teaches a wide variety of players from beginners to accomplished tournament players. He is very knowledgeable of the game and can improve your game in all areas. Contact Derek at dschnarr@vitense.com

Tim Byrne - Assistant Golf Professional

Tim Byrne has assisted in managing golf shop operations and has experience with clubfitting, club bending and club repair. He has taught various private and group lessons.

John Dingle - Assistant Golf Professional

John Dingle has 7 years of experience in teaching golf to a wide variety of players. He has experience with all levels of players. Contact John at jdingle@vitense.com

Dylan Packer - Assistant Golf Professional

Dylan Packer has been teaching golf to all ages and abilities for 3 years. He assists in the golf shop with clubfitting, club repair, and friendly customer service. Contact Dylan at dpacker@vitense.com

GEORGE VITENSE GOLF ACADEMY

Our George Vitense Golf Academy staff featuring PGA golf professionals has more than 150 years of combined experience in teaching all levels of golfers. Our goal is not only to improve your golf game but also to increase your enjoyment and satisfaction in playing the game.

Mission Statement

To provide a relaxed, fun atmosphere where golfers of all ages and skill levels can learn, practice, play, and enjoy the game of golf for a lifetime from experiences offered by our high quality facilities, learning programs, equipment and PGA professionals.

"You don't quit playing because you grow old, you grow old because you quit playing."

George Vitense (1904-1988)

Adult Private Golf Instruction - 2009

What is Academy Practice?

Academy practice is a one hour practice session where students enrolled in our private lesson series and group lesson programs practice under the supervision of a George Vitense Golf Academy golf professional who offers brief golf instruction to attending students. Large or Big George buckets may be purchased at half price for Academy practice. Please note that certain days are dedicated to either full swing, short game or on course golf instruction.

To qualify for Academy Practice just register for our private lesson swing development programs, 101 level 1, or 101 level 2.

ACADEMY PRACTICE SCHEDULE
(June 2009)

Monday: Not available

Tuesday: Not available

Wednesday: 12:00 - 1:00 pm (Short Game) Assistant Golf Professional, Dylan Packer

Thursday: 8:00 - 9:00 am (Full Swing) PGA Professional, Mark Reif

Friday: 4:00 - 5:00 pm (Full Swing) PGA Professional, Joel Weitz

Saturday: 8:00 - 9:00 am (On Course) PGA Professional, Mark Reif

Sunday: 8:30 - 9:30 am (Full Swing) PGA Professional, Joel Weitz

Please present your Academy Practice card at front counter for Academy Practice. You will then be issued a receipt to give to the attending professional. Please note that each day of academy practice is devoted to a specific area of your game such as Saturday where on course golf instruction is provided. On such days, you may opt to purchase 1/2 price range balls and proceed to the golf range; however, please note that a golf professional will not be available.

Vitense Golfland reserves the right to change the academy practice schedule at any time.

30 Minute Private Lesson - $50

A private lesson includes one on one instruction by a PGA professional to carefully work with you to address any aspect of your game for improved performance. In addition to golf instruction, recommendations for playing and practicing are included in the 30 minute lesson.

One Hour Private Lesson - $95

Swing Development Program (FOUR 30 minute private lessons) - $190

Enjoy one on one private instruction above in a series of four half hour private lessons. You also receive one month of "Academy Practice"

Includes:

Four 1/2 Hour Private Lessons.
One month of unlimited Academy Practice
Half price range buckets during Academy Practice sessions
Add just $169 for Unlimited Play 2009 Par 3 Membership (Save $30!)

$480 for four one-hour private lessons with Jim Schuman including unlimited Academy Practice & Academy Club Fitting & Demo.

Private Lesson with V1 Pro Swing Analysis Softwawre & Internet Lesson Summary - $75

V1 Pro is the cutting edge of digital instructional software and using this tool in conjunction with your opportunity to access excerpts from your golf lesson online at the V1 Internet Golf Academy 24/7 makes this the ultimate instructional tool for game improvement. Our experienced PGA professionals will record and compare your swing with PGA tour professionals. Various software tools are used to analyze your swing to make it incredibly easy for you to see where your game can be improved for maximum performance. In addition to the internet recorded lesson, we provide you with an 8 frame golf swing sequence printout for you to take home with you. V1 Pro is an outstanding tool and combined with our PGA Professional expertise, we are confident you will see improvement in your game.

Semi-Private Lesson - $80

In semi-private lesson, our PGA professionals will instruct you and another golfer on any aspect of your game. We tailor the lesson to meet the needs and requests of each golfer; you will receive individual attention at an affordable price. Semi-private lessons are offered at various times and include range balls and equipment.

$40 per person for 45 minutes For each additional person (five person maximum), add $40 and 15 minutes to the lesson. ($290 for four lesson golf improvement program for two people which includes one month of unlimited academy practice with half price buckets and free golf instruction.)

Semi-Private Swing Development Program - $300

Four Semi-Private 45 minute lessons for two people. One month of 1/2 price range buckets & unlimited academy practice.

Speciality Lessons - $60 each class

Speciality Lessons are designed to focus on specific areas in which the player chooses to concentrate. Classes ae one hour & are available Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday nights beginning at 7:30 pm & continue for two consecutive weeks. Classes consist of 3 to 5 adults & may also be scheduled at a seperate time that accommodates your own group.

Areas Of Focus:

Short Game & Bunker Play
On the Course
Drivers, Fairway Woods & Hybrids
Inside 100 Yards
Putting
Shot Shaping

Adult Golf 101 Level 1 2009

Welcome to Golf
(Available Year Round)

Click here for the

2009 Adult Golf 101 Level 1 Registration Forms

Designed for adul golfers with little or no experience
Learn in groups of 5 to 8 students.
75 minutes each week for four consecutive weeks (5 total hours of golf instruction)
Includes a pass for one month of free bucket upgrades on the golf range and one month of unlimited academy practice with half price range balls.
Week 1: Overview of golf clubs, intro to grip, stance, posture
Week 2: Review of grip, stance, posture, intro to full swing
Week 3: Short game (putting & chipping)
Week 4: Intro of woods, hybrids & long irons
Add $169 for Unlimited Play 2009 Par 3 Membership

During the winter months, all aspects of the game described above are still covered as we have an indoor putting green and covered and heated tee area of our outdoor golf range.

$120 for four weeks

2009 Adult Golf 101 Level 1 Schedule

Tue 5:45 pm Feb 10, 17, 24, Mar 3
Thu 5:45 pm Feb 12, 19, 26, Mar 5
Sat 10:00 am Feb 14, 21, 28, Mar 7
Tue 5:45 pm Mar 17, 24, 31, Apr 7
Thu 5:45 pm Mar 19, 26, Apr 2, 9
Sat 10:00 am Mar 22, 28, Apr 4, 11
Mon 7:15 pm April 20, 27, May 4, 11
Tue 5:45 pm April 21, 28, May 5, 12
Wed 7:15 pm April 22, 29, May 6, 13
Thu 5:45 pm April 23, 30, May 7, 14
Sat 10:00 am April 25, May 2, 9, 16
Mon 7:15 pm May 18, 25, June 1, 8
Tue 5:45 pm May 19, 26, June 2, 9
Wed 7:15 pm May 20, 27, June 3, 10
Thu 5:45 pm May 21, 28, June 4, 11
Sat 10:00 am May 23, 30, June 6, 13
Mon 7:15 pm June 22, 29, July 6, 13
Tue 5:45 pm June 23, 30, July 7, 14
Wed 7:15 pm June 24, July 1, 8, 15
Thu 5:45 pm June 25, July 2, 9, 16
Sat 10:00 am June 27, July 4, 11, 18
Mon 7:15 pm July 27, Aug 3, 10, 17
Tue 5:45 pm July 28, Aug 4, 11, 18
Wed 7:15 pm July 29, Aug 5, 12, 19
Thu 5:45 pm July 30, Aug 6, 13, 20
Sat 10:00 am Aug 1, 8, 15, 22
Tue 5:45 pm Sept 1, 8, 15, 22
Thu 5:45 pm Sept 3, 10, 17, 24
Sat 10:00 am Sept 5, 12, 19, 26
Tue 5:45 pm Oct 6, 13, 20, 27
Thu 5:45 pm Oct 8, 15, 22, 29
Sat 10:00 am Oct 10, 17, 24, 31
Tue 5:45 pm Nov 10, 17, 24, Dec 1
Thu 5:45 pm Nov 12, 19, 26, Dec 3
Sat 10:00 am Nov 14, 21, 28, Dec 5

Adult Golf 101 - Level 2 2009
GROUP GOLF LESSONS - Learn & Play

Click here for the 2009 Adult Golf 101 Level 2 Registration form

Designed for adult intermediate golfers or students who have completed adult golf 101 level 1
Groups of 5 to 8 students per class
75 minutes each week for four weeks (5 total hours of golf instruction)
Includes a pass for one month of free bucket upgrades on the golf range and one month of unlimited academy practice with half price range balls.
Week 1: Full swing review, each student will be video taped to find individual swing flaws to work on in the following weeks
Week 2: Work on individual swing flaws and introduce ball flight laws
Week 3: Chipping, putting, bunker play, (three 20 minute stations)
Week 4: 15 minutes of warm up followed by a short Q&A and then on to the golf course
Add just $169 for Unlimited Play 2009 Par 3 Membership

$120 for four weeks

2009 Adult Golf 101 Level 2 Schedule

Mon 5:45 pm April 20, 27, May 4, 11
Tue 7:15 pm April 21, 28, May 5, 12
Wed 5:45 pm April 22, 29, May 6, 13
Thu 7:15 pm April 23, 30, May 7, 14
Sat 1:00 pm April 25, May 2, 9, 16
Mon 5:45 pm May 18, 25, June 1, 8
Tue 7:15 pm May 19, 26, June 2, 9
Wed 5:45 pm May 20, 27, June 3, 10
Thu 7:15 pm May 21, 28, June 4, 11
Sat 1:00 pm May 23, 30, June 6, 13
Mon 5:45 pm June 22, 29, July 6, 13
Tue 7:15 pm June 23, 30, July 7, 14
Wed 5:45 pm June 24, July 1, 8, 15
Thu 7:15 pm June 25, July 2, 9, 16
Sat 1:00 pm June 27, July 4, 11, 18
Mon 5:45 pm July 27, Aug 3, 10, 17
Tue 7:15 pm July 28, Aug 4, 11, 18
Wed 5:45 pm July 29, Aug 5, 12, 19
Thu 7:15 pm July 30, Aug 6, 13, 20
Sat 1:00 pm Aug 1, 8, 15, 22
Mon 5:45 pm Aug 31, Sept 7, 14, 21
Wed 5:45 pm Sept 2, 9, 16, 23
Sat 1:00 pm Sept 5, 12, 19, 26
Mon 5:45 pm Oct 5, 12, 19, 26
Wed 5:45 pm Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Sat 1:00 pm Oct 10, 17, 24, 31

Get Golf Ready $99
Beginner Group Lessons with On Course Instruction

Get Golf Ready is a national industry wide initiative to introduce and create new players in the game. Get Golf Ready is comprised of a series of five introductory lessons offered by our PGA Professionals in a small-group environment (5 to 8 adult beginners). The program includes five weekly one hour lessons providing basic skills instruction as well as information regarding the background of the game’s rules, etiquette and values. On-course learning opportunities will be included as part of the lessons. Overall, participants will gain insight into techniques regarding chipping, putting, full swing, half swing and bunker play as well as the fundamental guidelines regarding the use and maintenance of golf equipment, keeping score and navigating the course, among others.

The lessons are offered from 5 to 8 adults on Tuesday or Thursday nights beginning at 6:30 pm and continuing on the same date and time for five consecutive weeks. The class includes a pass for one month of free bucket upgrades on the golf range and one month of unlimited academy practice with half price range balls. Add just $169 for Unlimited Play 2009 Par 3 Membership

Tuesday 6:30 pm May 26, June 2, 9, 16, 23

Thursday 6:30 pm May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25

Tuesday 6:30 pm June 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28

Thursday 6:30 pm July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30