It has been two years since my first Bird Golf School. In that period of time you have helped me improve from shooting rounds in the 130’s to breaking 80 (78) for the first time. I cannot express to you all how grateful I am for all your help and the true dedication that you have to teaching. People at my club are always commenting on how good my swing looks and how it was that I have improved so quickly; and I tell them “it’s all because of Bird Golf, their great golf school which exceeded expectations in every way and make them, without a doubt, the best golf school in the world”. See you again soon (now I want to get into the 60’s!).

Dr. Michael Wachs
Denver, CO

We've returned back to the east coast safe, sound, and swinging much better after our experience at your golf school. Certainly we were pleased with all aspects of the golf school including the resort and your attention to detail and customer satisfaction. What was, however, well beyond our very high expectations was the quality of interactions with had with Sharon (Miller). Her ability to communicate and relate to us (as two very different learning types, at two very different abilities) was incredible. She was able to capture and sustain our complete interest and involvement for five FULL days while making it fun, deeply enriching, and highly educational. We WILL return to the Bird School when it's time for our next golf school experience - simply put - because of Sharon. See you then!

T. Kyle Vanderlick
Professor and Chair-Princeton University
Department of Chemical Engineering

As you know I attended a Golf School with one of your competitors - what a difference. The biggest difference was the instructor. Jim (Samsing) is in a class of his own. After leaving the other school I went home trying to remember all the angles and the lines of my terrible posture etc. (very confused) but with Jim I feel that I have a real chance of improving my game. Jim showed me (simply) how to identify why my shots went the direction that they do. Having the opportunity to have your continuing help only a phone call away is another great part of the school. I guarantee you that I will be visiting you again next year and will recommend you to all my buddies. Thanks again.”

Warren Dyer
Venezuela

Update: June 2004
I would have to say that our latest school was the turning point in my game. I shot some great golf in Houston last week and have gained about 15 yards a club. I have also stuck to the yoga stretches that Kelly showed me and they really help. Thanks again for your time and for putting on a third great golf school.

Craig, Can't tell you how pleased I am to have had you as my golf instructor. I learned a tremendous amount about how to play the game and what I need to do to improve my swing and my scoring. I came to the Bird Academy with high expectations and you did not disappoint. And aside from all the golf I learned, it was a genuine pleasure spending four days on the course with you. You're a true gentleman.

Ray Sweet
Rowland Heights, California

I apologize for this note being 6 plus weeks after our session with Shirley but I wanted some time to practice, play a few rounds and in general, assimilate (Jay, ask Shirley, she’ll know why I used the work assimilate and she’ll probably laugh at the word, I hope so) all the instruction and information Shirley provided to Amy and me.

If I had to use one word to describe the experience and value we received from the week with Shirley it would be AMAZING.

The accommodations? Excellent. The golf facility? Fantastic. Shirley? Priceless!!!

Frankly we could have played on a cow pasture and stayed in a tent and Shirley still would have made the experience amazing. It truly is a treat to spend time with someone that is beyond knowledgeable, truly loves what they do, great personality and fun to be around, and can share their knowledge in such a way that you are not intimidated to get out of your comfort zone by trying sometime different.

In my bio to you I mentioned I was looking for fine tuning of my game for better scoring - specifically long irons and wedges. Early on the second day, Shirley approached me with an option that she could provide some fine tuning but based on what she had observed and through watching video, she would recommend something slightly more than fine tuning… more like rebuilding my swing. Shirley completely made the decision my choice. Based on the limitations that I knew about my swing, Shirley’s advice and the video, it was an easy decision to rebuild a swing 35 years in the making. An easy decision but not so easy to implement so it’s a good thing Shirley is extremely patient… I left at the end of the week comfortable with the knowledge I knew what I needed to do improve my golf game. Fast forward a month; my rounds have been 86, 82, 84, 78, 75 and 82. As I’m becoming more comfortable with the new swing and not over thinking things, my ability to consistently hit much better golf shots is improving. I’ve no doubt I should be able to stay in the 70’s consistently. This level of improvement was exactly what I was hoping to get from my experience with Bird Golf. Thank you Shirley!

You may also recall that Amy is an occasional golfer that wanted to learn the fundamentals of the game. Because of Shirley, Amy is now more than an occasional golfer! I can easily imagine that this one week of golf instruction saved a decade of frustration with the typical learning curve of periodic lessons, playing, getting frustrated and them more periodic lessons from someone different than who you started with and who probably provides contradictory information which just adds to the confusion and frustration.

We thoroughly enjoyed the week!

Bob Wells
Riverton, CT

"We wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed our weekend with Pam. She is the greatest golf instructor ever. I don't think I'll ever take another lesson from anyone else. We are recommending your school all over the place!"

Gayle Dalrymple
Fredericksburg, VA

I would like to express my complete satisfaction with the training provided by Tim P. of Bird Golf Academy. It turned out to be a great experience and well worth it. Tim easily identified my major flaws and quickly had me working on fixing them. He did not have me start from scratch (the last person I took lessons from wanted to do just that -- start over after forgetting what I did for 10 years!). Instead, Tim retained the 'good' parts of my swing and had me working within my physical abilities. I was pleased to see the results. I got a great deal out of the time we had am now confident that I will be able to play a good game.

Tim was easy to work with and I have a great deal of respect for his teaching abilities. It is now up to me to do the work and then see the benefits in the course. I will keep Tim updated. I hope to give him good news in a few weeks!

Thanks to the Bird Golf Academy!

Philip Thambidurai. PhD
Mt. Laurel, NJ

I want to take this moment to thank Shirley and Bird Golf for providing me golf school experience that exceeded my expectations. With Shirley as my instructor, I learned sound fundamentals of the golf swing starting from the grip, athletic stance and posture, and the actual swinging plane. In addition, with the help of clear key, I was able to reduce tension in my body before hitting the golf ball. I must say, with Shirley's extensive knowledge of the golf swing and her fine attention to details, I finally learned and developed a golf swing that can be repeated. Furthermore, with her experience as a Tour pro, I've learned many ways of attacking the hole from within 50 yards. Thanks Shirley and next time, I'll bring my wife with me. The experience really couldn't have been any better!!! THANKS for the great teaching and a great vacation.

Chin-Yu Lin
Tokyo, Japan

Dear Jay,

Just a brief note to express our positive experience we had with Mary Mills at our Boca-based golf school lat month. Mary was a delight, humorous, patient, very helpful and obviously experienced. Both Barbara and I immensely enjoyed the whole time, and it was a nice getaway for us as well. We will be raving about Mary and the Bird Golf Academy to our friends, some of whom we think may also contact Bird in the future.

Per Mary's advice, we've been at the range more than on the course, and we are trying to groove our swings. As warned, it is not easy but we will be persistent. On the course, I finally broke 100 without a mulligan a week ago, and Barbara now has increased confidence with her new set of clubs, is "smashing" many shots with her new 5 and 6 rescue clubs and is putting much better. My short game is much improved, and I no longer tremble when I have to hit a wedge out of the sand or over a water obstacle.

Alan and Barbara Hartstein
Miami, Florida

Dear Jay:

After researching golf schools and talking to the various individuals associated with those schools, Bird Golf was the clear winner for my husband and I to attend. The 5-day school in Phoenix (with you as my instructor, and Jim Samsing as Charlie's instructor) exceeded all of our expectations. As you know, I came to you with little experience playing golf; having played a round of golf only a handful of times (and even then, picking up my ball on many of the holes and never being able to record a score). However, I left the school with the skill and confidence to play a full round of golf (with no pick-ups!). With your encouragement, I joined the lady 9-holers at my club, and played very well, not only during our weekly playdays, but also in the interclub tournaments. Your continued encouragement and teaching (both via e-mail and by telephone) elevated my golf game from nothing to winning several interclubs and team competitions, breaking 50 in the nine-holers, and then breaking 100 for a full round. And less than 5 months after attending Bird Golf, I shot a hole-in-one on a 163-yard par 3! Bird Golf is the absolute best golf school, and you are absolutely the best teacher!

Marilyn Eickenhorst
Sugar Land, Texas

I have just returned from my Palm Springs vacation and wanted to share with you my experience with Coach Craig Waryan and our three day golf instruction at Indian Wells.

First, I wanted to comment on the wonderful facilities and accommodations that were set up at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort. The location and proximity to the golf course and instruction area were convenient and the resort itself was both inviting and comfortable during my stay. Indian Wells is truly a world class facility and ranks very high on my all-time favorite golf destinations.

Secondly and most importantly, I wanted to comment on the fantastic instruction and valuable experience I had with Coach Craig. From the very start, I was nervous that a "semi-experienced golfer" like myself would be overwhelmed with a lot of information about what I have been doing wrong and was worried that an overhaul of my swing would be in order, effectively undoing all my habits from 9 years of play and causing me to feel as though I am starting from scratch. Coach Craig ensured that wasn't his objective and basically spent time learning my swing, understanding my tendencies and then using that information to tweak and modify so as to correct and not just change for the sake of change.

For an individual like myself who has never had professional instruction, Coach Craig's teaching approach was welcoming and helped me to not only listen, but retain his instruction. There were elements to the lessons that were both simplified and technical in nature, and both methods worked in concert near flawlessly. Credit to Coach Craig for knowing which method to use at which time. It was an absolute pleasure spending my time learning the game from such an accomplished instructor.

The definitive and most concrete evidence I can give of my positive experience was how enjoyable golf was during my time with Coach Craig and also every round I played after the 3 day program was over. I am now back in Calgary and absolutely disappointed that I'm unable to play until the springtime. I have already seen noticeable improvements in my game and I'm confident I will be achieve my personal golf goals in the coming season. Hitting the ball straighter, longer and with the desired ball flight is addicting - I just want to keep playing more. I feel I'm equipped with a lot more valuable knowledge on both the physical and mental aspects of the game and the retention of said information is entirely due to the excellent and commendable instruction of Coach Craig.

If this was the level and quality provided from all teaching golf professionals, I would certainly recommend professional instruction to anyone. However, though I cannot comment on other golf schools or instructors, I do now know what Bird Golf can offer and the quality of instruction from Craig Waryan. And without a doubt, I will recommend your school and especially Coach Craig to anyone interested in learning and seriously developing their golf game. I cannot wait to get back on the driving range this week, let alone the golf course next season.

Thank you so much for making golf even more enjoyable than it already was.

Take care,

Dennis de Jesus
Calgary, AB
Canada

Michelle and I have just arrived back in New Zealand after spending what we both agree is our best adventure yet! Lee was out of this world (not an alien though) and Michelle and I learnt more than we ever thought possible in only five days. We felt at ease from the very first moment we met Lee and he has a true knack of getting the most from the time available. The resort, Indian Wells, Palm Springs, California and the USA were all truly amazing.

Thanks to Bird Golf for making my 50th such a memorable time.

Richard Toulson
Albany, New Zealand

A huge thanks to you and your vision!!!! My golf school with Pam was everything you had promised and more – I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the bunkers, on the practice greens and range and on those gorgeous Whirlwind courses. I can still feel the "ear to ear" grin I had on my face on Wed when I "gave myself a chance" on each of the 9 holes we played. A bit of tumbling down to earth though on my return to 4 degree Celsius temperatures (not liking the cold, I won’t be hitting the driving range until we warm up a bit, hopefully in the next week or so) as I am itching to get back out to the range and course.

We also had a wonderful evening at Kai. And my sisters and I had a wonderful and peaceful time at the resort which was much needed.

Dr. Shannon Venance
London, ON; Canada

Tim (Peightal) did a fantastic job teaching and coaching me during my five days with Bird Academy. Each day he systematically modified a part of my swing style which step-by-step added up to what feels like a great swing. It wasn’t until the third day that I realized what he was doing, which then made me eager to find out what would be improved each day. Tim taught me how to add various loft wedges to my game which gave me options I never had before. With the addition of some of Tim’s mental coaching, I should be able to reduce my handicap by 3-4 strokes (am currently a 9 handicap) as I integrate and stabilize what I learned in just a week. The best part of my experience is that it was not a complete ‘makeover’ of my swing, but rather a systematic adjustment of my basic game. The blisters are starting to heal on most of my fingers… Thanks again for a great week by one of the best!

Jon Veldman
Avon, CT

"I wanted you to know what a great experience we had this week taking lessons from Tim. He was a good match for us & we really enjoyed working with him. We learned a lot & also enjoyed his sense of humor. Bird Golf Academy is such a professionally run organization and our whole experience was very positive."

Tindy MacBain
Ann Arbor, MI

"Working with Roger was an extraordinary experience. He demonstrates knowledge, and most importantly, the ability to transfer information in an understandable way. I am on the right tack for enjoying golf more full."

Mike Murphy
Clarksville, TN

I enjoyed meeting you and look forward to seeing you again.

I truly enjoyed our sessions with Lee Maiden; he is super! I think he has taught me a lot; and more miraculously, I seem to have absorbed some of it. My game improved greatly in the four days I spent with him. Hope to keep improving as the short season here goes along.

Jim Shutiak
Calgary, Canada

Just writing to let you know I had an absolutely excellent time and experience with Bird Golf and Pam. I could not have wished for a more perfect instructor for me or for better results!! Absolutely delighted with the whole 3 days.

I seriously have the golf bug now! Looking forward to practicing hard and beating my buddies now. That's my aim and I know I can do it. Oh, and having fun too of course.

Great talking with you all the while and many, many thanks to you for setting this whole thing up... and I look forward to keeping in touch.

Warm regards

Bryan Edery
London, England

I want to let you know what a great experience Bird Golf Academy was for me. The profile work was very interesting and unexpected. I can't say enough about Shirley, I respect the knowledge that she has in the game, her abilities as an instructor, and so enjoyed her personality. You said that I would love her instruction, and I certainly did. I look forward to continuing my work with Shirley, as I have a commitment to excel in the game. With the assistance from Bird Golf Academy I know that I will be able to accomplish my "bucket list" golf-related items.

The facilities were also exceptional. All I can say is - perfect! Hotel property, view, golf course, staff, everything (Ed. Note: Irene did her school at our flagship site at Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa).

Having been coached in tennis as an adult I do understand the (frustrating) process of transitioning into proper form and execution - and I have a lot to work through in my golf game. I appreciate the opportunity to work with Bird Golf Academy digitally. My concern was that I would have to work with someone locally that wouldn't have the same methodology and scope. It is important to me that I work with one consistent source, as I feel the best results would be accomplished that way.

Thanks again for providing such a unique learning experience.

Sincerely,

Irene Powers
Glenview, IL

"There are not enough words to describe how much my game has improved thanks to Steve. The ladies club championship finals were held August 19 and 20. In prior years this has been a match play event which I have lost (badly last year) in the finals. This year's format was 36 holes of medal play and I've got to say I played the best golf of my life. Had we played match play we might still be at it since I won as many holes as I lost....medal play wasn't as kind to me. I lost by 6 strokes to someone whose handicap is 8. I shot 176 for 36 holes. It was quite the accomplishment for me to play so well and I owe it to Steve's fine instructions. I now find myself invited to member guest affairs at other golf clubs and have won three of those as well as placing third in another. My daughter also reports great improvement in her game. We will forever be disciples of the Bird Golf Academy."

Peggy Dudley
Harrisville, Rhode Island

Dear Jay,

Three years ago, no-one, including myself would have believed that I would be playing golf at the level I am today. I give all the credit to your golf school and my instructor, Jim Samsing. I have gone from a best ever score of 126 (three years ago) to a personal best of 84. My accomplishments have included a Flight Championship and a Member/Member Championship at my home club but best of all, I have developed a love of and passion for-the game.

While the accomplishments are mine, the credit all goes to the Bird Golf Academy. I could not have done it on my own. The beauty of the golf school is more than the desire to share your knowledge and skills with your students; it is the devotion that you give your students.

Thank you for giving me this gift. Any professional can teach the skills. Few, however, can a person develop a love and passion for playing and enjoying the game.

Sandy Cable
Genoa Lakes, Nevada

"I have been golfing for the past 48 years. In all that time I have never hit a draw shot off the tee, or for that matter anywhere else on the course. Inside of a couple of hours, Tim, had me drawing the ball. I feel that the three days with Tim were very rewarding. The location at Mission Inn was just perfect and please extend my thanks to Tim for improving a hacker's golf game."

Dominic Salvino Sr.
Naperville, IL

“Jay-Thank You - I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone with Bird Golf Academy for an absolutely terrific experience. I can't imagine a better way to have been introduced to the game. Having never even held a stick before, I wasn't sure what the week would hold or if I'd have a good time. It was without question the best vacation of my life. All the logistical details were very well handled and I couldn't have asked for a better, more positive and patient instructor than Shirley. So, in just five days I've gone from someone whose favorite club was the Pink Elephant in Brussels, Belgium to someone whose favorite club is the 9 iron. I am very much looking forward to my golf journey and to future Bird Golf schools.”

Greta M. Powell
Lacey, WA

After the three day 6 hours a day one on one instruction the only thing left from my old golf game is my good attitude. Talk about getting reinvented... teaching old dogs new trick.. etc. Amazing learning experience!! Lee is an outstanding teacher and mentor. I now have both a new coach and friend. If you want a Senior Poster Boy for Bird Golf, sign me up. I'd recommend the program to anyone who is really serious about improving their game.

Ron Deiss
Palo Alto, California

“our compliments on our experience at Jekyll Island with Mary Mills. Our time with Mary was awesome. The location is perfect with great facilities and such friendly staff. We had absolutely no problems obtaining tee times or spots on the practice range. We told Mary her patience was "Academy Award Winning"!!!!!! We have both played a few times here and already notice a great improvement particularly in certain situations where we previously had difficulty. Thanks for an experience we will never forget.”

Sincerely

Linda & Dick Mills
(Canada and Florida)

“I wanted to personally thank you for the great experience I had at the Bird Golf Academy. My 5 days with you were very productive but also a lot of fun. You are a great teacher of the game of golf and I know already that I will be a much improved golfer. Please use my name as a reference to anyone interested in a great golf school”

Michael Gelinas, MD
Wisconsin

I wanted to write to express how much my recent wonderful experience at the Bird Golf School exceeded my expectations. Although my friend Nancy was the one who chose Bird Golf, the school was exactly what I would have designed had I built my own school. I played regularly and confidently several years ago, winning my club championship. Two cross-country moves and one baby later, I thought I had "lost" my swing and my confidence. What I wanted from a school was to bring out what I knew I had in me, and not a school that would try to rebuild me.

Bird Golf, and my four days with Shirley Furlong, were exactly that. I have always felt that when I was confident about the basics such as posture and balance, that I played my best golf because then I wasn't worrying about anything while swinging. That was exactly the approach that Shirley took, and she reassured me that my approach to the game was the approach I should keep using. Past teachers had tried to get me to swing "faster" or "harder." Shirley emphasized that I should stick with my natural tempo in my whole approach to the game, and then showed me how to mentally get out of my own way so that that tempo's fluidity could come out. I don't know how you knew Shirley would be such a great match after only a short phone call with me, but she was perfect.

In addition, the resort, course, and practice facilities were beautiful, and Shirley was an absolute delight to spend four days with. I'm a teacher myself, so I can recognize that at times, I was a bit of a pain in the bum as a student -- but Shirley handled that with humor, and I haven't laughed so much in a long time.

Anyway, thanks for a truly wonderful experience!

Miranda Fleischer
Boulder, Colorado

EDITOR'S NOTE:
To read the comments of Nancy Rice who did her golf school with Miranda, please see the testimonial immediately below.

I wanted to write you a note expressing my pleasure with my recent experience at the Bird Golf Academy, Wild Horse Pass Resort and spa. Although I'm not a great golfer, I love the sport, so nothing could be better than spending 4 consecutive days immersed in golf. My teacher, Shirley Furlong, not only is a wonderful teacher but she clearly shares my passion for the game; we could not have been a better pairing.

Shirley was full of good humor, very good natured, and had an infectious enthusiasm for all aspects of the game, even sand shots. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of golf and the patience and willingness to communicate her knowledge as many times and in as many ways as necessary for me to understand and improve. I particularly enjoyed the time spent actually playing the course, with Shirley giving me immediate and perceptive feedback on each shot.

I experienced many emotions during my time at Bird Golf: pleasure at a good shot, anguish over bad shots, frustration, and elation. Sometimes I was concentrating intensely; sometimes my brain felt like mush. I might even have gotten better. Most of all, however, I had fun and laughed more than I have in years. Now that's a good golf school!

Nancy Rice
Denver, Colorado

“I want to THANK YOU for a FANTASTIC WEEK of golf instruction. Not only did I learn and gain a thorough appreciation for the golf swing, I had fun. The knowledge gained can only improve my game. Both you and Jay made me feel as if I was a part of the Bird Team, not as a tourist showing up for a few lessons. The attention to detail, taking notes, discussions and practice sessions made perfect common sense. The discussions based on observations and the feel of the golf swing really helped. I can't believe how simple the swing really is: everything moves together at the same time in the same direction at the same rate.”

Art Rebello
Somerset, Massachusetts

Wanted to take this time to thank you for a wonderful golf learning experience. I left the Diplomat/Bird School with positive thoughts and a great desire to get my game in shape. I was not overwhelmed with too much information, but came away with good principles and a plan of attack to conquer my problems. The facility was perfect for a woman traveling alone. I could finish up golf and go directly to the spa for a massage/hot tub experience. The food was a fabulous surprise! How good. No need to go off campus if you don't want to. All in all, I would highly recommend this experience to my friends and family [and we are a large golfing family]. I must tell Tim that I played in a tournament on Tuesday early in the Am on our OLD COURSE which has a 134/74.4 in the cold windy wet environment and shot a 98. Not a great score, but from the 5900 tee markers in those conditions, I'm not upset. Just maybe 4 bad holes, no penalties, just a few errant shots into the 4" wet rough was enough to put me behind the 8 ball. However, I will practice, practice, practice and just maybe get this yet! My best to both of you.

Sue Viechnicki
Bethlehem, PA

I had an absolutely great time for three days with Shirley. It was a real treat to work with a pro who for 14 years had to execute the shots she was teaching me in order to make a living - she really knows what she is doing. The Bird school and the three days I spent with Shirley were without a doubt the best thing I have ever done for my golf game. I am definitely planning to work with Shirley again after I have had time to incorporate what we worked on into my game and practice. Plus, Shirley is just a great person and delightful to work with. Thanks for encouraging me to try the school. I would recommend it to anybody who is really interested in improving their game.

Dan McDonald
Fort Worth, Texas

Larry; thank you so very much for everything you taught me. It was “just right” for what I needed and could handle over 3 days. Everything made sense and stays with me so I can practice well. But more than that, thank you for sharing your live for the game and Life!.......Be aware that your service is excellent and well deserves the praise you and your team receive.

Patrick Walker, M.D
Little Rock, AR

Jay

I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy working with Shirley. She is amazing. Teaches by example, spots all my mistakes, is wonderful company, and I think she is an all around first class person. I am amazed at how much I have learned on this past trip. Getting the chance to spend 5 days with Shirley - and then having the luxury of being able to go out a few more times while there to work on the lessons - was the perfect combination. I thought you might enjoy hearing that I managed to shoot 86 on Cattail, off the bronze, before we left.... Something to motivate as the season opens here!

Andrea Bodnar
Toronto, Canada

Mary's lessons must have sunk in because I went from a 6 in 2005 to a 3 handicap last summer. My all time best and set a new course record of 64! So now I'm chomping at the bit for the season to start.

Mary Sicard
Lake George, New York

Just a note to let you know that Scott and I are enjoying the benefits of our 4 days with Jim in Phoenix. We both agree that the set of drills Jim described for us to practice as a result of Jim’s in-depth and easy to understand instruction based on his close attention to our capabilities and tendencies is allowing us to “fix” whatever goes wrong during practice sessions. The ability to self-diagnose our individual situations and correct problems without an endless series of “tune-up” sessions with a local “pro” really helps to build confidence. The ability to self-diagnose, plus learning, for the first time, what and how to “practice” have provided the best value I have ever received from investing a “golf dollar”. … Thanks for providing Scott and me the opportunity to better enjoy the game of golf.

Bob Jeremiasen
Seattle, WA

Dr. Jay:

I call you Dr. because you cured my very poor excuse for a golf swing. I want to thank you again for a very enjoyable 3 days of instruction and conversation. When I got back to work, numerous people asked about the school and if I thought it helped. I can’t say enough good things about this experience. Now everybody wants to go play with me to see the results. Again, thank you. I loved it!

Ted Bast
Arroyo Grande, CA

What was the most helpful part of the school?
Simple, clear, uncomplicated instruction with great take-aways that allow me to recover from swing failure nearly immediately.

What was the biggest disappointment?
That golf could be taught with simple, clear uncomplicated instruction. The realization that improvement rests solely on the shoulders of the player.

How did your game improve after attending the school?
I have a swing that will last a lifetime and method for self arrest that can be employed at will. Jay’s simple, no-nonsense approach requires discipline, not magic. When my score goes up, it stays up until I break things down, according to plan, and find the flaw. And it always comes back.

Jim Doran, Austin, TX
Excerpts from a Golf Magazine survey on Golf Schools; June 2004

Hi Jay

I wanted to thank you for a great golf experience. Both Alaina and I had a great time. I’m sure that you will see our faces again in the future. Alaina said that she can’t imagine taking lessons any other way. … Anyway, just wanted to let you know that I worked on my drills, set up the balls in little groups of four and did four mentally and four clear key. I was smackin’ the ball.… I’m looking forward to the tourney in October.

Linda McDonald
Genoa, NV

My 5 day course was fabulous (I am English, I don’t exaggerate). My first encounter with my sensei for the next 5 days, Jay Ewing. A charming, witty and very personable man who I instantly knew I would get along well with.

Intertwined with some superb tales [sometimes of the unexpected] and some incredible golf shots from Jay, he crafted my golf game and started introducing me to the "era of the triangle".

Over the next few days, essentially, Pythagoras became my demigod, my swing was ingrained and I walked away with more distance, more consistency, more understanding of the oxymoron’s that seem to exist in the swing and the ability to feel and correct to, if necessary, a good swing.

My "misses" [i.e. the not pure shots] were as good as my original "peached" shots and my 7 handicap began to feel generous.

All aspects of the game were explained with clarity and I left knowing that I will enjoy the game so much more and with the knowledge that can improve my game enormously.

So, I hear you say, not a bad comment so far.... nope... and there won't be. The place is astonishing, the courses testing and varied, the coaching superb.

James Walker
Jersey, Channel Islands, UK

First of all I would like to thank you for arranging such a nice occasion and giving us the chance to be with such a nice person, Mary Mills. Mary has paved the way for me to be a better golfer. I am very proud of having been instructed by a US Open Champion through the Bird Golf Academy and thank you for such a wonderful time at the World Golf Village….

Yusuf Teoman
Turkey

First we’d like to express what a great time we had attending your school. We had a wonderful experience, and we both feel that we will benefit from our instruction. We will both forge ahead using our notes and I’m determined to play consistently in the 70’s. We both feel that Sharon is fantastic and not only did we thoroughly enjoy her instruction but also her company. She’s a jewel in our opinion. Thanks for the experience and for “leaving the door open” if we need advice.

Dennis and Lana Shimp
Carterville, IL

…To give you some feedback on the lessons we took with Jim. Jay, I can’t tell you have valuable it was. Jim was sensational. To simply put it, he was magnificent. We will definitely come back for a refresher but I have to make sure that I am doing everything that Jim taught me…..I will hate to disappoint him. Jay, thank you very much.

Gabe Dakwa
Santa Clara, CA

I improved a lot over the summer and look forward to even better golf in the future. To be honest Jay I was probably shooting in the high 90’s and low 100’s before I went to your school and learnt the correct way to score. I still haven’t broken 80 yet, but I have shot 37 twice for 9 holes. I used to chip and pitch just trying to get onto the green and now I am looking to put it into the hole. I have become more consistent and when I make a bad swing I can correct it. Thank you for all your help and encouragement throughout the year.

Brian Dziak
Waterford, WI

I shot a 77 yesterday afternoon. I finally broke 80. You are the man! I hit 12 out of 14 fairways. I had eagle putts on 3 out of 4 par 5's. I made birdies on all three.

On a 310 yard par four I hit just short of the green. I am out driving my playing partners by 30 to 50 yards, its alot fun hitting last all the time. When I was playing with you I didn't realize how far I was hitting my drives because you hit yours into a different zip code.

Thanks again and again,

Brian Dziak

Dear Jay ... Bonnie and I had a super trip. The room was great and the weather unreal. We stayed an extra day and played. What a great day. Bonnie played very well, using her "Clear Key", and believed in it. I used it on the final day; and shot a super round for me (MY BEST EVER) ... a 76! Thanks Bird Golf, we had a great time and enjoyed everything very much.

John Curzon
Denver, Colorado

... did well, believe it or not! Played quite a bit before the tournament to get in shape. Was second in longest & straightest drive off #1 tee. (ha, ha was that really me??!! ... I guess nobody saw the golf ball taped under my left shoe) and had a very solid short game going. So well done, Keith! Of course, I practiced with my feet together, and took my practice swings sometimes like that. Still working on my own personalized "Clear Key", but borrowed yours once in a while. Again, many thanks for a fun weekend, outstanding instruction and excellent company. Hope you had some fun too. I will be looking forward to returning to the Wigwam for a refresher. Best.

Klaus Runow
NY, NY

Jay and Shelley,

Where do I start! First of all I would like to extend a huge "THANK YOU" to you both for your kindness and professional courtesy to Kyle.

I found out that there are certain things that can effect this during our life, but I didn't figure that taking my Son to a golf school could have the effect on him that it did.

After the first day with Shelley, he said that this was the best day on the golf course he could remember and that he would "never forget that time" for the rest of his life! WOW, what a statement from a 15 year old.

Kyle was so "Stoked up" for day two that he did not want to go to sleep and wanted to talk all night about his time with Shelley. Well when Kyle woke up he looked at me and said "Man am I sore", I said well that what it feels like after a hard day with an LPGA player, and he just grinned from ear to ear.

So, I have learned more about being a Father! Every once in a while take your Son to Bird Golf School, and see what being a kid again is like! You will love it!

gain, I would like to give my highest complement to Shelley for the GREAT job she did with Kyle. I would recommend her to all of my friends.

Jerry Regelean
Arvada, Colorado

p.s. Kyle went to the range after school today!!

"On a scale of 1-10, the 3 days were a 12 ..."

Gary Coburn

“I would like to thank Jim for his incredible instruction. If I had started golf with him, maybe I would be a pro by now!! Jim is an excellent teacher and the best type for me- a “feel” man. He gives the student a feel for what the correct swing is. Thanks again”

Neelesh Uppal
Singapore

Our scores are improving and we believe a lot is due to Mary’s instructions. It was an excellent experience and we continue to sing the praises of your golf school…..we are playing and enjoying the game more than ever!”

Ron & Melinda Thomsen
Alexandria, VA

After a very long back trip to Poland I had another couple days business trip. Two weeks in the Bird Golf Academy it was my good time both for my golf knowledge and my rest. It was my pleasure to meet you personally. Craig is an excellent coach and a very interesting companion. His style of coaching is very productive and attractive. I better understand why golf is truly a wonderful game and why never is too late to start. I am waiting for 2008 springtime in Poland for checking my progress in this game. Thank you very much for your offer to access to Carey Mumford and "long distance" help. It will be great for me to be together with you on November 13-17 in the Wild Horse Pass Resort and Spa. I will keep this date in my 2008 calendar.

Best regards,
Zdzislaw Chabowski
Poland