Leadbetter to Open Academy in Southern California

David Leadbetter Golf has announced that it will be opening its first academy on the West Coast. The facility will be located at Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine, Calif.

Scheduled for a December 4, 2007 debut, the David Leadbetter Golf Academy at Strawberry Farms will feature a variety of instructional programs for adults and juniors, including one- to three-day mini schools, retreats, private sessions and corporate events.

"We have been looking to establish a West Coast presence for a number of years and Strawberry Farms, with its conveniently accessible location and stunning facilities, is clearly the perfect match for our West Coast headquarters" said Leadbetter. "Southern California has always had a rich golf tradition and we look forward to becoming part of that legacy through our new state-of-the-art golf academy."

Situated in the heart of Orange County near John Wayne Airport and Interstate 405, Strawberry Farms is one of the finest courses in Southern California. It's popular among corporate groups and golfers and should be an ideal setting for the academy.

"We are proud to have been selected by David Leadbetter as the location for his first west coast academy," said Strawberry Farms managing partner and former California Angels infielder Doug DeCinces. "The world-class reputation that a David Leadbetter Golf Academy brings to the area is unmatched and will allow us to offer our guests a wide variety of instructional programs and services."

Leadbetter is the instructor for some of the game's top players, including Ernie Els, Nick Price, Charles Howell III, Trevor Immelman, Ian Poulter, Julieta Granada and Michelle Wie. The Englishman created the first David Leadbetter Golf Academy in 1983 to give amateurs access to instruction that previously only professionals enjoyed. Leadbetter has since established 30 golf academies in 13 countries.

Programs at each academy are taught by certified instructors who've undergone a comprehensive training program designed and overseen at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy World Headquarters at ChampionsGate, Fla. All Instructors undergo a 12-month certification process, during which they train under Leadbetter and his Worldwide Director of Training and Certification. Instructors must also complete an annual recertification.

For more information on any of the David Leadbetter Golf Academy locations, call 888/633-5323 or visit www.DavidLeadbetter.com.