Aviara Golf Academy

Specialties

Kip Puterbaugh’s Aviara Golf Academy is the premier golf school in Southern California and is the longest running golf school in the Western United States with the most consistent staff with over 100 total years of teaching experience.

The Kip Puterbaugh Aviara Golf Academy opened in 1991 at the Arnold Palmer designed Aviara Resort Course in Carlsbad, CA, just 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego. The experience, dedication and longevity of his talented staff of 5 full time Master Instructors is unparalled in the golf industry. Kip began teaching in 1972 and joined by Wayne Searle they opened the Academy in 1991. Master Instructors Ken Green joined in 1994, Bruce Nakamura in 1995, Bob Knee in 1997 and Grant Halverson in 1999. Working together through the years they have developed a curriculum that will give the golfer of any skill level the best chance to improve their game.

History

Established in 1991.

The Kip Puterbaugh Aviara Golf Academy opened in 1991 at the Arnold Palmer designed Aviara Resort Course in Carlsbad, CA, just 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego. The experience, dedication and longevity of his talented staff of 5 full time Master Instructors is unparalled in the golf industry. Kip began teaching in 1972 and joined by Wayne Searle they opened the Academy in 1991. Master Instructors Ken Green joined in 1994, Bruce Nakamura in 1995, Bob Knee in 1997 and Grant Halverson in 1999. Working together through the years they have developed a curriculum that will give the golfer of any skill level the best chance to improve their game.

Golf Digest has honored our staff with their survey of the Top Teachers in California by placing 5 of our teachers in the top 26 of the state. We are one of only three schools worldwide graded by Golf Magazine at a Gold Medallion resort that has a Top 100 Teacher and a Top 25 Golf School.

Meet the Business Owner

Kip P.

Business Owner

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.

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.