The Aviara Golf Academy Instructors

The Aviara Golf Academy
Instructors, Wayne Searle, Grant Halverson, Ted Norby, Kip Puterbaugh (Director of Instruction), Bob Knee, Ken Green & Bruce Nakamura

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

"I took a two day course from you about a month ago. I just wanted to let you know that it's actually working. When I first got back, I could see improvement in certain shots I had learned but no real lowering of my scores. I usually get to practice once a week and play one round a week."

"Today, I broke 80 for the first time ever. My16 handicap is going to change. Today's score- 77 on a course rating of 72.5 slope 135. That's two sand saves and three up and downs from off the green. But mostly, fairways and greens and two putts."

"Thank you and keep up the good work,"

Bill Cowsar
Humble, Texas

Our Instructors all have a minimum of five years experience working with Kip Puterbaugh, something our alumni find comforting when they are able to work with the same staff on their return trips. Our staff offers continuity not available at most golf schools.

Kip Puterbaugh - Director of Instruction

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... (read more)

Ken Green

I was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. I've played golf since I can remember(age 7), along with just about every other sport. Almost all of my amateur golf was played in Illinois. My high school team reached the State finals three consecutive years as I played... (read more)

Grant Halverson

Grant has been playing golf for over 30 years. He started playing golf under the guidance of his father Jack who is a lifetime member of the PGA. He had a successful junior career winning many local and national junior tournaments. At fourteen he qualified... (read more)

Bob Knee

Bob graduated from the University of California San Diego with the honor of All American in golf. He was the Coronado City Champion and the Costa Mesa City Champion. He has worked with Chris Riley, PGA Tour Player and 2004 Ryder Cup team member... (read more)

Bruce Nakamura

Bruce started golfing at the age of 10 and quickly developed a passion for the sport. In high school he was the league champion. He went to college at the University of California at San Diego where he graduated with a degree in Management Science... (read more)

Ted Norby

Ted has been an instructor at the Aviara Golf Academy since the beginning of 1992. A two-year sabbatical in 1995 and 1996 took him back to playing professionally on various mini tours including the Nike and Canadian tours. Ted turned professional... (read more)

Wayne Searle

Wayne was a top player for the San Diego State Golf team. Along with playing in NCAA tournaments and Mini Tour events, Wayne has won the San Diego City Tournament and also held the title as the All Marine Corps Champion. He owned and was... (read more)