New golf academy tees off

LAKEWOOD RANCH — John Bullas was 13 years old the first time he teed off.

But while he might’ve stepped onto the green later than some of his friends and colleagues, it didn’t take long for the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club’s director of instruction to become immersed in the sport.

“I just loved it straight away,” Bullas said. “I like the integrity of the game. You’re responsible for your own game, and the challenges are different every day.”

Shortly after his first experience on the green, the British native received a half set of golf clubs for Christmas. From that point on, Bullas spent every day after school and every weekend out on the course.
His hard work and dedication paid off when he earned a scholarship to Florida Atlantic University. Bullas went on tour across America, South America, and Europe, before eventually hitting a wall. It was at that point Bullas decided to channel his energy in a new direction — teaching.

“I wasn’t progressing the way I wanted to, so now my passion is learning how to make people better (at the game),” Bullas said. “I have good information to share, and I can help people of all levels.”

In May, Bullas was named to his position at the country club, and in August, the club launched its new Golf Academy.

The Golf Academy at Lakewood Ranch offers individual instruction both to members and non-members, as well as to junior players, with the goal of helping them improve their games while expanding the club’s golf program.

“The goal is growth,” Bullas said. “I want to get to the point where I’m coaching PGA Tour players. This is such a young country club, and I get to work with a lot of good players, which is nice.”

Individual hour-long lessons are $90 for members and $120 for non-members. During each lesson, Bullas videotapes each individual’s swing and incorporates drills and exercises to help the student establish a more efficient swing. Each individual receives a DVD of the lesson to take home.

In addition to private lessons, the Golf Academy at Lakewood Ranch offers a three-day school for non-members. It includes three hours of golf instruction in the morning, lunch and a chance to play each of the club’s three championship courses. The cost for that program is $750 per person; it also covers greens fees.

Finally, Bullas recently started a junior program, which is open to children ages 8-18, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. During each session, participants will focus on improving all aspects of the game, including full swing, short game and putting, while having a chance to play on the course. The cost of the junior program is $30 per session or $200 per month.

“We keep it specific to their needs,” Bullas said. “Kids develop at different ages. In the future, hopefully, we can bring a full-time program for juniors similar to what other local academies do.”

For more information on the Golf Academy at Lakewood Ranch, visit www.lakewoodranchgolf.com and click on the Golf Academy tab or contact Director of Instruction John Bullas at 961-9329 or [email protected].

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].