Students Say

I wanted to write to express how much my recent wonderful experience at the Bird Golf School exceeded my expectations. Although my friend Nancy was the one who chose Bird Golf, the school was exactly what I would have designed had I built my own school. I played regularly and confidently several years ago, winning my club championship. Two cross-country moves and one baby later, I thought I had “lost” my swing and my confidence. What I wanted from a school was to bring out what I knew I had in me, and not a school that would try to rebuild me. Bird Golf, and my four days with Shirley Furlong, were exactly that. I have always felt that when I was confident about the basics such as posture and balance, that I played my best golf because then I wasn’t worrying about anything while swinging. That was exactly the approach that Shirley took, and she reassured me that my approach to the game was the approach I should keep using. Past teachers had tried to get me to swing “faster” or “harder.” Shirley emphasized that I should stick with my natural tempo in my whole approach to the game, and then showed me how to mentally get out of my own way so that that tempo’s fluidity could come out. I don’t know how you knew Shirley would be such a great match after only a short phone call with me, but she was perfect. In addition, the resort, course, and practice facilities were beautiful, and Shirley was an absolute delight to spend four days with. I’m a teacher myself, so I can recognize that at times, I was a bit of a pain in the bum as a student — but Shirley handled that with humor, and I haven’t laughed so much in a long time. Anyway, thanks for a truly wonderful experience! Miranda Fleischer Boulder, Colorado Golf School: Arizona EDITOR’S NOTE: To read the comments of Nancy Rice who did her golf school with Miranda, please see the testimonial immediately below.

Miranda Fleischer

I wanted to write you a note expressing my pleasure with my recent experience at the Bird Golf Academy, Wild Horse Pass Resort and spa. Although I’m not a great golfer, I love the sport, so nothing could be better than spending 4 consecutive days immersed in golf. My teacher, Shirley Furlong, not only is a wonderful teacher but she clearly shares my passion for the game; we could not have been a better pairing. Shirley was full of good humor, very good natured, and had an infectious enthusiasm for all aspects of the game, even sand shots. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of golf and the patience and willingness to communicate her knowledge as many times and in as many ways as necessary for me to understand and improve. I particularly enjoyed the time spent actually playing the course, with Shirley giving me immediate and perceptive feedback on each shot. I experienced many emotions during my time at Bird Golf: pleasure at a good shot, anguish over bad shots, frustration, and elation. Sometimes I was concentrating intensely; sometimes my brain felt like mush. I might even have gotten better. Most of all, however, I had fun and laughed more than I have in years. Now that’s a good golf school! Nancy Rice Denver, Colorado Golf School: Arizona

Nancy Rice

“I want to THANK YOU for a FANTASTIC WEEK of golf instruction. Not only did I learn and gain a thorough appreciation for the golf swing, I had fun. The knowledge gained can only improve my game. Both you and Jay made me feel as if I was a part of the Bird Team, not as a tourist showing up for a few lessons. The attention to detail, taking notes, discussions and practice sessions made perfect common sense. The discussions based on observations and the feel of the golf swing really helped. I can’t believe how simple the swing really is: everything moves together at the same time in the same direction at the same rate.” Art Rebello Somerset, Massachusetts Golf School: Arizona

Art Rebello

Wanted to take this time to thank you for a wonderful golf learning experience. I left the Diplomat/Bird School with positive thoughts and a great desire to get my game in shape. I was not overwhelmed with too much information, but came away with good principles and a plan of attack to conquer my problems. The facility was perfect for a woman traveling alone. I could finish up golf and go directly to the spa for a massage/hot tub experience. The food was a fabulous surprise! How good. No need to go off campus if you don’t want to. All in all, I would highly recommend this experience to my friends and family [and we are a large golfing family]. I must tell Tim that I played in a tournament on Tuesday early in the Am on our OLD COURSE which has a 134/74.4 in the cold windy wet environment and shot a 98. Not a great score, but from the 5900 tee markers in those conditions, I’m not upset. Just maybe 4 bad holes, no penalties, just a few errant shots into the 4″ wet rough was enough to put me behind the 8 ball. However, I will practice, practice, practice and just maybe get this yet! My best to both of you. Sue Viechnicki Bethlehem, PA Golf School: Arizona

Sue Viechnicki