Jihee Lee Returns
Jihee Lee returned for her third trip to work with Kip. She had really struggled with her game and after starting to work with Kip has won twice in her last two years on the Japanese LPGA Tour.
Learn More About Us
Behind the Scenes at Kip Puterbaugh’s Aviara Golf Academy
Kip Puterbaugh heads the Aviara Golf Academy, which has been in operation since 1991.
Our Academy
Kip Puterbaugh heads the Aviara Golf Academy, which has been in operation since 1991. He and his staff of master instructors Wayne Searle, Ken Green, Bruce Nakamura, Bob Knee, Grant Halverson, Jason Puterbaugh and Jamie Puterbaugh have combined to form a curriculum that gives students of all playing abilities a great opportunity to learn about the golf swing. Kip and his instructors share the same passion for teaching and they take pride in being able to teach players of all skill levels. Golf Magazine has chosen us as one of the Top Golf Schools in the country. We offer the latest in technology and our instructors are committed to keeping their skills at the highest level possible. We offer excellent instruction in beautiful surroundings.
The golf swing can be a confusing subject, so our goal is to get you to understand your swing and what makes it work. At the Aviara Golf Academy, we do not teach gimmicks or secrets, just the proven fundamentals of the champions of the game, past and present. So come find out why tour pros such as Larry Mize, Scott Simpson, Dennis Paulson, Dave Stockton Jr., Loren Roberts, Ian Leggatt, Chris Riley, Jenna Daniels, Nick Jones and more have chosen the Aviara Golf Academy as their home for golf instruction.
All of our instructors are ranked among the Top 40 Teachers in California.
Our Facility
The Aviara Golf Academy is located in Carlsbad, California. It is a dedicated private teaching facility designed specifically for golf instruction. We’ve incorporated cutting-edge swing analysis technology, including Swing Catalyst, Foresight, Gears, and FlightScope. Our teaching stalls are covered, complete with high-speed cameras and audio input, enabling students to receive personalized video instruction via email. Additionally, we provide both grass and mat tees at our range, as well as designated chipping and putting areas exclusively for our students. You’ll also find a private putting studio adjacent to the outdoor putting green, equipped with a WellPutt putting platform, JC Video, and Quintic for putting analysis.
Our team is passionately committed to staying at the forefront of golf technology and instruction. Come experience the Aviara Golf Academy, “where higher education means lower scores.”
What We Offer
The Aviara Golf Academy operates year round and specializes in 3 to 1 student teacher ratio in the One, Two and Three day golf schools, Short Game schools, Playing schools and Private lessons. We can also customize outings for corporate events and groups of two or more. Please see our curriculum page for details of each program.
If you’re looking for a place to stay while attending the Aviara Golf Academy, we can offer you corporate rates here on the resort. Gift certificate packages are also available for all schools and lessons. Call the office at 760.438.4539 and we will be happy to personalize a gift certificate package for you.
About The Course
CARLSBAD, Calif. — Named by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as one of the best resort golf courses in America, and the #1 golf resort in Southern California according to the readers of Condé Nast Traveler, the Aviara Golf Club overlooks the beautiful Batiquitos Lagoon ecological reserve. The only San Diego golf course designed by Arnold Palmer, Aviara features a memorable coastal layout: par 72, 18 holes over 7,007 yards uniquely sculpted around rolling hillsides, native wildflowers, and plenty of bunker and water challenges.
The course is complemented by premier golf facilities that include a practice driving range, putting and pitching greens, an industry-leading GPS system on all golf carts, and an upscale golf shop. The elegant two-story, 32,000 square-foot Spanish colonial clubhouse features locker facilities, a full-service bar, a cozy lounge with fireplace, and the adjoining Argyle Steakhouse with indoor and outdoor balcony seating.
Visit www.golfaviara.com for more information.
AGA Alumni and Tour Player Updates
We’re Where the Pros Go…
- J.J. Spaun
- Cameron Champ, PGA
- Jihee Lee, JLPGA
- I.K. Kim, LPGA
- Tod Baek, Web.com
- Alana Uriell, LPGA
- Michael Kim, PGA
- So Yeon Ryu, LPGA
- Larry Mize, PGA
- Scott Simpson, PGA
- Dennis Paulson, PGA
- Loren Roberts, PGA
- Chris Riley, PGA
- Corey Pavin, PGA
- Ryan O’Toole, LPGA
- K.H. Lee, Asian Tour
- Bill Murray, Actor
- Marcus Allen, NFL
- Kevin James, Actor
- Marshall Faulk, NFL
- Dennis Quaid, Actor
- Will Ferrell, Actor
PGA/LPGA and Tour Player Updates
J.J. Spaun Update
J.J. Spaun after finishing 3rd on the Web.com tour starts his season with two top tens in back to back events at the Farmer’s Insurance Open and Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Rei Tsuji Spends a Few Days With Kip
Japanese LPGA Tour player, Rei Tsuji, stopped by for a few days to work on her game with Kip!
Alana Uriell wins UTSA Maryb S. Kathy Invitational
Jason Puterbaugh’s student Alana Uriell wins UTSA Maryb S. Kathy Invitational with rounds of 65-68-71! Uriell’s last 10 of 12 rounds have been under par. Uriell’s tournament total of 204 ties the tournament record!
Alana also won the LPGA Monday Qualifier during the summer, shooting a 7 under 64 and blistering the field by 5 stokes. She carded 6 birdies and an eagle on the final hole, qualifing her for the NW Arkansas Championship!
JJ Spaun Earns PGA Tour Card
Congratulations to JJ Spaun for a solid 2016 on the Web.com tour finishing overall 3rd on the Money list! Spaun, an SDSU Alumni and student of Grant Halverson, has shown his merit as a player steadily working up the tour circuit. In 2015, he was the money winner on the Mackenzie/Canadian Tour. His 2016 year was highlighted with a win at the News Sentinel Open in Knoxville where he drained a 12 footer on the 72nd hole to win by one. Congratulations JJ and we are rooting for you to have a great rookie year!
Alex Yang wins Canadian Junior Tour World Championship at Innisbrook
Alex Yang added another CJGA title to his resume after beating Nathan Han of Somers, NY in a playoff . Yang who won the CJGA PING Canadian Match Play Championship earlier this year shot a final round score of 72 (+1) around the tough Innisbrook to force the playoff. The road to the title was a long one for Yang who needed to climb over nine players after his round first round. Our biggest congrats to Alex for his stellar play!
Alana Uriell starts season with 5th place finish and Team Win!
Alana Uriell shot rounds of 73-70-71=214 to finish 5th in her first tournament back this fall. Alana finished last season with a runner up finish in the NCAA Regional last Spring and helped her team earn a spot in the NCAA Championship. She has been a student of Jason Puterbaugh since 2009, and had a stellar high school career leading to a spot on University of Arkansas’ Women’s Golf Team. Her highlight in the summer of 2014 was making it to the semifinals of the U.S. Women’s PubLinks. We wish her the best of luck this fall in her Sophomore year!
Jamie Puterbaugh Wins Southern California PGA Match Play
The 2015 SCPGA Match Play event took place at Sandpiper Golf Club in Santa Barbara. In the championship match, Jamie played a bogey free 3 under par round to defeat Don Littrell on the 17th hole. Congrats to Jamie and team AGA for the win!
Nakamura Qualifies for 2015 U.S. Senior Open
Bruce Nakamura fired a three under 69 at Fairbanks Ranch Country Club to qualify for the U.S. Senior Open. This year’s U.S. Senior Open will take place June 25-28 at Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento, California. Congratulations for qualifying for this great event for the second time and best of luck!!
Alex Yang Wins the 2015 US Kids European Championship
Gullane, Scotland- The 2015 US Kids European Championship was played this year from May 26-28 at the Gullane Golf Club. Orange County’s Alex Yang fired 70-74-75 in difficult conditions to edge out a one shot victory in the boys 12 year old division. Alex has worked with Kip on his full swing now for over 3 years, and we are extremely proud of his first experience in links golf! Way to go Alex!
Carlsbad High Wins San Diego CIF Championship
The Carlsbad Boy’s High School team captured the 2015 San Diego CIF Championship at Admiral Baker Golf Club. Their 2 round total of 9 over 729 edged out Torrey Pines High School by 4 shots. The final round included Kyle Egge shooting a 5 under par 67, leading his team to Carlsbad’s first CIF victory in 27 years. The boys team of Cullen Plousha, Ryan Sewell, Kyle Egge, Tommy Stevenson, Ian Scheble, and Alec Madison have been coached by AGA’s Jason and Jamie Puterbaugh since 2011. Our biggest congrats to our local team playing amazing golf!
Ji-Hee Lee Wins 2015 Yokohama Tire PRGR Ladies Cup
South Korea’s Ji-Hee Lee sunk a dramatic 24 foot putt in a sudden death playoff to capture this year’s Yokohama Tire PRGR Ladies Cup. Lee held the overnight lead going into Sunday, but needed to drain a long putt on the 72nd hole to force a playoff. This is Lee’s first win in 3 years on the JLPGA, and Kip and the AGA team couldn’t be happier for her success. Jihee spent the month of January training with Kip at the Aviara Golf Academy and made great progress. Welcome back to the winners circle, Ji-Hee and keep up the great play!
Way to go Ricky! DeSantis Awarded as Mountain West Freshman of the Year
San Diego State’s Ricky DeSantis was awarded as the 2014 Mountain West Freshman of the Year. A Carlsbad High School Alum and student of Grant Halverson since 2011, Ricky’s season was highlighted by seven top-20 finishes in 11 events and a scoring average of 72.91. His consistent play also landed him honors on the All Mountain West Team. We’re all proud of you Ricky, keep up the good work!
Alex Yang wins the 2014 US Kids World Junior Championship
Starting his final round two strokes back, Alex rallied with a back nine 33 to win by two at the U.S. Kids World Junior Championship in Pinehurst, NC. Alex has been working with Kip since 2013, and we’re so proud to see such a hard working kid continue his good play. Way to go Alex!
Aliea Clark
A 4 time AJGA Champion and student of Kip since 2008. Aliea played into the quarterfinals of the ’14 Women’s Western Am this summer. We’re wishing her the best of luck in her freshman year at UCLA!
Kenny Shibata
2011 Callaway Junior World Champion, and long time student of AGA’s Bruce Nakamura. This young kid carries great enthusiasm and continues to show strong finishes on the global stage, including the first round lead in the 2014 Callaway Junior World.
Todd Baek
SDSU/PGA Tour China- A long time student of Grant Halverson; After a successful amateur and collegiate career, Todd has taken his success to the next level and is currently 14th in the PGA tour China Order of Merit
Others Making the Cut
- JJ Spaun – SDSU/PGA Tour Canada
- Alex Ching – USD/PGA Tour Latino America
- Austin Graham – PGA Tour Latino America
- Peter Campbell – UCLA/PGA Tour Canada
- Brandon Mai – UCLA
- Brittany Mai – UCLA
Client Testimonials
“Having recently returned home from a most enjoyable stay at your resort, we felt we should pass on to you and your staff our deep appreciation in the manner in which you took care of our needs, the friendly attitude was very evident no matter what service we ran into. The food was superb.”
“You certainly made our stay most enjoyable and should we be in the San Diego area at any future date, will most assuredly book with you.”
“The golf lessons were most informative and interesting; the instructors were very understanding and encouraging. We can honestly say that our game will definitely benefit from the courses and videos.”
Gemma Wong and Winnie Purslow
I wanted to let you know that I learned so much from your instruction at Aviara. I was able to practice a lot during our stay for the month of March at Bermuda Dunes Country Club. I felt my swing had changed and my ball striking was different as a result of what I learned. I played well the first week, but then went backwards a bit to some of my old habits. With more practice of the new long swing, I was able to drive the ball really well. My pitches and chips are sooooo much better, too!
Thank you again for a great experience with you. We look forward to returning to Aviara.
Vickie Saucier
Bob, I just wanted to thank you for the golf instruction you provided in late August. Thanks to your instruction, I am now seeing lower scores and I have a great deal more confidence on the course from improved accuracy and distance with my driver, shot making around the green and everything in between.
Nye Miller
September 12, 2020
