Survivng Golf at The Pit = Survivng Golf Anywhere
By John Marsh

Once upon a time, you were lucky if you survived a challenging round at Dan Maples’ gem, The Pit. It was simply an extremely difficult course that you had to bring your “A” game to every time you played it. Over the years, some of the hazards were cleaned up and thinned out somewhat, resulting in a fair but still very demanding layout that‘s always in great shape. In honor of the challenges presented to golfers through the years, The Pit has recently begun what they call their “Survivor Golf School.”

The 3 night, 2 day schools include both LPGA and PGA professional instruction, and feature a student / teacher radio of 4:1, with total school attendance never over 12 people. What’s unique about this school though, is that you don’t just beat balls on the range. The teaching area is away from the main driving range and most of the instruction is given right on the course. When a range is utilized, it is in a private area that also features short game practice.

The target student for this golf school is the struggling golfer or one who is intimidated by the game. A lot of emphasis is put on getting back to having fun on the course, and how to avoid being embarrassed or intimidated. Most all golf schools presuppose perfect lies for every shot. Not here. While you are out on the course with your instructor, you’ll be shown how to get out of tricky lies and how to navigate your way through some of the Pit’s famous hazards. Janie Farina, GM and Director of Instruction at the Pit, laughingly tells about classes playing a “worst ball scramble,” where students practice hitting from the WORST shot of the foursome - sort of a Captains Choice in reverse.

In addition to Farina, who is an LPGA teaching & Club Professional member, the courses are also taught by noted PGA of America professionals Dan DiCarlo and Steven Sewell, who is also the Regional Manager of Dan Maples Golf. Students receive 10+ hours of golf instruction along with a Standard Operating Procedure Manual (S.O.P.), club assessment, and a survival kit that includes a bag tag, rules book, yardage book, shirt and cap.

Accommodations are for 3 nights in new on-site, golf front condos that overlook the par three 7th hole, and students enjoy an organic breakfast & lunch each day with their instructors. The school utilizes the services of Maples Golf Packages, a popular local marketing and reservation company associated with The Pit. Their Web site, www.survivalgolfschool.com, details dates and rates, and to book, call (800)889-5323. The next Survivor Golf School is scheduled for May 26-29.