Florida
Tee Time on the Gulf: Learn From the Pros of the Original Golf School
Program No. 2180760MEADV-0519
Learn from professionals through custom-tailored golf lessons and daily instruction as you improve your swing, situational play and on-course etiquette with the Original Golf School.
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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Feb 23 - Feb 28, 2025
Starting at
1,949Mar 9 - Mar 14, 2025
Starting at
1,949DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Feb 23 - Feb 28, 2025
Starting at
2,529Mar 9 - Mar 14, 2025
Starting at
2,529Not seeing the date you're looking for?
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
14 meals
5B 4L 5D
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Crystal River, Florida
2
Expert Instruction, Course Play, Pro Talk: Golf Etiquette
Crystal River, Florida
3
Expert Instruction, Course Play, Pro Talk: Course Management
Crystal River, Florida
4
Expert Instruction, Course Play
Crystal River, Florida
5
On Course Play, Scramble With Pro, Awards Ceremony
Crystal River, Florida
6
Program Concludes
Crystal River, Florida
At a Glance
When the Green Mountains of Vermont are covered in snow, the teaching pros from the Original Golf School set up shop on Florida’s beautiful Gulf of Mexico. If you want to improve your game, then pack your clubs and come on down. Receive daily on-course instruction in small groups led by experienced Original Golf School pros, and enjoy outstanding resort accommodations on the wildlife-rich waters of Kings Bay. Don’t miss your chance to learn from the best this winter.
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Golf instruction 4-5 hours each day; Both left and right hand rental clubs are available at an additional cost. Requires standing, walking, swinging of clubs outside on practice facilities and on the course.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Get pointers on the short and long game, bunker play, putting and course management, all with a student-instructor ratio of no more than six to one.
- Take home a golf pro’s analysis of your swing, recorded using JC Video Systems' motion-analysis technology, and stay in email contact with your pro instructor throughout the season.
- Learn principles of on-course etiquette, course management and USGA rules of the game in classes off the links.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Jay Morelli
Jay Morelli is the owner of The Original Golf School at Mount Snow, Vermont and The Plantation Golf Resort and Spa in Crystal River, Florida. He has served as the director for The Original Golf School since 1978, and until 2005 was also the director of golf at Mount Snow Golf Club. Jay was the winner of the Northeast New York State PGA Championship, a three-time U.S. Open local qualifying medalist and a two-time Vermont PGA Pro-Pro Champion. He has also won numerous awards for his work as a golf instructor, including the Bill Strausbaugh Award, the New England PGA Teacher of the Year award, and is a four-time recipient of Golf Digest’s “Best Teacher in State” award.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Jay Morelli
View biography
Jay Morelli is the owner of The Original Golf School at Mount Snow, Vermont and The Plantation Golf Resort and Spa in Crystal River, Florida. He has served as the director for The Original Golf School since 1978, and until 2005 was also the director of golf at Mount Snow Golf Club. Jay was the winner of the Northeast New York State PGA Championship, a three-time U.S. Open local qualifying medalist and a two-time Vermont PGA Pro-Pro Champion. He has also won numerous awards for his work as a golf instructor, including the Bill Strausbaugh Award, the New England PGA Teacher of the Year award, and is a four-time recipient of Golf Digest’s “Best Teacher in State” award.
Suggested Reading List
(5 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Tee Time on the Gulf: Learn From the Pros of the Original Golf School
Program Number: 21807
The Original Golf School Way
How to improve your game with "The Accelerated Teaching Method."
Age is Not a Handicap: A Complete Guide to Playing Great Golf for Seniors
From one of Golf magazine's top 50 teachers of the year, fundamental instruction for senior golfers of all skill levels
Golf can be enjoyed forever, as evidenced by the millions of seniors playing today. In Age Is Not a Handicap, instructor Jay Morelli provides a thorough improvement plan for players over 50. With helpful step-by-step photographs and practice drills, Morelli offers solid instruction on:
Game fundamentals
Choosing and using the right equipment
Getting good nutrition
Mastering the mental game
Exercising and stretching to stay in playing shape
By following this comprehensive program, seniors will discover that their best golf is still ahead of them.
Beginning Golf
"...this cogent, amply illustrated volume will certainly help novice golfers get started, and it provides a wealth of information for kids who have played a few rounds....begins with an overview; equipment, swing, full play, and short game. For those...ready to go a little further, there is information on course management, and tournament play, and...visualization....the chapter on golf etiquette is most welcome. The authors conclude their treatment with information on training devices and physical conditioning. Most of the color photographs illustrate technique, but there are some atmospheric shots, too, and the pictures feature a wide range of players...new golfers will find plenty to digest right here."--Booklist. "Any young person interested in learning to play golf will find this book informative and helpful....skills, equipment, courtesies, and competitions are clearly described and depicted. Attractive full-color photographs on every double-page spread clarify the text and show individuals...playing the game or exhibiting specific skills....strokes are shown in picture sequencing. The glossary provides additional information...An easy-to-read and informative how-to book."--School Library Journal.
Short Game Secrets of the Pros
Lower your score with insider lessons from the very best teachers in the golf world
Take strokes off your game and develop your own winning style of finesse and technique with Short Game Secrets of the Pros. Celebrated instructor Jay Morelli has interviewed dozens of tour professionals and teachers to give you on-the-green instruction. You'll learn how to:
Sink putts using the penny-pitching approach of Winged Foot head professional Tom Nieporte
Goose your bunker shots with PGA Hall of Famer Ken Morton Sr.'s “fried egg theory”
Improve your stroke by playing “beat the clock” with PGA Hall of Famer Jim Brotherton
Chip and pitch with pendulum power from Doug Dalziel of golf's legendary Carnoustie Club
Use the lettering to align the ball like Tiger Woods with Joe Rehor, director of golf at Bethpage
365 Golf Tips & Tricks from Pros
A golf tip a day helps keep the bogeys away! This handy, illustrated guide contains the very best advice from more than 60 PGA teaching pros, compiled by a PGA Teacher of the Year. Designed to improve the long game, chip and pitch shots, sand play, putting, physical conditioning, and more, these hints are what you'd learn if you paid thousands of dollars at a golf school, country club, or university. Color photos by a Sports Illustrated photographer clearly illustrate each skill! It's a must-have for every golf enthusiast.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Crystal River, Florida
Program Concludes
Crystal River, Florida
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
14
| 5B |
4L |
5D |
Activity Level
When the Green Mountains of Vermont are covered in snow, the teaching pros from the Original Golf School set up shop on Florida’s beautiful Gulf of Mexico. If you want to improve your game, then pack your clubs and come on down. Receive daily on-course instruction in small groups led by experienced Original Golf School pros, and enjoy outstanding resort accommodations on the wildlife-rich waters of Kings Bay. Don’t miss your chance to learn from the best this winter.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Get pointers on the short and long game, bunker play, putting and course management, all with a student-instructor ratio of no more than six to one.
- Take home a golf pro’s analysis of your swing, recorded using JC Video Systems' motion-analysis technology, and stay in email contact with your pro instructor throughout the season.
- Learn principles of on-course etiquette, course management and USGA rules of the game in classes off the links.
General Notes
Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
Jay Morelli
Jay Morelli is the owner of The Original Golf School at Mount Snow, Vermont and The Plantation Golf Resort and Spa in Crystal River, Florida. He has served as the director for The Original Golf School since 1978, and until 2005 was also the director of golf at Mount Snow Golf Club. Jay was the winner of the Northeast New York State PGA Championship, a three-time U.S. Open local qualifying medalist and a two-time Vermont PGA Pro-Pro Champion. He has also won numerous awards for his work as a golf instructor, including the Bill Strausbaugh Award, the New England PGA Teacher of the Year award, and is a four-time recipient of Golf Digest’s “Best Teacher in State” award.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Golf instruction 4-5 hours each day; Both left and right hand rental clubs are available at an additional cost. Requires standing, walking, swinging of clubs outside on practice facilities and on the course.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(5 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
14 meals | 5B | 4L | 5D |
10 expert-led lectures
8 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Crystal River, Florida
Meals:
D
Stay:
Plantation on Crystal River
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
At the resort.
Evening:
Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. The director of the Original Golf School will talk about details of the program and the highlights ahead. Each full program day will include four hours of small group instruction and coaching. This multi-day curriculum features instruction and evaluation on every aspect of play with on-course guidance. There will be a pro assigned to each small group. The Original Golf School, founded in 1978, was one of the country’s first and continues to be one of the most trusted programs for golf enthusiasts who want to improve their game. The award-winning golf professionals have helped more than 90,000 golfers of all ability levels. The Original Golf School enjoys the use of their own private 9-hole course. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Expert Instruction, Course Play, Pro Talk: Golf Etiquette
Location:
Crystal River, Florida
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Plantation on Crystal River
Activity Note
Standing, swinging, walking on course for approximately 4 hours; extent and duration of independent play and other afternoon activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the resort.
Morning:
After an introductory talk on the teaching philosophy by a PGA professional, we will divide into small groups according to ability level. Each small group will be led by a Golf School Certified PGA pro who will work with each Road Scholar on aspects of swing basics, grip, putting, chipping, wood play, etc., as appropriate to individual skill and experience. Throughout the course of the week, all students will take part in an individual video analysis and will receive a copy of their video complete with a pro voiceover upon departure.
Lunch:
At the golf club restaurant.
Afternoon:
We'll continue to work with our pros in small groups this afternoon. Following the afternoon class, there will be free time for golf on your own at either the onsite Championship course or the 9-hole course. You may also choose to enjoy the resort amenities or leave the property on your own and explore many local attractions. Prior to dinner, we’ll meet as a group for a presentation by one of the PGA pros who will discuss golf etiquette. Unlike many sports, golf is played for the most part without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of each individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the rules. Golf etiquette means all players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, regardless of how competitive they may be. Far from being an old-fashioned concept, this is the spirit of the game.
Dinner:
At the resort.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Expert Instruction, Course Play, Pro Talk: Course Management
Location:
Crystal River, Florida
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Plantation on Crystal River
Activity Note
Standing, swinging, walking on course for approximately 4 hours; extent and duration of independent play and other afternoon activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the resort.
Morning:
We will continue with instruction and play with our PGA professionals, both at the practice facility and on course.
Lunch:
At the golf club restaurant.
Afternoon:
We'll continue to work with our pros in small groups this afternoon. Following the afternoon class, there will be free time for golf on your own at either the onsite Championship course or the 9-hole course. You may also choose to enjoy the resort amenities or leave the property on your own and explore many local attractions. Today’s pre-dinner presentation by one of the PGA pros will be on course management techniques.
Dinner:
At the resort.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Expert Instruction, Course Play
Location:
Crystal River, Florida
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Plantation on Crystal River
Activity Note
Standing, swinging, walking on course for approximately 4 hours and independent play.
Breakfast:
At the resort.
Morning:
We will once again have instruction and play with our PGA professionals, both at the practice facility and on the course.
Lunch:
At the golf club restaurant.
Afternoon:
We'll continue to work with our pros in small groups this afternoon. Following the afternoon class, there will be free time for golf on your own at either the onsite Championship course or the 9-hole course. You may also choose to enjoy the resort amenities or leave the property on your own and explore many local attractions.
Dinner:
At the resort.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
On Course Play, Scramble With Pro, Awards Ceremony
Location:
Crystal River, Florida
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Plantation on Crystal River
Activity Note
Standing, swinging, walking on course for approximately 4 hours and independent play; extent and duration of independent play and other afternoon activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the resort.
Morning:
We'll enjoy a fun scramble tournament with our pros and fellow participants.
Lunch:
At the golf club restaurant.
Afternoon:
We'll continue to work with our pros in small groups this afternoon. Following the afternoon class, there will be free time for golf on your own at either the onsite Championship course or the 9-hole course. You may also choose to enjoy the resort amenities or leave the property on your own and explore many local attractions. Prior to dinner, we’ll gather for an awards presentation to the top finishers in this morning’s scramble tournament.
Dinner:
At the resort. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
We’ll gather with our pro for a final session reviewing high points of the program and answering any remaining questions. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Crystal River, Florida
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 10:30 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the resort. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
14 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025
- Feb 23, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
- Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025
- Feb 08, 2026 - Feb 13, 2026
- Feb 22, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026
- Mar 08, 2026 - Mar 13, 2026
- Mar 22, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026
Participant Reviews
Based on 25 Reviews
Sort By:
Love this program and the instructors are "Best In Class". Will try to attend it again next for a three peat!
— Review left March 7, 2024
The original golf school was fantastic! Jay and his crew were very welcoming and knowledgeable. The Pro Tim was an exceptional instructor and very knowledgeable.
The accommodations were poor. The hotel itself was very dated and was not real clean. The nightly meals were fine but the breakfast was very bad. The same choices all week and not very good. I would recommend the golf but not the accommodations.
— Review left March 19, 2023
An outstanding program for anyone that wants to improve their game of golf.
— Review left March 18, 2023
Great program for golfers of all skill levels
— Review left March 18, 2023
The original golf school is fantastic.The instruction is great as well as the instructors. The actual accommodations are a little disappointing.
— Review left March 17, 2023
This was the very best golf instruction. I hope everyone goes to this class if they want to golf better. The instructors are wonderful. Berry Reynolds is the very best instructor.
— Review left March 8, 2023
Having completed my first Road Scholar Original Golf School program, I have much more confidence and accuracy in my short game, and I've added yards to my long game. The teaching methods and personal instruction is different from lessons I've tried in the past ten years. I can't wait to try out my new knowledge on my home course! Thank you, golf school instructors!
— Review left March 5, 2023
Excellent program at a beautiful Florida location (do take time to see or swim with the manatees!). Recommend for those who want instruction on how to improve their golf swing and other aspects of their golf game. Appropriate for beginners too.
— Review left February 27, 2023
The “Original Golf School” at Plantation Crystal River is a great program. I would highly recommend it to all levels of golfers. Something for every level to learn.
— Review left February 19, 2023
This was my second year at the Crystal River Golf Program. My first year I was limited in what I could do due to an injury before coming. This year I was able to participate fully. This is the best golfing program that Road Scholar has based on one I attended and from what other participants relayed to me about other programs they had attended. Everything is well organized and it makes for a productive week. All of the golf pros are great! and the facility is nice!
— Review left February 19, 2023
This was the perfect getaway with an ideal balance of instruction/hands-on and time to explore the area and other activities. The resort was exceptional in accommodation and cuisine. The golf school staff was very engaging, passionate about the sport and supportive of individual preferences and needs. I highly recommend this gentle yet comprehensive approach to golf that is easily applicable to many levels of play. I came away feeling enthusiastic about my game and connected with lots of new friends. Thank you Road Scholar. This was such a nourishing experience and I will recommend highly to others.
— Review left February 4, 2023
If someone feels that their golf game has hit a plateau, this is a good program to join. Lots of tips and practice time to renew golfing capability.
— Review left January 29, 2023
If you have any interest in improving your golf game, then the Plantation Golf School is definitely for you! The pros are top notch! Treat yourself to a wonderful learning experience! I am 100% glad I participated in this program. Thank you awesome team!
— Review left January 27, 2023
Although this program was fun, lovely folks all around, good food, adequate though dated & run down a bit accomodations, the actual golf school was a disappointment. There was not much instruction and we had the same instructor all week..it would have been helpful to have instructors rotate every day, so each group could learn from different styles of teaching...it would have been helpful to view some video as a teaching aid and to have acces to a simulator..when it rained, we just waited..for the price, I think money could have been better used for private/group lessons @ home..I have since this trip, taken a series of group lessons and some private lessons ..and golf game greatly improved & learned so much more than golf school! And for a fraction of the cost!I can not recommend this program..also the up charge for a solo room was $500!! For a dingy room! Maybe in its heyday it was in better condition..
— Review left March 29, 2022
Did a good job of providing individualized instruction in s small group setting.
— Review left March 28, 2022
This program was a great combination of a vacation and golf instruction. I learned new things about my golf game, saw Florida wildlife (even a softshell turtle laying eggs in a sandtrap)made new friends, and enjoyed excellent meals.
— Review left February 23, 2022
This program was exceptional. Our instructors were top notch and we learned much. Would definitely recommend this program to any level golfer.
— Review left January 28, 2022
This program for learning to play golf will definitely benefit anyone no matter what their skill level. Accomodations, meals, and scheduling are so great to have been done for us!
— Review left January 28, 2022
Overall, the class was very good and enjoyable. A big disappointment, though, was that the presentation on club fitting as described in the itinerary (… highly skilled team of fitters...optimize driver performance...make iron play more precise... dial in wedges... and fine-tune set compositions), was totally nonexistent. Don't sign up for this class if you are expecting club fitting.
— Review left March 18, 2020
This was a great experience getting my game into shape as Spring approached. I needed the professional evaluation so I start the season on the right swing. The facilities were perfect for our group and this facility is a good couples location.
— Review left March 17, 2020
A great program for any level of golfer.
— Review left February 10, 2020
Excellent school that definitely improved my enjoyment and proficiency of golf. Instructors talented, patient and dedicated. Three hours of instruction on all aspects of game (groups of 4-5 of fairly equal ability; including swing, drivers, chipping, pitching, sand play, putting. Lunch is good at golf course clubhouse off menus. One hour daily playing course with instructors, including daily “green reading” was invaluable. Really spent a lot of time on course mgt. and shot selection. (My putting and sand play improved appreciably). After afternoon instruction we could play the regular “championship” course or a nine hole course reserved just for golf school participants (no additional charge for either). You are provided a golf cart which is assigned to you for the week (your clubs stay on your cart) and is ready to play with cleaned clubs daily. Dinner as a group nightly was good and varied choices available , but not gourmet. Daily buffet breakfast was standard and adequate, nothing fancy. Jay Morelli, Joe, et al were superb... many great stories as all have played on a tour. Joe was a true professional and talented instructor, a great person as well as an excellent golfer who could teach with great elan. One can play with a chosen partner/wife/son or daughter - otherwise you are paired with others of equal experience or ability. (Several “beginners” in school). I made several friends during the week.
The resort is dated but adequate. Very friendly staff, good bar both in the resort and at a Tiki bar. Pool/hot tub useful. Several activities for non-golfers. Free parking. Prior reviewer complaint that there was no in-room safe is a moot point in that there are safes available gratis behind the front desk.
My main complaint is that Roads Scholar charged me an additional $400 for being a “single” yet every time I accessed the resort website on my own singles and doubles were always the same price - unfair in my opinion.
I WOULD do this event agai
— Review left February 3, 2020
This golf school changed my game of golf. The instruction was given by very knowledgeable pros who have been golfing for decades! I am considering attending again in another year to keep achieve an even higher level of golf skill. The instructors are very professional.
— Review left February 1, 2020
A wonderful week of learning with talented, patient instructors, delightful participants. It was everything described and more! Location perfect - mosquitos not so fun!!!!
— Review left March 18, 2019
The website is fine and easy to use.
— Review left February 22, 2019