Kip's Tips

The Coach

Kip Puterbaugh

Founder of Aviara Golf Academy

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I have been very fortunate to be surrounded with some of the top people in the golf industry from a very early age. At 10 years old, my first instructor was the legendary two-time PGA Champion Paul Runyan. He was a great role model and inspirational in my desire to play and become involved with the great game of golf. I was also very fortunate that former US Open Champion Gene Littler befriended me and allowed me to play and practice with him many times during my developmental years.

All my preliminary efforts to learn about the golf swing were based on making me a better player. After graduating from the University of Houston on a golf scholarship in 1970, I competed nationally and abroad, then went into the golf business in 1972.

I was fortunate to work with one of the most respected golf professionals in the industry, Mr. Bill Ogden of the North Shore Country Club in the Chicago area. I have always enjoyed the study of the golf swing and as I progressed in the golf business, my focus shifted more and more into teaching. This culminated in opening my first golf school in Pala Mesa in 1987, then moving that school in 1991 to start the Aviara Golf Academy.

Here at the Aviara Golf Academy we have designed a state of the art teaching facility to help us expedite the learning experience of players of all skill levels. We have the latest in computer and video setup available to help give instant feedback to our students, to help them learn the proper feels necessary to accomplish a fundamentally sound motion.

I have been priviledged to work with PGA Tour members Scott Simpson, Dennis Paulson, Larry Mize and Loren Roberts. LPGA Tour member Jenna Daniels has also worked with me for the past four years, and I have also worked with LPGA Tour player Natalie Gulbis. Working with top-flight players has only strengthened my teaching as they can relate valuable experiences and tournament thoughts that can help us with the mental and competitive aspects of the game.

I have trained a teaching staff that has remained a constant strong force in our program. They all have a minimum of 5 years experience with me and for our alumni they find it comforting to work with the same staff on their return trips. Our staff offers continuity not available at most golf schools.

My staff and I are committed to keeping current with the latest in golf instruction and technology in order to offer you the best golf school experience possible.