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Rick Smith Golf Academy Awards and Accolades

Golf Magazines 2009 "Top 25 Golf Schools in America"


Through the years the Rick Smith Golf Academy at Treetops Resort, has been consistently ranked in "The Top 25 Golf Schools in America," by Golf Magazine. During 2009, The Rick Smith Golf Academy was again honored with this prestigious award. Henry Young, Director of the Academy, returns for his 22nd season and is consistently ranked by many leading golf magazines as a "Top Teacher in the State". Jason Guss, who received the impressive distinction of "Top 20 Teachers Nationally Under the Age of 40," by Golf Digest, returns for his 11th season. These two outstanding instructors will continue to lead The Rick Smith Golf Academy Programs at Treetops Resort.

Awards

Jason GussJason Guss

  • 2009 Dul Family Player Development Leadership Award from the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association
  • Awarded 2009 Top 20 Teacher in America Under the Age of 40 by Golf Digest
  • Awarded 2009 Top Teachers in the State of Michigan #7 by Golf Digest
  • Awarded 2008 Top 25 Golf Schools in the Country by Golf Magazine
  • Awarded 2007 Top 20 Teachers in America Under the Age of 40 by Golf Digest
  • Awarded 2007 Top Teachers in the State of Michigan # 6 by Golf Digest
  • Awarded 2005 Top Teachers in the State of Michigan by Golf Digest
  • Awarded 2005 Top 10 Golf Schools in the Country Golf Magazine

Henry YoungHenry Young

  • 2009 Dul Family Player Development Leadership Award from the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association
  • Awarded 2009 Top Teachers in the State of Michigan #8 by Golf Digest
  • Awarded 2007 Top Teachers in the State of Michigan by Golf Digest
  • Awarded 2005 Top Teachers in the State of Michigan by Golf Digest
  • Awarded 2000 #2 Teachers in the State of Michigan by Golf Digest
  • 1995 Michigan PGA Teacher of the Year

Accolades

"I want to express my appreciation for a wonderful experience at your golf school. Thank you for your kind attention to my many needs. Your thorough approach is certainly impressive."  B.C. - Grosse Point, MI



"Thank you so much for taking such good care of me. After all my airline problems, you instantly made things great again. Everyone at the clubhouse was so nice. It turned my airline fiasco into a wonderful experience."  G.O. - Wailuku, HI (to RSGA Coordinator)


"You take pride in your work and it shows. Thanks for the great job you do and for making my stay comfortable."  D.B. - St. Helen, MI (to RSGA Coordinator)


"Your enthusiasm for the game and knowledge of the golf swing is unmatchable. The instructional help you have shared with me has elevated my game to help compete with the best players on tour."   Ashli Bunch - LPGA Tour Pro


"I thoroughly enjoyed your golf program. You are an excellent and patient instructor that made taking lessons a great deal of fun"   C.B. - Ann Arbor, MI


"My wife and I wish to express our appreciation and compliments on a superior golf program at Treetops-which by virtue of your teaching skills, was a great learning experience for us. We both felt your personal involvement and carefully structured teaching methodology made a big difference to us. We are excited about golf and you have immeasurably contributed to that effort with your stimulating instruction."   J.J. -Herdon, VA


"Thank you for the great weekend at Treetops. The academy was certainly worth our time and effort. The Workshop was something I wish I had done years ago. It not only helped me see my current swing in a new light but also provided enough reasons and just as important ways to change it."   D.K. - Novi, MI


"I can not begin to tell you how amazing an experience I had with you. I have told family and friends that your passion, personal attention and sincerity were responsible for a truly unprecedented learning experience. Thank you so much for sharing and teaching me in the manner you did. This is so exciting and inspiring."   H.G. - Delray Beach, FL


"I want to tell you how much I appreciate the time you spent with me. I have been to numerous golf schools and I have taken lessons from probably 30 teaching pros, but you were the first person that really was able to tell me what I was doing wrong and how to correct the problem. It was nice to take a lesson where the teacher worked with your strengths instead of trying to revamp your whole swing. The drills you gave me are working great."   R.W. - Fort Wayne, IN


"Your Academy was one of the best experiences I have had as afar as golf is concerned. Having previously been a teacher for ten years, I would like to add a few words about your instruction. Your methods are excellent. Your communication and ability to explain what you wanted us to do, I feel displayed some of the best teaching skill I have seen. This comes from an ex-coach. You made the class feel that you took our progress personally and really cared about our improvement. The academy was one of the best things I've done for myself in a long time."   L.Y. - Bloomfield Hills, MI


"The time I spent with you on the practice range and in the classroom are without a doubt the most productive sessions I have attended. I would ask that you convey to your staff my appreciation for their courtesy and assistance. I do not think I have ever been treated better or with more cheerfulness than by the staff at Treetops."   D.C. - Lansing, MI


"I want to personally thank you for the golf instruction at treetops. The format of understanding the theory and practical application was invaluable to my golf game. It is very sure in my mind that you have a thorough knowledge and comprehension of the golf swing and the golf game as it should be played today. It is obvious that you have both a love for the game and patience needed to work with your students."   B.H. - Downers Grove, IL



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