Downers Grove Park District • 2455 Warrenville Road • Downers Grove, IL 60515 • (630) 963-1304 •  dgparks.org


Instruction & Golf Academy
The Golf Academy at the Downers Grove Golf Club started in 1993 with the addition of our 300 yard, 24-station driving range and short game area. The Academy covers everything from full swing to course management and short-game analysis as well as putting consistency.
From 30-minute private lessons, to one-hour golf schools, to week long golf camps, the Downers Grove Golf Academy offers a multitude of customized group and private teaching programs. We have had over 4,000 adults and 6,000 kids take part in our programs since 1993.
One of the many things that makes our Golf Academy unique is the quality of the instructional staff. Both golf professionals have almost 40 years of teaching experience combined. Read more about our golf professionals:

Instructor Bio

Jim Festle, PGCTA Golf Instructor
Jim FestleJim Festle has been teaching golf since 1993 and has been a PGTCA certified golf professional since 2000.  Jim and his wife Lisa have two sons and live in the El Sierra subdivision in Downers Grove.  He graduated from Loyola in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in Education.  He earned his first master’s degree in 1999 in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University.  In 2007, he completed his second master’s degree, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Aurora University.  He currently is a teacher, athletic director and coach at O’Neill Middle School in Downers Grove.

His teaching philosophy is to keep the golf swing as simple and easy to understand as possible.  By sticking with the fundamentals and developing good practice habits, golfers should have some degree of success depending on how much quality time is put into practice.  By repeating a fundamentally sound swing, developing a “feel” for a good swing, and creating good muscle memory, the student will develop a good golf swing.

Tom Olms, USTGF Golf Professional
Tom OlmsTom Olms began teaching golf in 1990 as the assistant golf professional at Village Greens Golf Course where he developed the Junior Golf Program. Tom is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and received a bachelor’s degree in science. He was recently involved in the creation of a swing training device unique to the teaching field.

He is a USTGF certified golf professional. His training helped him translate how to properly understand and feel what a sound golf swing requires. Stressing the most fundamental aspects of the golf swing and proper mechanics are his keys to a repeatable swing. With practice and patience all of his students have benefited from his teaching methods.

 

Adult Programming
The Golf Academy has various levels of instruction for the adult golfers. Whether it’s a private setting, group atmosphere or just a night out with the ladies, our instructors will cater to your golf needs. Please browse our adult options for golf lessons and clinics.

Top 6 reasons to take golf lessons:
1. Understand the basics of grip, ball position, alignment and posture.
2. Develop a consistent and trusted swing.
3. Learn the various shots needed around the greens and be able to execute these shots.
4. Learn how to play the game of golf!
5. Learn how to have fun playing golf!
6. Become part of our Aces Club!

DOWNERS GROVE GOLF COURSE ACES CLUB
 
Name Date Hole   Name Date Hole
Charlie Planer April 16, 2005 6   Mike McFadden April 20, 2008 6
Zach Hert June 11, 2005 6   Kirk Eilers May 3, 2008 6
Betty Bond July 19, 2005 8   Tom Walsh May 10, 2008 8
Jeff Magill August 22, 2005 6   Bob Burns June 23, 2008 8
Jackie McCormick October 6, 2005 6        
Jim Liljegren November 11, 2005 6   Leo Bruno May 19, 2009 8
        Pat Nielsen June 16, 2009 6
Tom Hattan August 27, 2006 8   Mike Drobnik July 12, 2009 8
Pat Jewel September 22, 2006 6   Mike Chuang September 7, 2009 6
        Anita Mattingly September 16, 2009 8
Patricia Ruddy May 8, 2007 6   Joe Powers September 29, 2009 6
Bill Smith May 22, 2007 6        
Bob Caplice June 14, 2007 6   Su-Shen Hsu May 26, 2010 6
Bernie Bak July 5, 2007 8   Jason Burlage May 31, 2010 6
Craig Roberts July 14, 2007 8   Herb Terry June 1, 2010 8
Justin Samuel August 26, 2007 8   Cannon Fears October 1, 2010 6
Sean Blackburn September 29, 2007 6        
        Bill Eggebrecht July 13, 2011 6
        Bill Smith August 24, 2011 6

       

Private Adult Lessons
Private golf lessons provide a one-on-one atmosphere with one of our certified golf professionals for ½ hour sessions. The analysis of the swing is explained and taught at the student's level of understanding. All golf balls are included with each lesson.

Private Adult Lessons - ½ hour
Single $45 
Series of 3  $125 
Series of 6  $240
Series of 9  $340 
Series of 12  $430

 

Semi-Private Adult
or Junior Lessons

Semi-private lessons provide golf instruction in a group setting. Learn the golf game or improve your skills with somone you know. All lessons are conducted in 1-hour increments. All golf balls are included with each lesson.

Semi-Private Adult or Junior Lessons - 1 hour
2 Students $40 each
3 students $35 each 
4 students $30 each
5 students $25 each

 

   
       

Private Junior Lessons
Private golf lessons provide a one-on-one atmosphere with one of our certified golf professionals for ½ hour sessions. The analysis of the swing is explained and taught at the student's level of understanding.

 
private junior lesson
Private Junior (22 years old and younger)
Lessons - ½ hour
Single $35
Series of 3 $95
Series of 6 $180
Series of 9  $260
Series of 12  $320
4 free rounds




lady golfersLadies Night (June to August)
This evening program is perfect for women who are interested in picking up the game of golf while getting pampered at the same time. Enjoy a 30-minute lesson on the range, a 4-hole golf round and free beverage in the clubhouse with a complimentary gift provided by the Ladies Night sponsor.

Ladies Nights - 2011 Dates
188502-01 June 15 6:00 - 9:30 pm $44
188502-02 June 29 6:00 - 9:30 pm $44
188502-03 July 13 6:00 - 9:30 pm $44
188502-04 July 27 6:00 - 9:30 pm $44
188502-05 August 10 6:00 - 9:30 pm $44
188502-06 August 24 6:00 - 9:30 pm $44

 

Women's Only Golf School
This school provides golf instruction in a group atmosphere with all women. It is a four week school that covers a new aspect of the golf game each week. All lessons are taught in 1-hour sessions and golf balls are included. Pre-registration is required.

     
Women's Only - 2011 Dates
188516-01 May 5, 12, 19 and 26 7 - 8 pm $75
188516-02 June 2, 9, 16 and 23 7 - 8 pm $75
188516-03 July 7, 14, 21 and 28 7 - 8 pm $75
188516-04 August 4, 11, 18 and 25 7 - 8 pm $75
 

 

 

Junior Golf Academy - $2,400 VALUE
For the serious golfer who wants to prepare to compete at the high school and collegiate level. Develop your golf game, excel in competition and better understand your golf swing. Focus on the short game and putting, learning the rules and etiquette of golf. Instructor will schedule lessons upon registration.

Class#: 188527-01 Dates: 4/1 - 10/31 Age: 10 - 18 years Fee: $1,200
FEE INCLUDES:
Two 30-minute lessons per week from April - October; total of 60 lessons
Unlimited Range Pass from May 14 to August 14
One dozen Nike Mojo Golf Balls
Logo golf hat
8 rounds of golf (2 with a golf instructor)


 

Parent/Child Golf Lessons
Learn the great game of golf with your child! Classes accomodate all skill levels. Topics covered include grip, stance, swing, club selection, ball striking and basic etiquette and rules. All students must provide their own clubs. semi-private junior lessons

 

2011 Parent/Child Lessons
188524-01 May 10, 17, 24 and 31 7 - 8 pm $75
188524-02 June 7, 14, 21 and 28 7 - 8 pm $75
188524-03 July 5, 12, 19 and 26 7 - 8 pm $75
188524-04 August 2, 9, 16 and 23 7 - 8 pm $75

 

Group Lessons

2011 Group Lesson Schedule
188506-01 May 2,9,16,23 6 – 7pm $75
188506-02 May 3,10,17,24 6 – 7pm $75
188506-03 May 4,11,18,25 6 – 7pm $75
188506-04 May 5,12,19,26 6 – 7pm $75
188506-05 May 7,14,21,28 9 – 10am $75
188506-06 June 7,14,21,28 6 – 7pm $75
188506-07 June 9,16,23,30 6 – 7pm $75
188506-08 June 4, 11,18,25 9 – 10am $75
188506-09 July 5, 12, 19, 26 6 – 7pm $75
188506-10 July 7,14, 21,28 6 – 7pm $75
188506-11 July 9, 16, 23, 30 9 – 10am $75
188506-12 August 6, 13, 20, 27 9 – 10am $75

Pre-Season Clinics

2011 Pre Season Clinic Dates
188521-01 April 30 10 - 11am $20 Men (50 & over)
188521-02 April 30 11am - noon $20 Women (50 & over)
188521-03 May 7 10 - 11am $20 Men (50 & over)
188521-04 May 7 11am - noon $20 Women (50 & over)

 

Intramural Golf Program

2011 Intramural Golf Program Dates
188519-01 May 6,13,20,27 4 - 7pm $49
188519-02 September 9,16,23,30 4 - 7pm $49

 

 

 



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