By Vinnie Manginelli, PGA
The GOLFZON Leadbetter Golf Academy was founded by renowned golf instructor David Leadbetter. With a mission “to elevate the game of golf and inspire lifelong improvement in players of all skill levels,” Leadbetter and his team have built this series of academies into a global leader in golf instruction, operating across 16 countries.
It was announced earlier this summer that GOLFZON Leadbetter Academy recently opened two new locations—one at Prairie Pines Golf Club in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin (near Madison), and the other at Five Forts Golf Club, located at The St. Regis Bermuda Resort.
GOLFZON Leadbetter Academy Madison
The highly anticipated Wisconsin location offers high-level golf instruction and player development to golfers of all ages and skill levels through award-winning golf coaching, the latest golf teaching technology and a personalized training environment that has proven successful on a world-class level for decades. GOLFZON Leadbetter Golf Academy seeks to maximize each student’s individual abilities and unlock their full potential, at whatever level they currently play.
Brock Ortega
“We are thrilled to bring The Leadbetter Golf Academy to Wisconsin,” said Brock Ortega, Academy Director of The GOLFZON Leadbetter Golf Academy Wisconsin. “Our goal is to create an elite golf training destination where every golfer, from juniors to seasoned players, can elevate their game in a welcoming environment.”
In addition to the stellar technology, the Wisconsin facility features an extensive practice facility, a dedicated short game area and on-course instruction. They look forward to indoor bay instruction in the near future.
Programming at GOLFZON Leadbetter Golf Academy Wisconsin includes private lessons, single and multi-day group lessons, corporate events, group clinics, junior-focused programs, club fitting and fully customized golf learning experiences to meet each individual’s goals and objectives.
GOLFZON Leadbetter Academy Five Forts Golf Club – St. Regis Bermuda Resort
Adding a world-class amenity to Bermuda’s golf and tourism offerings, GOLFZON Leadbetter Academy is now live at Five Forts Golf Club, located at The St. Regis Bermuda Resort, the first internationally recognized golf academy to open in Bermuda. This facility, led by Bermudian golfer Quinton Sherlock, offers elite golf training to tourists and local golfers on the island.
Quinton Sherlock was born in Bermuda and enjoyed a successful junior golf career. He played collegiate golf at Alabama State University and holds a master’s degree in psychology. Sherlock has been with GOLFZON Leadbetter since 2020, after playing on various mini-tours after completing graduate school.
“This is a pivotal moment for golf in Bermuda,” said Sherlock. “For years, we’ve had talented players but limited access to elite instruction and pathways to college scholarships. The GOLFZON Leadbetter Academy fills that gap and gives more kids a chance to learn golf and dream about competing at the highest levels.”
The Five Forts Golf Club academy offers year-round programs, coaching, tournament support, academic guidance and college recruitment mentoring. These pillars are not only designed to prepare Bermuda’s next generation of golfers for international competition, but also for academic success. The academy also provides customized instruction for visiting golfers of all skill levels and offers instructional stay-and-play packages through the St. Regis Bermuda Resort.
“Our mission is two-fold,” said Benedict Riches, CEO of GOLFZON Leadbetter. “We’re here to support and grow local talent with the same training methods we use for Tour players and top amateurs worldwide. At the same time, we want to welcome visiting golfers from around the world who are seeking the best instruction in one of the most beautiful settings on Earth. Quinton is a shining light within our company and joins our network of highly-trained instructors who have dedicated their lives to helping golfers.”
“This partnership is more than just a golf academy—it’s a catalyst for opportunity,” said Leslie Prea, General Manager for The St Regis Bermuda Resort. “We’re proud our golf club can provide local golfers, and especially young players, with access to world-class training programs. And for international guests, it’s a chance to receive elite-level instruction while enjoying the elegance and serenity of Bermuda.”
They officially inaugurated the academy on May 28th of this year with a ceremony on the 18th hole. With the Atlantic Ocean and Fort St. Catherine as a backdrop, distinguished attendees included The Hon. Owen K. Darrell, JP, MP, Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport; Leslie Prea, General Manager of The St. Regis Bermuda Resort; Alexander Capitillo Leon, Golf Operations Manager at Five Forts Golf Club; Benedict Riches, CEO of Golfzon Leadbetter; and Quinton Sherlock Jr., Director of Instruction at Golfzon Leadbetter Academy Bermuda.
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts are part of Marriott International, Inc. More than just a hotel, they are committed to delivering exceptional experiences at more than 45 luxury hotels and resorts around the world.
The St. Regis Bermuda Resorts’ Five Forts Golf Club is a scenic 18-hole, par-62 course that spans 4,436 yards along Bermuda’s East End. The club took its name from the five historic forts that surround the historic town of St. George’s. Similar to the resort it calls home, Five Forts Golf Club delivers an elevated experience, “thoughtfully crafted for enjoyment, discovery and connection.”
For more information on GOLFZON Leadbetter Academies, log on to their website today!
