CMA Club Med Junior Golf Academy

Does anyone know much about Club Med junior golf academy? I believe it was started by the same person who was part of starting the IMG academy.

All feedback welcome.

Thank you.

This used to be Don Law Golf Academy. There was a separation of Club Med and Don several years ago. After their separation, Club Med brought in their own instructors. I don't know much about the instruction, but do know a couple of kids that go there. Most of the students are international. The facilities are a dump and the schooling is lacking in any real academics. They will use other course besides Club Med as the Golf Facility their is a dump.

Thank you. I'd heard some mixed reviews. I'm asking because they brought in Matt Fields, formerly of IJGA and Gary Gilchrist academy, to oversee the instruction side of things.

Wondering if this makes a difference.

That is a good thing. The facilities are still bad there.

Agree the place was a huge disappointment when I first seen it. The golf facilities are not really a priority there they put in soccer fields for more activities the last time I was there. They are more of a inclusive resort and to me it seems like plenty of people go there to drink and sit by the pool.

Some people like the hotel but to me it seems pretty dated maybe 25-30 years past it's prime.

When you show up to a place and range balls are at least 5 years old with a mixture of lake balls, it isn't good. At least they have grass on the greens now.

Yikes.

Thing is, the course is incredibly fun to play despite it's flaws. If some money was sunk into the place it could be really nice. Across the street is St. Lucia River Club which is right on the river. Great course with Million Dollar homes.

I agree back in the day I think it was a really nice course and even great hotel. The course design is actually quite fun. It's just very sad to see the facility today. I would say the prime time was back in the 70's and 80's since then not much money has been put into the course. Not only that some of the modifications are not very good like making a hole shorter for soccer fields and such.

Do not travel to a tournament that is put on there it is not worth it much better venues elsewhere. If your playing a Local tournaments and don't have to stay in a hotel it's ok but don't have high expectations since it is a dump. (think local US Kids circuit)

I agree. One of the best holes on the course was the Par 5 9th hole. Now it is a driveable Par 4 because they made soccer fields. Soccer Fields that have better fields and grass than the fairways of the course.

So it seems its not a competition or luxury resort venue. But how would you guys see it as a full time junior academy venue? Assuming its priced accordingly and Matt Fields brings his teaching experience from IJGA and GGGA?

Thank you.

If I were spending that money I would rather them go to Bishops Gate, Gilchrest, Mike Bender. But that is just me from a pure choice that their golf and training facilities are better.

From the perspective of teaching and learning, the fit with instructors has to be right as well. If the fit was right and I thought my kid would flourish under that leadership, I would have to problem sending them to Club Med Academies.

you would be crazy to send a kid as a full time junior there. Anyone who teaches there has fallen on hard times. It is not a venue that anyone would want to stay at. I would expect any decent instructor to run the minute he found something better.

Club Med is a European resort company they get groups of people there and give them a good time. The golf course there is more a nuisance for them and it shows.

Was talking to someone last night who knows Matt. Apparently, they are paying him close to 3 times his previous salary.

How do you interpret this fact? The beginnings of a turnaround, or at least sign of desire for a better day? Or act of desperation?

Any thoughts on Matt Fields as a coach? I’d understand if you’d rather not say in public, or at all for that matter.

It is all here say. I do not know Matt, but the person I was talking to does. I have only heard wonderful things about Matt as a teacher. If they want that program there to turn around, they hired the right guy.

Don't know the guy but I know a lot good guys out there are not paid very much especially if they are an independent contractor. It's not easy making a living teaching golf. I would assume they offer a steady paycheck with good benefits and with how things are that should get a lot people interested.

When we start on the Stuart USKG tour, I am sure I will get to see all this for myself.

The picture painted of this place sounds grim, but I guess I have to absolve myself of Club Med's 80s fame and see it for what it is today. If my kids break 40 there, I'm sure I'll grow a soft spot for it :)

They are what I call "The Ole Stomping Grounds". The course is actually really fun to play. It is old and shoddy but has character, if that makes sense.

Yes, it sure does. I'm sure many of us have courses like that from our collective youths.