Local Golf Instructors Receive National Recognition

News Summary

Jim Suttie and Mark Durland, two esteemed golf instructors from Southwest Florida, have gained national recognition. Suttie was inducted into the World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame, while Durland appeared on the Top 100 Teachers list. Their contributions to the local golf community are celebrated, alongside various upcoming tournaments that invite golfers to participate and support charitable causes.

Two Local Golf Instructors Swing into the Spotlight!

In the world of golf, it’s always exciting to see our local talent getting national recognition. Recently, Jim Suttie and Mark Durland were highlighted by a prominent golf magazine as two of the best instructors in the game. Isn’t that fantastic? Both instructors are making waves in Southwest Florida and putting our area on the golf map!

Jim Suttie: A Legendary Instructor

Jim Suttie isn’t just your typical golf instructor; he’s a real legend in the business. He runs the teaching academy at TwinEagles, where golfers of all skill levels come for expert advice. What makes him even more remarkable is his twice-monthly tips column in the Daily News, offering practical guidance for everyone, whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned pro.

To make his accolades even sweeter, Suttie was inducted into the World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame in 2019. This special honor is reserved for the elite of golf instruction, including other big names like Hank Haney and Dave Pelz. It certainly speaks volumes about his skill and dedication to the game! Suttie’s long list of accolades includes being named the National PGA Teacher of the Year and ranked among Golf Digest’s Top 50 Teachers. Plus, he’s also shared his knowledge as a former golf coach at Florida Gulf Coast University and Northwestern University.

Suttie has expressed that receiving this Hall of Fame induction was both unexpected and humbling, proving just how passionate he is about teaching and the sport itself.

Mark Durland: A Rising Star

Mark Durland is also making waves with his own academy at Naples Grande. For the third time now, he has made it onto the Top 100 Teachers list. Durland is recognized among the best, having previously been titled a Golf Digest Best Teacher in Florida in 2015 and repeatedly mentioned as one of the Best Young Teachers in America. It’s clear he’s got a knack for helping golfers improve their game!

Tee Off with Tournaments

Mickey Moore and Eric Fredbeck, both scored a hole-in-one on No. 8. Talk about a lucky day!

Beyond local accolades, the charity golf scene is buzzing with activity. Mark your calendars for the Fairways for the Future tournament happening on April 22 at Lely Resort’s Flaming Island Course. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the event, and don’t forget – if you register after March 27, the entrance fee jumps from $250 to $300!

Another event to look out for is the Marine Corps League tournament set for April 6 at Glen Eagle Golf and Country Club, benefitting local MCL activities. Then, just a couple of days later on April 8 is the St. Vincent de Paul Golf Tournament at Quail Creek Country Club. This event supports the “Meals on Wheels” program, so swing those clubs for a good cause!

More Exciting Events Ahead

A youth-focused tournament will take place on April 22 at Lely Resort, along with the Vasari Cares Foundation Golf Championships on April 15, supporting the Golisano Children’s Hospital and Habitat for Humanity. These events highlight the amazing community spirit within the golf world.

Whether you’re looking to improve your swing with lessons from instructors like Suttie and Durland or want to join in on the fun of upcoming tournaments, the golf community in Southwest Florida is alive and thriving. Come join in on the excitement, and who knows, you might just find your new favorite golf buddy!

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