Darrin Gee's Spirit of Golf Academy | Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Darrin teach the clinics? Is he on-site? Will I have an opportunity to meet him?
Darrin loves coaching clinics, but it depends on his schedule and availability. If Darrin is on-site when you are here for your lesson, please go up to him and introduce yourself -- he enjoys talking about golf and hearing about your golf game.

What's the weather going to be like?
In general you can expect 80 degree weather. Always bring a sweater or waterproof jacket, since occasional cool weather or showers are not unusual. And despite the pleasant temperature, you'll want to have plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses when you're on the course. Visit www.weather.com for up-to-date information.

I'm here on vacation and would like to attend, but my wife doesn't play and we are trying to do things together. Any ideas?
Yes, bring her along! We often work with couples where one person plays a lot and the other has hardly, or never, picked up a club. You'll learn together and have fun while working on your own individual development with our coaches. It's a great way to spend time together, and you'll be developing new skills and improving your golf game at the same time.

How can this help my life off of the golf course?
The Seven Principles of Golf™ have parallel applications to life off the golf course. Darrin's intention is to draw the connection between experiences on the golf course with one's personal life. During a round of golf, one encounters many challenges and adversity, but those who continue to play one shot at a time, always complete their journey with a combination of great shots, difficult lies and hazards along the way. Applying these experiences on the golf course can teach one how to face challenges in life and achieve what one most desires.

I didn't bring my clubs. Are rentals available?
Yes. They are provided complimentary for the Spirit of Golf clinic, and we offer low rental rates if you plan to play afterwards. We use the best equipment available and can accommodate men, women, juniors and left-handed players.

Are individuals placed in clinics according to their ability?
No. Since our clinics are small and our approach focuses on you individually, this is not necessary. All golfers receive plenty of one-on-one attention and personalized instruction within the clinic setting.

How can I buy Spirit of Golf Academy merchandise?
Spirit of Golf Academy merchandise is for sale at the end of your clinic or lesson. You can also call the academy to place a telephone order or purchase merchandise online.

How young of a golfer can participate?
We have taught players as young as 4 years old. Parents of players under the age of 12 must accompany their child as a paying adult. Please contact us if you have questions regarding the best learning environment for your child. In many cases a private session is recommended.

Do you offer technical or mechanical lessons as well?
Our main focus is on helping you develop your mental, or inner, game. Most people agree that golf is 90% mental, yet it is rarely practiced and most often overlooked by golfers. Our programs often have an indirect impact on one's mechanics. By learning how to relax under pressure and trust your natural ability, a person's swing mechanics naturally improve. Our clinics demonstrate the importance of blending the mental game with swing mechanics. Often times, players hit great shots on the driving range, but are unable to duplicate them on the golf course. You need both to play your best golf. In our clinics, we practice putting, chipping and the full swing always focusing on maximizing one's performance and potential.

I get nervous when I tee off. Can you help?
Absolutely! If you get nervous when you're on the tee, or if there are people watching, or if there's a lake in front of the hole, you've come to the right place. We'll teach you how to block out these distractions so it's just you, the ball and the hole.

Do you have gift certificates?
Yes. Gift certificates are available in $50 denominations for lessons as well as merchandise. In accordance with Hawaii state law, gift certificates are valid for two years.

How far in advance do I need to book a lesson?
We try to accommodate everyone, but unfortunately this is not always possible. The success of our program relies on the small sizes of our clinics, so we recommend booking in advance. You can book online to take advantage of our $50 online coupon, or call us directly at (808) 887-6800 or from the US mainland toll-free (866) 465-3433 to make your reservation.

Do you have a kama'aina rate?
Yes. Please call the school directly for these rates and to see if you qualify.

Where is the Spirit of Golf Academy located? How far is it from where I will be staying?
We offer our program at several different golf courses on the Big Island. Please refer to the map for directions.

Do you offer corporate/group rates?
Yes, we offer corporate and group rates which include customization specifically tailored to your needs. Darrin and his team of coaches offer corporate and group clinics. Darrin is also a motivational speaker and is available for keynote speeches. Please inquire directly at (808) 887-6800 or email info@spiritofgolfhawaii.com.

Will I receive a refund if my lesson is rained out?
In the last five years, we have only been rained out once! If a lesson is rained out for some reason, the lesson will be refunded or re-scheduled.

Do you offer transportation?
If you are visiting the Big Island, you will most likely have a rental car. If you need transportation to a Spirit of Golf Academy clinic or lesson, we have special rates with several transportation services on the island. In some cases we can also arrange for you to carpool with other students staying at your timeshare or resort.

Do you have special rates for playing at golf courses in Hawaii?
Yes. We have special rates for Spirit of Golf Academy students to play at some of the top-ranked golf courses in Hawaii. Please contact us for more details.

I am currently receiving technical instruction with a pro back home. Will this interfere with those lessons?
No. Our program is designed to complement your existing golf game. Many of our students, including professionals, often receive both simultaneously.

Do you think the mental or inner game is more important than technical instruction or vice versa?
We believe that fully developing both elements are crucial to a solid golf game - you can't have one without the other. The mental game is usually the piece that can make it or break it for many players - understanding how to manage and then maximize this can take your game to a whole new level. Translation? Lower scores, longer drives, more fun.

What is your reservation policy?
All reservations must be paid or held with a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express).

What is your cancellation policy?
A clinic is closed once it is filled and interested students are booked into other lessons. We encourage advance bookings and many of our students fly to Hawaii from around the world to join us. Following is our cancellation policy: 50% cancellation fee applies 48 hours prior to clinic start time. If you cancel within 24 hours or do not show for your lesson, you will be charged the full amount for the lesson plus any applicable taxes. If you re-schedule your lesson and then cancel, the amount of your cancellation fee will be based on the original date of your lesson.

Are there other schools in Hawaii that teach the mental or inner game?
We are the only golf school in Hawaii that focuses solely on this aspect of the game, and one of the leading programs in the United States.

Does Darrin give private clinics and playing lessons?
Yes, but on a limited basis. Playing lessonshave a Spirit of Golf clinic pre-requisite. For more information contact us directly at (808) 887-6800 or (866) 465-4344. You can also email reservations@spiritofgolfacademy.com.