Europe’s Top Golf Academies

If you’re considering going to a golf academy to take your game to the next level, or sending your kids for coaching, there’s a few out there that have gained a global reputation for excellence.

The best golf academies will not just make you a better player technically, but will improved your mental approach to playing. The best academies provide coaching programs tailored to all skill and age levels, for both individuals and groups, and use the latest coaching techniques and state-of-the-art technology. Here’s our selection of Europe’s best academies. 

Paul McGinley Academy

Quinta do Lago, Algarve, Portugal

The academy, located at one of Portugal‘s most prestigious resorts, was founded in 2011 by the captain of the 2014 winning Ryder Cup team. Its mission is to “cultivate and improve golfers by providing them with the tools and techniques used by professionals on tour”. Supported by state-of-the-art analytical and performance enhancing technology at its TaylorMade Performance Centre, all golfers are welcome. There’s half-day to five-day Golf School programmes, and the Junior Club offers weekly lessons all year round with Academy golf pros.

Jason Floyd Golf Academy

Valle Romano Golf and Resort, Spain

Jason Floyd is a professional golf coach and founder of this academy located in the luxury resort town of Sotogrande in southern Spain. He has coached European Tour, PGA Tour and Ryder Cup players. The academy has several structured programs all year round for all levels, and offers ‘The Triple A Learning Pathway’ in partnership with the Sotogrande International School – personalized programs for 10-18 year olds which provide a pathway to earning a university scholarship in the USA.

Sergio Garcia Junior Golf Academy

PGA Catalunya, Spain

The Spanish star’s academy is located at one of Spain premier golf resorts which is home to two great courses, including the world renowned Stadium Course. Its double objective is to “train the next elite golfers and to make golf more accessible to children from all walks of life, through the diffusion of special ‘Golf Adapted’ programs”. In 2018 he added the Golf Hub, a coaching facility for all ages with 10 covered bays and the first venue in Spain to install GEARS Golf – a full swing club and body tracking system used by PGA pros.

The Albatros Golf Performance Centre

Terre Blanche, France

This is fabulously located along the Cote d’Azure at the five-star Terre Blanche Hotel & Spa Golf Resort, which has two championship level courses. The Albatros Golf Performance Centre is home to the Terre Blanche Golf Academy which is open throughout the year and offers a wide range of courses for all levels. The driving range has 64 bays on two levels, half are undercover and flood-lit. There’s a Biomecaswing Centre which combines biomechanics and the latest technology and a Taylor-Made Performance Centre which has Trackman technology and club fitting. 

Training Centre Bernard Pascassio

Golf du Medoc, France

At the heart of this stunning resort which has two of France‘s most beautiful courses, is the Training Centre Bernard Pascassio. The centre is led by Dominique Larretche’s unique coaching method, which is completely personalised for each golfer’s unique swing and physical and mental qualities. The centre offers a teaching structure like no other in France with video rooms, short game zones, course layout practice and a club fitting room. The centre will organise golf courses of 2, 3 or 4 days throughout the year for a maximum of four people at a time.

Tommy Fleetwood Academy

Formby Hall, UK

The English star’s academy is set at the four-star Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa which has an 18-hole championship course and a nine-hole option. It offers a structured programme for junior golfers of all abilities. The programme is designed to give children aged from 4-16 a solid introduction to golf, from beginner through to international competitive level. The programme is delivered by Head Professional Norman Marshall who was Tommy’s first coach. There’s Open Days during the summer holidays and Play Golf Camps which offer a day of golfing games and play between 10am and 3pm for just £40. The academy’s Performance Camps run during the holidays and are aimed at competitive junior golfers, with statistical and video analysis used by Tommy himself. There’s also Golf Tournaments for academy attendees.