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Elevate Your Game at the Home of Champions

Introducing the PGA National Golf Academy.

World-Class instruction designed for every golfer, only at PGA National Resort.

Enjoy instruction where players are made champions on courses including The Champion, home of the PGA TOUR’s Cognizant Classic and the infamous Bear Trap. With technology-forward tools like TrackMan and swing video analysis, students learn in a setting that is as sophisticated as it is inspiring.

Why Choose PGA National Golf Academy?

Instructor giving lessons
PGA Certified Instructors

Our team of certified professionals brings world-class instruction to the PGA National Golf Academy, uniting advanced training standards with a genuine passion for developing golfers of all abilities. 

Resort pool terrace
Seamless Resort Experience

Instruction is just one element of the PGA National journey. Combine your lesson with spa, dining, wellness, and all the resort has to offer.

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World-Class Settings

Practice on the same courses that host elite tour events; play, learn, and feel like a pro.

Our Programs

Tailored for every golfer

Private Instructions

For a personalized golf experience, our private lessons cater to individual skill levels and goals, whether focusing on the full swing or short game. Full swing instruction includes video analysis and direct one-on-one feedback from one of our expert instructors. This is an exceptional opportunity to take your game to the next level. Available for individuals or shared with a partner.

Clinics

Refine your golf swing in an engaging setting with daily one-hour golf clinics, offered Thursday through Saturday starting at 8am. Ideal for players looking to enhance their fundamentals, these sessions provide expert tips to improve your full swing. Advance registration through the Golf Pro Shop is required at least one hour in advance. Rental clubs are available.

On-Course Playing Lessons

Elevate your game where it matters most ‐ on the course. With two-hours of on-course instruction with one of our leading golf professionals, lessons begin 10 minutes before tee time with a brief introduction to the current state of your golf game. Once on the course, your instructor will guide you through all the necessary fundamentals to course management, course etiquette, pre-shot routines, and address any weaknesses or concern you have.

Mini Schools

Our Mini Schools are immersive, small-group programs designed to deliver comprehensive game improvement in an intimate setting of no more than four participants.

  • Day One : Master full swing fundamentals and proper technique
  • Day Two : Dive deep into the short game ‐ chipping, pitching, bunker play, and putting
  • Day Three : Review and refine both full swing and short game, while developing a personalized improvement plan

Sessions run from 9am to 12pm. Afternoon instruction is available upon request. Enhance your experience with an optional 9-hole playing lesson in the afternoon for an additional charge. Choose a single day or combine multiple days for a complete training retreat.

Practice to Play

Ideal for the discerning golfer seeking a tailored, full-day instruction, the Practice to Play program offers:

  • Two hours of intensive instruction (9am ‐ 11am)
  • A mid-day break to recharge
  • A 1pm tee time for a 9-hole on-course playing lesson

Instruction focuses on seamlessly translating practice techniques into performance on the course. Available as a solo experience or with a selected group.

Become a Golfer

This introductory program is designed for those who are new to the game and wish to participate with confidence and class ‐ whether joining family, friends, or business colleagues.

  • Morning session (9am ‐ 11am): Learn the basics of striking the ball with poise and perfection
  • Afternoon 9-hole playing lesson (1pm): Receive hands-on guidance in golf etiquette, pace of play, proper cart usage, divot repair, bunker raking, and more

Our expert instructors ensure you're not just playing golf, but embodying the elegance and respect the game deserves. Multiple-day options available; bring a guest or group to learn together.

Retreats

Our most exclusive and comprehensive training program, our golf retreats are designed for those seeking full immersion into game improvement. The Golf Retreat runs from 9am to 3pm including instruction on full swing and short game. Enjoy lunch followed by an afternoon 9-hole lesson focused on course management, strategy, and real-time feedback tailored to your specific goals. Students can opt for multiple days along with inviting other students of their choice.

Meet Our Instructors

At the heart of the PGA National Golf Academy is a team of PGA-certified professionals dedicated to elevating your game. Each instructor is trained to PGA National’s standards, blending deep expertise with a passion for teaching golfers of every level.

The Academy Experiences

The venue is excellent and top notch. The highlight of my experience was the excellent coaching, lessons, techniques, drills, and techniques from instructor Matt Hilton – J. Scott S., Google Review

I can’t recommend the PGA National Golf Academy and Matt Hilton enough! I first met Matt as a total novice, never having even swung a club before but wanting to be able to play casually with my husband and friends. Matt has a way of breaking down the basics so that it’s easily digestible without being overwhelming. In addition to teaching the fundamentals and how and when to use various clubs, Matt also shares golf etiquette I wouldn’t have known otherwise. He is incredibly patient and within just a few lessons, I felt comfortable enough to get out on a par 3 and play a round. – Allison M., Google Review

Incredible! Hospitality is top notch and the golf is amazing. I played Division 1 golf and have seen many different swing coaches, Steve Haggerty is hands down the best. The best golf of my career came with Steve as my coach and he will forever be just that. He explains the swing in a way that is detailed but easy to comprehend. Steve is top tier in the world of swing coaches! – Tyler A., Google Review

I had an excellent lesson with Billy Stewart at The PGA National Golf Academy and highly recommend him. He quickly assessed my swing and made clear, practical adjustments that were easy to understand and implement right away.

What really stood out was how effectively he tailored his instruction to the golfer in front of him. I’ve also seen him work with golfers of all levels – from beginners to very experienced players – and he has a great ability to adapt his approach so it resonates no matter where you are in your game.

If you’re considering a lesson at PGA National Resort, Billy Stewart or any of the other great instructors is a fantastic choice. – Pamela Z., Google Review

Matt Hilton is by far the best golf instructor I have gone to. PGA National Golf Academy does an amazing job pairing technology with their lessons as well. Matt used an iPad to film me, break down my swing, and show me all of the points he was explaining. They even emailed me a video of my swing with tips on how to practice at home! They’re the best, thanks Matt! – Nick L., Google Review

Matt Hilton is a great golf instructor and I would highly recommend him to anyone interested in improving their golf game – Jeffrey P., Google Review

I recently participated in a mini golf school thru the Leadbetter Golf Academy and had one of my best golf lessons ever with coach Matt Hilton. He was able to quickly analyze my swing issues that were causing me to lose distance by frequently hitting behind the ball. And he came up with a few fixes that have helped me to hit down on the ball more and improved my ball hitting consistency. The best part of the lesson was that he recorded a number of my swings and used voice-over to explain the changes he wanted me to make. He then emailed me the videos so I can use them at home when I practice, just like Matt was at my side. He has also offered me access to his expertise via texting any time I have a question. I played 3 golf rounds following the golf school and managed to get a birdie on a par 4 and parred several par 3’s. Not bad for an almost 30 handicap!! I highly recommend Matt as a golf coach, no matter what your handicap or you golfing issues. – Terri M., Google Review

We’ve been members of PGA National for many years, and our experience with Golfzon Leadbetter Academy has been truly outstanding. Our son began his golf journey at age five through the junior camps led by Brad Robinson, which provided an excellent foundation in both skills and love for the game. As he’s grown, he has continued to receive exceptional coaching from Matt Hilton, Billy Stewart, and Brad Robinson, all of whom consistently go above and beyond.

The instruction is thoughtful, encouraging, and focused not only on technical development, but also on building confidence, discipline, and a genuine appreciation for the game of golf. The environment is positive, professional, and incredibly supportive, making it a wonderful place for young players to grow both as golfers and as individuals. We highly recommend Golfzon Leadbetter Academy to any family with a junior or any individual seeking top-level coaching and a program that truly values the game. – Phung D., Google Review

I took lessons at the PGA national golf academy with Matt Hilton. The tips/advice he provided to me was invaluable and has greatly improved my golf game from just starting out to refreshers 10yrs into my golf career. I highly recommended him as a coach as well as the rest of the pros in the academy. – ChevyFast98, Google Review

I took a series of lessons with the Leadbetter Academy at PGA National and the experience was awesome! The service is class, the facilities are high quality, and I had an awesome experience (on the range, on course, and at short game facility) with my pro, who has been amazing about keeping in touch over text. I’m going to keep coming back and would definitely recommend. – Michael R., Google Review

PGA National Golf Resort & Academy exceeded every expectation. One of the main reasons we chose PGA National Resort was to help my 13-year-old son and his cousins enjoy golf while genuinely improving their skills during vacation — and the experience delivered in every way.

Our instructor, Steve Haggerty, was outstanding. Steve brought a great attitude, deep knowledge, and an unusual ability to teach, connect, and keep young players engaged. He struck the perfect balance between instruction and fun, and as a result the boys wound up playing for hours every day. I also spent time training with Steve, and he unlocked a few things in my own swing that inspired me to practice for hours as well!

PGA National made this incredibly easy: multiple driving ranges, seamless club rentals, great access to the course, and excellent chipping, putting, and par-3 facilities. The variety of options gave the boys endless opportunities to practice and play, and they took full advantage of it.

We will absolutely be back. This was a fantastic experience for our family, and we truly appreciate the opportunity. – Jeffrey K., Google Review

I took a lesson with Matt Hilton @ PGA National. After my golf lifetime of mediocrity, Matt was the first pro to quickly diagnose a fundamental problem for me. I was instantly able to understand the problem, and then quickly take steps to improve it. I was hitting the ball beautifully, and left with optimism and enthusiasm after my lesson. I am so happy to have found him, and now I have signed up for four more lessons. Matt is courteous, friendly and literally laser focused on the first things to do to improve your swing. He is something above HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! – Timothy M., Google Review

Did golf lessons with Matt Hilton. Amazing person and instructor. Could not recommend enough. He got my driver right and helped my approach to the game – Hudson H., Google Review

We did the golf academy with Matt Hilton. Great instructor with deep knowledge about the game and ability to convey insights in a way average golfers can use immediately. Great use of videos and other technology. Recommend Matt highly! – Gordon H., Google Review

I can't say enough good things about this instructor. From day one, Matt Hilton was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and great at breaking things down in a way that actually made sense. Within just a week of seeing Matt Hilton, he had me consistently hitting draws-something I had struggled with for a long time.
My swing, consistency, and overall confidence on the course have improved a ton thanks to his guidance. Each lesson was tailored to what I needed, not just generic tips, and I always left knowing exactly what to work on. If you're serious about improving your golf game-whether you're a beginner or more advanced
-I highly recommend him. – Alexander C., Google Review

Stayed for a long weekend and had a great experience. Best of part of the trip was the golf lesson through the Leadbetter Academy with Matt Hilton at the course. It was the perfect mix of both technique and strategy, and ended up playing the best round of my life after. Highly reccomend taking the time to see him for any golfers staying at the resort plus as expected the courses are in amazing condition. – Parker H., Google Review

Golf lessons that could not be better!
I spent two days with my instructor Billy Stewart at a two day "camp" golf lesson.
My golf game has improved from those two days in so many ways. The lessons from Billy were at the PGA Resort, where we spent the morning on my swing, then on my short game. The facility was very accommodating and professional in all respects.
In the afternoon, we played 18 holes on the Match course, and then the next day on the Palmer course.
The second day had more instruction in the morning. We worked on putting and then irons and woods from the fairway. Then the second 18 holes.
I was getting closer to giving up golf until these two days with Billy at PGA. But now I am ready to golf back home in the Philly area with a new golf swing, a new mindset and a real golf game. No more chunks, tops and misses. Billy's instructions were the best I have ever had hands down. At 68 years of age, I feel like I am striking the ball the way I should be.
These days were designed to help my golf game. Yet I enjoyed every second being there. Rita Carrol manages the lessons, schedule and all the necessary details. She is professional, courteous and a great human being.
I cannot give a better review of this experience. If you want to improve your golf game and enjoy the PGA facilities and people, this is the place to do it. – Eliot B., Google Review

My son and I worked with Matt at the Ledbetter Golf academy. We did a 2 day lesson working on all parts of the game. Matt did an amazing job and we really learned a lot. Highly recommend – Ryan W., Google Review

Had 2 days of lessons with Matt Hilton / PGA National Golf Academy - wonderful time. Group of 4 guys but would be good for any ages including kids. Matt gave us very valuable lessons and things to remember for the long term as we start learning the game. Also gave us great local tops for places to eat and go out afterwards. Great time! – Alan P., Google Review

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