Specialized Group Classes Teach Fundamentals and Fine Points Beginning January 17
(DELAND, Fla.) – Victoria Hills Golf Club – the award-winning Ron Garl-designed course managed by Billy Casper Golf and located in Victoria Park, a St. Joe community – introduces the Victoria Hills Golf Academy, a series of group courses helping all levels of golfers improve their games, beginning January 17.
Juniors, beginners, intermediate players and lower handicappers can enroll in courses designed to match their experience and skills. Each course will include four 60- to 75-minute sessions on Victoria Hills’ outstanding practice facilities, where teaching staff will create a structured, yet relaxed and encouraging atmosphere. Highly affordable, the academy costs just $65 per course for adults, $55 each for juniors. Weekly clinics for competitive juniors are $15 per session.
The Victoria Hills Golf Academy will be directed by Jeff Schmid, whose resume includes 15 mini-tour wins and competition on the PGA, Nationwide and other tours around the world. Schmid, Victoria Hills’ Assistant Professional and Director of Instruction, has worked with acclaimed teachers David Leadbetter, Bob Toski, Jimmy Ballard and Mike Bender.
“Jeff is a superb instructor who will help students improve their games and enjoy golf even more,” says Matt Payne, Head Professional at Victoria Hills. “The Victoria Hills Golf Academy is a terrific value for anyone who wants to become a better golfer.”
The Victoria Hills Golf Academy courses and schedules:
Golf 101 — Getting Started
Designed to teach entry-level golfers the basics needed to feel comfortable on the course. Lesson topics will include swing fundamentals, etiquette, equipment and a general familiarization with the golfing environment. No experience is required, and equipment is available. Dates: January 17, 24, 31 and February 7 (make-up date Feb. 16) at 9:30 a.m.
Breaking 100 — The Fundamentals
Fundamentals are the key to consistent golf, and this class instills a solid tee-to-green foundation for players looking to take the next step. Dates: January 17, 24, 31 and February 7 (make-up date Feb. 16) at 11:00 a.m.
Breaking 90 — The Evolution Continues
This course helps golfers better understand their tendencies, build upon current fundamentals, and improve their scoring from a variety of areas. Dates: January 17, 24, 31 and February 7 (make-up date Feb. 16) at 12:30 p.m.
Breaking 80 — The Short Game
Flubbed pitches, bladed chips and three-putts can derail that elusive sub-80 round. The curriculum focuses on short-game fundamentals before graduating to more skilled techniques such as flop and sand shots. Dates: January 17, 24, 31 and February 7 (make-up date Feb. 16) at 2:00 p.m.
Golf 101 and Breaking 100 — Juniors
Offered to juniors of different age groups (7-12 and 13-17). Because kids learn differently than adults, these classes are structured yet “kid friendly” to encourage juniors to learn fundamentals and enjoy the game. Dates: Golf 101, ages 13-17 — January 18, 25 and February 2, 9 (make-up Feb. 16) at 12:00 p.m.; Breaking 100, ages 13-17 — January 18, 25, February 2, 9 (make-up Feb. 16) at 1:30 p.m.; Golf 101, ages 7-12 — January 19, 26 and February 3, 10 (make-up Feb. 17) at 4:00 p.m.
Competitive Junior Clinics
Geared toward the accomplished golfer age 13-18. High school players or tournament-tested juniors will participate in a 90-minute “practice” that will teach new topics and challenge them as well. While swing instruction will be offered, the short game will be stressed. Competitive clinics will be restricted to male golfers who break 85 and females who break 100 on a regular basis. Dates: Sundays at 4:00 p.m. (please RSVP). Cost: $15 per session.
For more information please contact Jeff Schmid via phone (386.747.0920) or e-mail (JSchmid@victoriahillsgolf.com). For more on Victoria Hills, visit www.victoriahillsgolf.com.
About Victoria Hills Golf Club
Victoria Hills was named one of Florida’s “Hidden Gems” by Travel + Leisure Golf Magazine, and has become one of the most sought-after rounds of golf in central Florida. Tucked away in the historic college town of DeLand, the course is conveniently located between Orlando and Daytona Beach. Designed by Ron Garl, the stunning layout boasts more than 50 feet of elevation change, taking advantage of the area’s natural rolling hills, foliage and wetlands. Tall pines and majestic oaks frame the course while sandy waste areas and pristine lakes make for inspiring sight lines.
Other accolades for Victoria Hills include:
* “Top 10 You Can Play” – GOLF Magazine
* “4-1/2 Stars” – Golf Digest
* “America’s Best Residential Golf Course” – Golfweek
* “America’s Top 40 Best New Courses” – Golfweek
* “No. 7 Course in the State” – Golfweek
* “No. 2 Florida Public Course of the New Millennium” – Travel + Leisure Golf
* “Florida’s Best New Golf Course” – Florida Golf News
* “One of the region’s Top 10 courses” – Orlando Sentinel
* “Best 18 holes in Orlando” – Golf Life Orlando
About Victoria Park
Victoria Park features housing options for families of all sizes with new homes priced from the high $100,000s to more than $1 million. In addition to the award-winning Victoria Hills Golf Club, the community boasts other impressive amenities including: a 22-acre lake park, fitness center; swimming pool; lighted tennis courts; walking trails; bike lanes; playground and picnic facilities. An amphitheater serves as the focal point for community events facilitated by on-site Art of Living staff. Proximity to vibrant metro areas like Orlando and Daytona Beach and a number of cultural centers make Victoria Park an attractive option for those interested in city life conveniences and the personal familiarity of a smaller community. Several educational opportunities are available to residents including Stetson University, Florida’s first private university, and a number of excellent public schools. Freedom Elementary School, an A-rated DeLand public school, is located adjacent to the community. DeLand Middle and High Schools are just minutes away. For more information, visit JOE.com | Keyword: Victoria Park
About JOE
The St. Joe Company, a publicly held company based in Jacksonville, is one of Florida’s largest real estate development companies. We are primarily engaged in real estate development and sales, with significant interests in timber. JOE’s mission is to create places that inspire people and make the region an even better place to live, work and play. We’re no ordinary JOE.
More information about JOE can be found at our website at www.joe.com.
© 2008 The St. Joe Company. “JOE,” “St. Joe”, “Victoria Hills,” “Victoria Commons,” “Victoria Gardens,” “Victoria Park” and the “Taking Flight” design are service marks of The St. Joe Company.
About Billy Casper Golf
Billy Casper Golf, headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, was co-founded in 1989 by professional golf legend Billy Casper, the Masters and two-time U.S. Open winner who ranks seventh all-time with 51 PGA Tour wins. BCG serves its clients through three divisions: Billy Casper Golf, the full-service manager to golf-property developers, owners and public agencies; Buffalo Communications, the publicity, media-relations and marketing-communications agency representing many of the top brands in golf; and Buffalo Golf Trail, the customer-reward program providing consistent, high-quality experiences at BCG-managed properties nationwide.
Contact:
Shane Sharp
Buffalo Communications
704.519.8381 (m/o)
ssharp@billycaspergolf.com
Daniel Mitchell
Buffalo Communications
253.312.4536
dmitchell@billycaspergolf.com
