Golf Academy offers indoor, outdoor instruction and more

Published Feb. 25, 2014
21st Force Support Squadron

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Golf. For some, it's a four letter word full of angst and frustration.

But it doesn't have to be, according to the easy-going instructors at the Silver Spruce Golf Academy.

At the Silver Spruce Golf Academy, it's all about simple repeatable mechanics. It can be done by videotaping the swing and seeing it instantly on a TV monitor in the studio or simply learning new techniques to practice and become more consistent. Some things are simple, such as your stance or grip. Others are more difficult, like your back swing or down swing. It's about being able to visualize and feel what is seen on the video, making just the right adjustments and then practicing correctly to see the improvement you want in your golf game.
The Golf Academy's indoor learning studio has a practice hitting bay where you are able to hit every club in the bag, and a V-1 Digital Coaching System will record your full swing. The Golf Academy also has a Vector Pro launch monitor measuring swing statistics for club fitting. These are fantastic learning and teaching tools for golfers of any ability. They are able to see the nuances in the posture and swing, and are able to focus on the elements that need attention.

"It helped me with my swing," said Glen Barrett, director of instruction at the Silver Spruce Golf Academy. "I thought I was doing everything perfectly until I videotaped myself hitting a ball. What a surprise to see I wasn't. But by looking at the video, slowing it down, stopping it and examining the angles of my arm, the club, the swing, I was able to make a subtle change to my golf swing ... and noticeable improvements to my golf game," he added with a broad smile.

Barrett, who has been teaching golf for more than 35 years and has competed in several PGA National Championships, and fellow golf instructor Chris Hyten, who was named Ping All American in college, invite folks to give the Silver Spruce Golf Academy a try. Whether they're new to the game of golf or a seasoned golfer who might want a tune-up, the academy has the tools to help.

The Silver Spruce Golf Academy will host an open house from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 1, giving free 15 minute lessons where seasoned golfers and newcomers to the sport will have the opportunity to sample the video lessons in the studio. No appointment is necessary.
Barrett and Hyten said that the Silver Spruce Golf Academy is not just for golf instruction, it's also about keeping your form and playing the game, even when the weather does not cooperate.

"If you just found your game in October, why lose it over the winter?" Barrett said.
The Silver Spruce Golf Academy offers group and individual lessons, club fittings, club repairs and even golf etiquette for the beginner. After taking lessons inside in the studio and outside on the practice areas, "good" will more likely be the four-letter word you associate with golf.

The Silver Spruce Golf Academy is open the same hours as the golf course, but the instructors can accommodate unique schedules by appointment. For more information, call 556-7414.