I "one of those guys" who has picked up golf over the last couple of years after not playing much for a very long period of time.  I'm considering going to a golf school or academy at some point this year and getting some dedicated instruction.  I was wondering whether anyone here has done something like that and what they'd recommend.  Any place in the country is probably fair game, although the East Coast is easier travel for me.

Thanks much.

I played only a handful of times each year in high school, but never took it seriously. I didn't play from ages 18 to around 30. I started playing again to spend time with my friends, but I hate stinking at anything athletic. I could not break 100. I took group lessons through Guaranteed Golf and they had me breaking 90 half the time in the first season. I am now 37 and I have moved on to a private instructor, which I see 3 or 4 times a year. I am now shooting in the lower 80's and have fired a few 79's over the last two years. My answer to your question would be "that it all depends on your skill level". Guaranteed Golf was the best money I have ever spent though considering I was a beginner.

Brett:

Depending on where you live I'd find a really good instructor near you.  The cost will be less and instead of a week of constant instruction you can get weekly instruction that will then give you time to ingrain your new swing thoughts, mechanics into your game.  

Golf magazine has a nice list of instructors in each state... you can probably find one close to you.

If you just want to lower your score work on every shot from 40 yards in.... that will have the biggest impact on your game right away...

As said above, short game and putting is key to improving from high to mid to low handicap. Golf is a great game, but imo you need to play about 3 times a week to improve and get a level of consistency.

The most efficient way to get in swings, is to spend a lot of time on the driving range, pitching and putting greens. Try to practice with sound fundementals, otherwise you are practicing bad habits. Also don't do what a lot of amateurs do at the driving range. Take out the driver and whack ball after ball. Start with the wedge and work your way up to the driver. 

Can't recommend anyone as I never took lessons. Jack Nicholas had an illustrated book on golf I found helpful when I was starting. He does get pretty technical, but he covers almost every aspect of the swing , situations, and specialty shots.

Golf is as much a game of controling your emotions as anything. I recommend joining a league. You will find that competetion with other amateurs is a great way to spur you on to improve.
There will be frusration, it comes with the territory. Also get into shape. Your lower-back will thank you. Can't stress that enough. Lower back excercises.

Thanks for the input, guys.  Sorry I didn't back to this thread sooner.

I am working with an instructor.  He's given me some really good tips on improving my swing, and drills that will help.  His direction is similar to yours, which is lots of practice, and working up to the driver at the range, etc.

I also run quite a bit and I'm in pretty decent shape. 

Hopefully, the time I'm putting in now will translate to the course once the weather improves enough to get outside.

Lessons,lessons,lessons,lessons...keep taking lessons. After each lesson, practice what you learned. Concentrate on one thing at the time and practice. Get out on the range and go over what your instructor showed you.

Good luck!

I would research the South Carolina coastal area. Haven for golf and would imagine they compare favorably to more expensive schools in Florida. Surprisingly , Michigan is ranked 
fourth in the nation for golf states.

Ben Sutton Golf School. Locations in FL & Catskills in NY during the summer.

PM me if you'd like more details. Or a discount. :)