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GOLFZON Leadbetter Opens New Academy in Brazil at Porto Belo Golf All Resort

March 2, 2026

The latest licensed academy expands GOLFZON Leadbetter’s global footprint into Latin America

Chantilly, Va. – GOLFZON, the world leader in simulator golf technology, and GOLFZON Leadbetter, a pioneer in golf instruction, today announced the official opening of a new GOLFZON Leadbetter Academy at Porto Belo Golf All Resort. This milestone marks the brand’s debut in Latin America and its 34th licensed location worldwide.

Using the established Leadbetter Academy teaching methodology, advanced sports science and cutting edge technology – including GOLFZON’s TwoVisionNX and a Puttview system – the Academy offers a new pathway for elite golf development in the region.

“GOLFZON Leadbetter Academies have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting the growth of golf in emerging markets by providing access to the game and education for local coaches,” said Ben Riches, CEO GOLFZON Leadbetter. “Brazil is one of the fastest-growing golf markets in Latin America, fueled in part by the sport’s exposure during the 2016 Olympics. While participation has increased steadily over the past decade, access to high-quality training facilities remains limited. Our partnership with Porto Belo Golf All Resort changes that.”

The opening in Brazil follows other recent academy developments, including St. Regis Five Forts in Bermuda, The Golf Club Naples in Florida, and Epsom College Malaysia.

The new location mirrors the structure of existing GOLFZON Leadbetter Academies, offering a purpose-built facility featuring:

  • Swing video analysis studio

  • VIP studio for individualized training sessions

  • 650-square-meter putting green and Chipping green with practice bunker

  • Driving range with night lighting

  • 18 outdoor practice bays with Celebration grass

The academy will be led by two distinguished professional coaches:

Antonio Luiz Chaves Barcellos (Nico Barcellos), a Class A Professional certified by the Brazilian Golf Confederation, has more than 30 years of experience as a player, coach, and golf executive. He previously served as Technical Director and Head Coach of the Brazilian Golf Confederation, contributing to Brazil’s victory at the Copa Los Andes and representing the country at the Olympic and Pan American Games.

Nathalya Maschio, a certified coach with credentials including Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), US Kids Golf, and R&A Rules, brings extensive experience in high-performance training and junior development. She previously made history as Brazil’s first female Head Golf Professional and has represented the Brazilian National Golf Team in international competition.

The new academy at Porto Belo Golf All Resort is a world-class training center that will enhance golf instruction throughout Brazil and underscores the continued global expansion of both GOLFZON and GOLFZON Leadbetter Academies.

For more information on GOLFZON Leadbetter Academy Brazil, visit www.golfzonleadbetter.com. To learn how GOLFZON simulators enhance instruction, visit, https://www.golfzongolf.com.

 

 

About The GOLFZON Leadbetter Golf Academy

GOLFZON Leadbetter is a global leader in golf instruction, performance and technology, operating one of the most respected coaching networks in the game. With over 40 academies worldwide and a legacy built on the methodologies of David Leadbetter, the brand serves a diverse community of elite players, coaches and passionate amateurs, backed by the innovation of GOLFZON and its award-winning simulator technology. Learn more at:

www.golfzonleadbetter.com.

 

About GOLFZON

GOLFZON is the global leader in golf simulator technology and market share. Its renowned models have been named “Best Golf Simulator” by Golf Digest and awarded Golf Inc. Magazine’s “Most Innovative and Exciting New Tech” honor. In recent years, the company has substantially expanded its reach in North America, including partnering with the world’s largest golf management company, Troon, to introduce GOLFZON Social entertainment venues and collaborating with renowned instructor David Leadbetter on GOLFZON Leadbetter and GOLFZON Range by Leadbetter. GOLFZON is the official simulator of the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open and hosts three professional virtual golf tournaments: two in Korea (GTOUR and WGTOUR), and the international GOLFZON Tour, launched in 2024.

 

Thomas Walter
Bluetext | Account Director
3400 Idaho Ave. NW #400
Washington, D.C. 20016
Phone: 646-265-3144
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