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Golf Guest Instructors

Half Moon is pleased to provide a new Golf Guest Instructor Series, offering the best in golf instruction with notable golfers such as David Leadbetter, Nick Starchuck, Gary Gilchrist and Mike Manavian, along with the return of James Ridyard. This series will feature a variety of options for both beginners and seasoned golfers alike. Whether you are just getting started in this great game or you are trying to lower your handicap to a new level, we have the experience and capability to assist you in attaining your goals.

David Leadbetter


David Leadbetter

MAY 9 - 12, 2024

$825 | Private 90-min session

For scheduling and reservations, contact the Golf Pro Shop | [email protected] 

ABOUT DAVID LEADBETTER

Originally from Worthing in Sussex, England, David began his career in golf on European and South African tours. He soon realized his interest was in the technique, mechanics, and intricacies of the game, which eventually led him to spend more time teaching than playing.

Soon after retirement from playing, he began to incorporate his methods and philosophies into a stringent, holistic training program for qualified instructors that remains unmatched even today. Since launching the first Leadbetter Golf Academy more than 30 years ago, David has coached players to more than a dozen Major Championship titles and over 100 individual worldwide tournament victories.

Four of those players have even held first place in the Official World Golf Ranking. With a desire to bring the same world-class instruction to players of all ages and abilities, and in addition to the numerous articles written for publications like Golf Digest and Golf International over the past three decades, David has authored seven books on the topic.

Mike Manavian


Mike Manavian

NOVEMBER 2024

For scheduling and reservations, contact the Golf Pro Shop | [email protected] 

ABOUT MIKE MANAVIAN

Michael boasts a diverse background in golf instruction, club fitting, nutrition, fitness, and biochemistry, making him a valuable asset for athletes aiming to enhance their performance. As a leading authority in utilizing 3D motion capture software like GEARs Golf, Michael offers cutting-edge instruction tailored to individual needs.

He is an Authorized Instructor in the renowned Stack & Tilt® Network, a staff ambassador for Cobra-Puma Golf, and the Lead Clubfitter for Arccos Golf. With a track record of success and expertise in translating complex data into actionable insights, Michael is a trusted advisor to top collegiate golf programs and industry leaders like Cobra Golf. Whether refining technique or leveraging advanced technology, Michael is dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential. 

Brian Mogg


Brian Mogg

DECEMBER 10 - 14, 2024

For scheduling and reservations, contact the Golf Pro Shop | [email protected] 

ABOUT BRIAN MOGG

With over three decades of teaching experience, Brian's expertise is unparalleled. Recognized as a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher since 2005 and a fixture on Golf Digest's Top 50 Instructors list, his commitment to excellence is undeniable. Leading five Academies globally, including the prestigious Waldorf Astoria GC in Orlando, Brian's influence extends far beyond accolades.

His impact is evident in the success of his students, boasting an impressive 30 wins on professional tours since 2001, including Major victories and a USGA Championship. Brian's tutelage has nurtured numerous elite junior and college players, guiding them to success at renowned universities.

While Brian excels in the professional arena, his primary focus remains on everyday golfers, helping them achieve their lowest possible handicap with personalized instruction. Tailoring each lesson to the individual, Brian's meticulous approach identifies the optimal swing and short game, empowering students to reach peak performance.

Beyond teaching, Brian's playing experience on the PGA and Champions Tours adds depth to his instruction. His blend of expertise allows students to seamlessly translate progress from the range to the course.

In essence, Brian offers more than golf instruction; he provides a pathway to tangible improvement, empowering students to elevate their game and deepen their love for the sport.

Brian Mogg in a grey zip up shirt


Gary Gilchrist

MARCH 9 - 16, 2025

$330 | Private 60-min session

For scheduling and reservations, contact the Golf Pro Shop | [email protected] 

ABOUT GARY GILCHRIST

In a coaching career that spans 30 years, Gilchrist has been responsible for recruiting, training, and developing more top-ranked junior and professional golfers than any other coach in the world.

In his illustrious career, Gilchrist has coached three players to #1 World Ranking professionals, had PGA, LPGA, and European tour pros win 69 tournaments, including 8 majors, 3 players ascending to #1 World Ranking, a dozen players reaching top 10 world rankings and a bronze medalist in the 2016 Olympic games. These accomplishments were achieved while also running and recruiting for full-time boarding junior golf academies. Over the course of these three decades, Gilchrist has helped 75 junior players be named AJGA All American, 6 players named AJGA Player of the Year, 2 US Amateur Champions, 2 US Junior Girls Champions, 1 NCAA Women’s Champion, and 2 US Public Links Champions. His junior students have amassed over 850 wins on AJGA, IMG, HJGA, FCGT and IJGT tours.

In 1995, Gilchrist was charged with developing the first full-time junior golf academy in the world. After running IMG’s David Leadbetter Junior Golf Academy as the Director of Golf from 1995-2004, Gilchrist took his expertise to the International Junior Golf Academy (IJGA) in Hilton Head Island, S.C., where he oversaw hundreds of elite junior and professional golfers for another three years. Though Gilchrist was initially trained as a technical teacher, he quickly realized to take golfers to the next level, they needed to master more than just technique – they also needed a comprehensive training program that incorporated every aspect of being a champion and that’s just what he did with starting the Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy. Gary’s dedication and passion for teaching the game and impacting the lives of all thousands of students are unmatched. Gilchrist has been recognized by Golf Digest as a Top 50 Teacher in America from 2011-2018, Golf Magazine as a Top 100 Teacher since 2013, and Future Champions Master Coach in 2017.

 

Brian Mogg in a grey zip up shirt


Nick Starchuk

DATES TO BE CONFIRMED

$242 | Private 60-min session

For scheduling and reservations, contact the Golf Pro Shop | [email protected] 

ABOUT Nick Starchuk

With over two decades of experience as a golf instructor and coach, Nick Starchuk brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, having previously served at Mississaugua Golf and Glen Abbey Golf Club. His extensive background includes multiple fitness and mental coaching certifications, enabling him to guide both college and professional golfers while aiding regional talents in reaching Provincial and National Teams. Recognized as the recipient of the 2013 Ontario PGA Teacher of the Year award and a runner-up in other categories, Starchuk continuously seeks to enhance his expertise by collaborating with leaders in coaching across various disciplines.

Starchuk's approach involves a holistic understanding of the golfing experience, integrating insights from sports and life coaching alongside collaborations with physical trainers and medical professionals to delve into the biomechanics and conditioning aspects crucial for player development. With an extensive network of experts, he remains committed to fostering effective communication and connection with every golfer he assists, whether they are seasoned professionals or aspiring amateurs. Currently operating the top-ranked Golf School in Canada at TPC Toronto, Starchuk provides unparalleled instruction to over 400 golfers each summer, offering four hours of comprehensive training—a testament to his dedication to advancing the sport.

 

James Ridyard


James Ridyard

DATES TO BE CONFIRMED

For scheduling information, contact the Golf Pro Shop | [email protected] 

ABOUT JAMES RIDYARD

James Ridyard is a leading golf instructor, researcher, and co-owner of the Short Game Secrets brand which brings some of the highest-selling independently produced instructional videos to the industry. As an instructor, he spends the majority of his time working with elite players and has coached players to victories on the PGA and European Tour in 2019. When away from tour golf he also ensures that he spends time working with players of all levels at his home base in the UK.

James received the great honor of being invited to speak at the PGA of America’s Teaching &Coaching Summit in January 2015. Grabbing the opportunity with both hands James delivered one of the most talked about presentations of the summit, receiving great reviews from a large number of attendees. This success led to James being named one of Golf Magazines Innovators in the 2015 list and an invitation to speak at his home PGA’s Teaching & Coaching Conference later in the year.

Since 2015 James has presented to more than 3000 coaches and players across more than 10 countries working with various PGA’s and National Federations while continuing to research and develop his ideas on high-performance wedge play. In a refreshing contrast to much of the teaching industry, James isn’t one to shy away from sharing his information and sees every opportunity to present to a group as a chance to positively influence a larger number of golfers than he ever could on the lesson tee. While continuing to research and develop himself and his ideas James takes great pride in providing the highest level of full-swing and short-game coaching available, something you can be sure of is that no stone will be left unturned in helping you achieve your potential.

 

Hole 7 par 3 with palm trees


Unlimited Golf Package

Reserve a four-night stay and enjoy unlimited rounds of golf at our championship course, as well as Cinnamon Hill, just five minutes away from our resort.

Package includes:

  • Complimentary use of Practice Facility at Half Moon
  • Complimentary Golf Clinic (Fridays at Half Moon)

One of the most iconic resort destinations in the Caribbean, Half Moon is the highest-rated property in Jamaica by Forbes Travel Guide. Offering three unique resort experiences, Half Moon is situated within 400 acres of tropical gardens and along two miles of beachfront. 

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*Guest golf instructor series is not included in the Unlimited Golf Package but can be added on by calling reservations. Meal Plan Additions available. Cart fee applicable & mandatory caddie fee not included. Minimum four-night stay required. Rates are subject to availability at time of enquiry. Applies to new bookings only. Not combinable with any other special offer. This special may be withdrawn at any time, is capacity-controlled, and may not be combined with any other promotion. A 25% deposit is required at the time of booking which is refundable provided that cancellation notice is received 7 days prior to arrival. Full and final payment required 7 days prior to arrival. Reservations made within 7 days prior to arrival are charged in full at time of booking. Trip Insurance recommended.