Dale Abraham, PGA

Dale Abraham is the director of instruction at Bighorn Golf Club, and the Telluride Golf Club and is a PGA Class A teaching professional with 20 years of teaching experience. He is a two-time PGA Section Teacher of the Year (2013 Southwest, 2009 Southern California), a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher and has been named a Golf Digest Top Teacher in State (California). He has taught more than 35,000 individual golf lessons and is known for his ability to help golfers of all ages and levels, his quick and accurate diagnoses of swing faults and for his unique ability to simplify swing mechanics while working within the individual’s constraints.

Facility Type: Private

Past Awards/Recognitions:

• PGA Section Teacher of the Year
• Golf Digest Best in State
• Golf Tips Magazine Top 25 Instructor 2011-present,
• Southwest Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2013
• SCPGA Teacher of the Year 2008
• SCPGA Inland Empire Chapter Teacher of the Year 2007

Approximate number of free “tune-ups” and lessons given per year: 300

Growth of the game initiatives: 

Ladies 4-Hole Fun League – Each Monday, the Ladies’ 4-Hole Fun League consists of a 45 minute instruction clinic followed by 4 holes of on-course instruction. This program is designed to break down the typical barriers that prevent women from starting the game. During this program, I help the participants learn all of the different concepts of playing golf while using what I call the “It’s OK Rules.” The It’s Ok Rules allow participants to tee the ball up at any time, advance the ball whenever they would like, pull balls out of bunkers…These rules are designed to promote having fun, learning and providing an inviting atmosphere where women can meet others that are trying to learn the game. I started with 2 participants the first week and have grown to over 20 by the third week and continue to have almost 20 participants each week.

From Beginner to Winner

This twelve (12) week lesson series is an introduction to the game of golf. Students are directed on all aspects of golf, from how to check in before the round to what to do when the round is over and everything in between. With a low 6:1 student to teacher ratio, each student receives personal attention that allows them to learn aspects of the game hat most golfers take for granted.

Simplicity Golf School

Designed for all levels of golfers, the Simplicity Golf School four week series is designed to help golfers of all ages and ability levels through instruction on the full swing, short game, etiquette, rules, on-course instruction and course  management skills. Students use the instruction concepts learned in this course to build a lasting foundation for the game of a lifetime.

Member Golf Clinics (Free)

Weekly clinics held on Saturday mornings designed to help improve members’ golf games and increase number of rounds played. These one hour clinics have helped decrease the participants’ handicaps and have lead to an increase in rounds played by the members that participate in the clinics.

Friday Family Golf Clinics

Bring the family out to share the experience of golf in the beautiful setting and natural splendor of the Desert Mountain Club (Fall, Winter, Spring,) and the Telluride Golf Club (Summers). Instructors facilitate an hour of fun games and activities for all ages and skill levels.

Coaching Hour

A low-cost supervised practice program where the coach helps the student to discover his/her full potential by inspiring him/ her to reach his/her goals through providing support and a creative learning environment.

Road to Golf (ages 5-18)

The Road to Golf Junior Program is an innovative approach to golf development. Based on the principles of long-term athletic development, this junior program incorporates all the necessary fundamental movements the game of golf requires in a safe, fun and exciting learning atmosphere. This program gives juniors the head start they need to succeed and excel in golf.

Strokes of Genius – this summer long program is designed to give juniors free access to the golf club and to help raise funds for college scholarships. Juniors participate in free weekly clinics, receive free individual lessons, are able to play after 1:00pm for free and can practice for free as well. We also hold an annual tournament and charitable auction that raises money for college scholarships.

I have also participated in the PGA Growth of the Game Initiative Programs, including TEE IT FORWARD, Play Golf America and have been a member of the PGA’s Presidents Council for my participating in these programs. This year, I have been a part of the Free Lesson Month, held Get Golf Ready Clinics, and participated in the friend of a card member program and other programs in an attempt to help make golf more readily accessible to and less intimidating to potential new participants. I have also helped raise funds and donations for the last 5 years for the charitable organization Arizona Helping Hands that benefits less fortunate juniors and their families.