★ 5

An Incredible Golf Experience with Doug Weaver at Palmetto Dunes

If you’re serious about improving your golf game—or even just getting started—look no further than Doug Weaver at the Golf Academy at Palmetto Dunes. Doug is not just an instructor; he’s a true golf professional with a passion for teaching and a gift for helping players of all skill levels unlock their potential.

From the moment you meet Doug, you feel his warmth, enthusiasm, and deep knowledge of the game. He has a remarkable ability to explain swing mechanics in a way that’s easy to understand for all skill levels. Whether you’re working on your swing, short game, or overall mental strategy, Doug tailors his instruction to suit your learning style and goals.

The facilities at Palmetto Dunes are top-notch, and combined with Doug’s expert guidance, you’ll walk away from each session not only with better technique but also with a deeper appreciation for the game.

I can’t recommend Doug Weaver highly enough. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a strong foundation or a seasoned golfer seeking that extra edge, he’s the coach you want in your corner. A true professional in Hilton Head!

Source: Google

★ 5

Doug Weaver was able to help me find my way again! I developed a much too shallow swing and was all about of whack. After one session we were able to determine the issue and a plan to fix it. My very next round I was able to hit my driver consistently with the power I was missing.

Thanks Doug!

Source: Google

★ 5

I can’t recommend Doug highly enough! I'm a new golfer who just spent three days learning from Doug and I cannot believe how big of a difference it made. Golf has always been intimidating to me but Doug was patient, flexible, and made me feel confident. Leaving those few days with the feeling of having my feet under me feels amazing. I go to Hilton Head each year with my family and I will most definitely be back next year (or sooner!). Thank you Doug!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

To be able to teach is a gift and Doug Weaver received that gift in spades. He was tremendous with our nine-year-old son who just started to golf.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent pros, instilled a love of golf in my son . Highly recommend !

Source: Google

★ 5

Doug Weaver was the best golf instructor I have ever had! Learned so much in the 2 days and 6 hours of the academy including putting, chipping, pitching, and full swing. Highly recommend!

Source: Google

★ 5

Outstanding Experience! My son and I did a two day golf school with Doug Weaver and it was an A+ experience!

We had 2 days with 3 hours a day with Doug and he went through every aspect of the game. This included an hour a day on the course with us where he reiterated individual points he covered during the lessons.

Ive been to a number of pros over my 30 years of golfing and Doug has a unique philosophy and approach to teaching. He doesn’t try to change your swing completely but stresses a few fundamentals in a very understandable and relatable way. He has great stories and does a fantastic job of recording your swings and adds in commentary so you can review at a later point.

5 star two days and I strongly recommend it for any level golfer.

Source: Google

★ 5

During a recent family vacation to Hilton Head, my son and I had the pleasure of taking golf lessons with Doug Weaver at Palmetto Dunes, and the experience was exceptional. Doug took time to understand our backgrounds—my son transitioning from baseball to golf, and me returning after 25+ years away—and customized his instruction to fit us both perfectly. Over four days of two-hour sessions, Doug patiently and methodically worked with us, tailoring his instruction to our unique needs. His ability to identify and address our individual challenges, while keeping things fun and engaging, made every session not only productive but genuinely enjoyable.

Doug is more than a golf pro—he’s a coach, motivator, and even a bit of a psychologist. His warm demeanor, deep knowledge of the game, and passion for teaching made a real impact on both of us. He reignited my enthusiasm for the sport and gave my son a solid foundation and confidence as a new golfer. We truly looked forward to each lesson, and we left Hilton Head already planning to come back in 2026 to continue working with him. Doug is a rare find, and I can’t recommend him highly enough.

Source: Google

★ 5

Doug is an incredible coach, especially for beginners. He brings a rare mix of deep knowledge, patience, and passion that makes learning golf not only effective but genuinely fun. He invests time in every aspect of the game—including the mental side—and explains things in a way that just clicks. His teaching style is full of helpful cues, personalized videos, and clear, memorable explanations.

He even gave me a book filled with swing notes, tips, and articles from our lessons so I can keep studying and practicing on my own. I enjoyed my lessons so much that I’ve already booked my next trip back in the near future. Can’t wait to keep learning from him and would recommend him to anyone serious about improving their golf game!

Source: Google

★ 5

Recently completed the 3 day golf academy with Doug Weaver - it was the best golf instruction and best golf instructor I’ve had in the 40 years that I’ve been playing! The instruction is 4 hours on the range and/or course each morning and then playing 18 holes on one of the three golf course each afternoon. It was semi-private, 2-3 students, but felt like one on one because of the amount of time he spent with each of us. He focuses on fundamentals (“fundamentals make golf more fun”) and his approach is more practical application, understanding how the golf club and body works (should work), than technical. Feel more than mechanical. The on course instruction was invaluable in teaching course management and allowing us to put the instruction in practice on actual golf holes. And, just as important, helps us with the mental aspect of the game. In short, it was all encompassing but not overwhelming. The materials he provided each of us was a great summary of all our instruction and will be a great resource to refer to as I continue to work on integrating what I’ve learned.

Source: Google

★ 5

It was great. See you again today. Thank you so much for all the good help . Thank you for getting me back on the easy track and one where I can enjoy the game again after trying time in my life. Great listener great coach great person wishing you all the best. Thanks again, Carl.

Source: Google

★ 5

Excellent experience, friendly staff, demanding golf course, & wonderful amenities.

Source: Google

★ 5

Doug Weaver is world class. I came in having no idea how to swing a club. After hitting a few balls, he approached me and said, “Boy do I have you figured out already!” And he did. He gets to know you in order to use perfect analogies so that you can understand what he’s saying and what he wants you to do. He doesn’t just coach you, he gets to know you as a person. Not all coaches are like Doug. I got lucky. Doug Weaver and the rest of the staff at Arthur Hills are second to none.

Source: Google

★ 5

Doug Weaver - You are a miracle worker! There's actually hope for me! I may even begin to love golf!
Seriously, I had the best round ever yesterday. I hit almost all of my drives in the fairway.
Actually hit approach shots from 150 - 160 yards out onto the green.
No lost balls.

So, I wanted to say thank you. I did not think it would be possible to see such improvement in only 2 lessons.

Source: Google

★ 5

Doug Weaver is the best! I started out on Monday with their free clinic they do each week. I was so impressed I subsequently booked lessons the following two days. Doug’s approach to golf is simple and straightforward yet incredibly effective. It’s the best golf lesson I have ever experienced. Doug also takes a lot of video during the lesson with my phone so I have all his teaching to bring home with me. I will be back. Count on it! Thanks Doug!

Source: Google

★ 5

I started out with Palmetto Dunes’ Monday golf clinic which is free I might add (go to it). Doug Weaver is the Pro Instructor for the clinic and the head of the golf school.. I was so impressed with how Doug approached the game in such a simple and straightforward manner I subsequently took lessons from him for the next two days. The lessons exceeded my expectations in every way. I now have a simple game plan on how to approach my swing with confidence. I will certainly be back the next time visiting HHI and working with Doug.
Tom G.

Source: Google

★ 5

Our 14 year old son just had a few private lessons with Doug Weaver. He is very passionate about golf and teaching. Our son was so excited and engaged he came home and went to the driving range to practice and hit more balls.

Source: Google

★ 5

Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy is the place to fix or hone your game. A little program that I found to be very helpful was to attend the free Monday evening clinics, take the three $50 clinic lessons...full swing, chipping, putting. Then "play a round with one of the pros."

I played a round with Michael Decker. He watched, explained, demonstrated, encouraged, all in a calm teaching manner. I could feel improvement in my shots as we went along. He uncovered the little things that I had been doing wrong.

The Palmetto Dunes Academy is a major resource to take advantage of. At all clinics every instructor was true professional in every sense of the word.

Source: Google

★ 5

What they teach WILL DEFINITLY TAKE STROKES OFF YOUR GAME!

Source: Google

★ 5

It was five start reviews that lead to to take a lesson at Palmetto Dunes so now it is my turn to leave another 5 stars! Yesterday my better half and I took a group swing lesson lead by Ed Brill. We each left with new tips to help us improve our game. Ed did a wonderful job of making everyone feel comfortable. He provided great overviews, anwered all questions and made time for individual feedback to each of the five students. If you are considering taking a lesson you should. You will not be disappointed.
My only suggestion is to consider arriving a few minutes before your lesson. You'll check in at the counter of a retail store that may prove distracting ;) Plus, Ed had balls and tees set up for us so we could warm up for a few minutes. We also had a little time after the lesson to practice.
I won't hesitate to sign up for another lesson. This experience examplifies why Hilton Head is such a special place.

Source: Google

★ 5

Mary and had two lesson with Doug Weaver. Great experience. Well worth the money. See you next time.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve learned so much from taking lessons with Doug Weaver at Palmetto Dunes. Even when I hit a poor golf shot on the course, I remember to go back to the basics that Doug taught me, including how to regroup for the next situation. I find it’s most helpful to focus on relaxing — whether a hitting my driver, woods, irons, or putting.

During a couple of my lessons with Doug I’ve made shots that I never thought would be possible, and that always feels special and brings a smile to my face. As well as the added benefit of increasing my club head speed from tee to green. As far as my putting I no longer feel like I’m guessing. I am much more confident over my putts and have had my playing partners say the same.

Thanks again, Doug, and I’m looking forward to our future lessons.

Best,
Robert

Source: Google

★ 5

Doug Weaver is a Fantastic Golf Instructor! Prior to working with Doug, my approach to swinging a golf club was wrong. I thought the golf swing was all about using my hands and arms. Doug taught me that the hands and arms essentially do nothing. Instead, I learned that a true golf swing was all about relaxing my hands and arms and turning my core. In doing so, my relaxed hands and arms fall naturally into proper position through gravity and centrifugal force. My hands and arms are simply along for the ride. This has been a game changer. I now let the club do the job it was designed to do, instead of me working hard with my hands and arms trying to manipulate the club. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND DOUG. He is a TRUE PROFESSIONAL.

Source: Google

★ 5

Doug weaver fixed my slice golf swing in the matter of 30 minutes. He will record your lesson so you’re able to go back and review it and practice on your own later on.

Source: Google

★ 5

Our family first had the pleasure of meeting Doug in March 2020 during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when we visited Hilton Head and scheduled a lesson for our 10-year-old son.

At the time, we had modest expectations, but over the past four years, our son Kaleb, now 14, has developed a meaningful relationship with Doug that has evolved from a one-time instructor connection to that of a mentor and trusted friend.

Kaleb has spent a significant amount of time at Palmetto Dunes, and under Doug's guidance, he has made remarkable improvements in both his golf skills and personal growth.

Although our family resides in Tennessee, we are fortunate to visit Hilton Head 3-4 times per year, and during each visit, Doug has continued to foster Kaleb's development, understanding his progression both physically and mentally.

Doug has consistently challenged Kaleb in a way that is both appropriate and inspiring, tailoring his approach to Kaleb’s evolving needs.

One of Doug's standout qualities is his ability to explain the game of golf in a clear, relatable manner that resonates with each individual. His expertise goes beyond simply being a golf instructor—Doug’s influence and professionalism extend into the realm of mentorship.

He has an exceptional ability to identify key areas for improvement and provide practical, actionable tips that lead to significant enhancements in a golfer’s performance.
Moreover,

Doug remains at the forefront of the latest golf training techniques, always integrating up-to-date drills and methods into his instruction. His deep understanding of the game, coupled with his genuine care for his students, has made him an invaluable part of our son’s life.

We are truly grateful for Doug’s guidance and dedication, and we cannot speak highly enough of his professionalism and impact.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been taking Golf lessons with Doug Weaver for sometime . I have learned to relax and enjoy my golf game with his instructions and simple approach to the game. He is a pleasure to be around and has a pleasant no non-sense approach to his lessons . He uses great analogies and examples to help me remember and develop the right feels for my game. Thank you Doug for all your help. Also many thanks to the Palmetto Golf staff for all that they do. Look forward to many years of more great golf with you .

Ronnie L Cochran

Source: Google

★ 5

I had a great lesson with Doug Weaver. He was able to fix my slicing problem and increase my distance with my driver

Source: Google

★ 5

Mike Decker is great! My son really enjoyed working with him.

Source: Google

★ 5

Had a semi private golf lesson with Doug Weaver! It was me, my sister, and my husband. I never hit a ball so well! We all learned so much about putting and chipping and driving in an hour ! Doug is an excellent teacher and made it so fun. Definitely going back for another lesson or two! Thank you Doug! You really are terrific and we appreciated all your help and analysis and funny commentaries!

Source: Google

★ 5

I wanted to thank Doug Weaver at Palmetto Dunes Golf Academy for his golf help/instruction.

I’ve spent years with different teachers, and in recent years the technical Trackman teachers. While it showed the area I needed to work on, I just couldn’t get a feel for how to correct — Doug’s patience, explanation, and connecting it to other natural movements (baseball/football movements) helped tremendously. Even more he helped with the mental aspect of the game I’ve been struggling with. And to top it all off he’s a tremendous person.

I come to HH a few times yearly and plan to schedule times with Doug on each visit. I highly recommend working with Doug if you’re a beginner or experienced low handicapper!

Source: Google

★ 5

We had a fantastic 3 day golf lesson with Doug. He worked with us on every aspect of the game and has a great teaching technique. His stories and golf props really helped visualize better technique. Doug also went the distance to accommodate our schedule and get us on the course. Favorite Doug quote, "What is the most important distance in golf, between your ears". Thanks coach!

Source: Google

★ 5

A little background: My wife and I are fairly new to golf. We’ve both taken beginner group lessons in Northern Virginia and recently began a set of personal lessons with a local pro. We have played a round of 9 holes of golf a number of times (~10) and really enjoy the game. We decided to take some more lessons while on a vacation to Hilton Head this past Fall. Our goal was to one day play well enough to actually have a handicap. We were already committed to tennis clinics in the AM, so we had a limited amount of time to dedicate to golf. Doug Weaver was super accommodating and provided two days of 3 hr golf clinics in the PM. Doug is a terrific golf instructor! He went over all the basic strokes the first day and continually filmed us (on our phones) as he was providing hands on instruction. The second day, Doug built upon the first days instruction and provided more advanced lessons and drills. We took our new found golf knowledge and played a couple rounds of golf at Palmetto Dunes’ George Fazio course. I ended up playing some of the best golf I’ve ever played….which for me, means I started to hit some decent shots (actually looked like a golfer). Most importantly, I now knew how to correct a golf shot when it didn’t go as expected. In addition to the many phone videos, Doug provided a summary booklet (bible) of his golf instruction to take with us. Many many thanks to Doug for providing us with outstanding golf instruction. He is a true professional and we look forward to future golf lessons with Doug next year.

Source: Google

★ 5

I greatly benefited from my lesson with Doug. With a simple swing change that Doug suggested, I have added 7-10 yards with my driver and fairway woods. My putting has also improved, and is more consistent.

Source: Google

★ 5

Doug Weaver gave me the first professional golf lesson of my golfing life and it was amazing. I'm 72 years old and have been playing golf since I was 15 years old. Doug patiently taught me more in two hours than I could ever imagine. At the end, he provided me with a tutorial manual that has been a very valuable tool going forward. The two most important things I learned though were letting the rotation of your shoulders bring your arms and club back in one motion, and letting your lower body (hips and legs) start the downswing sequence.

Interesting tidbit - I was listening today to the New Breed of Golf show with Michael Breed on Sirrius radio,as I do every day, and Michael was interviewing Doug. Turns out they've been good friends and playing partners for years. Small world.

Source: Google

★ 5

Doug Weaver is the consummate professional. Arrives at every lesson with enthusiasm, great instruction and displays a true love of the game. Doug takes what many see as a complicated game and makes it easy to understand, easy to practice and fun! ⛳️
Doug could be the best golf instructor around!
Cheers and remember to enjoy the game.

Source: Google

★ 5

Doug was a very good couch. Highly recommend if looking to better your golf game. Very professional and will be coming back

Source: Google

★ 5

My son and I came and did 3 days of private lessons with Sean Ritter. Sean was great to work with and related well to my 17 year old son. We were completely new to golf and by the third day we played the back 9 on the course! Sean gave us the skills and confidence we needed to now be able to play golf and I'm happy that my sons and I have a sport we can now play together for many years. Highly recommend this group they run a first class program.

Source: Google

★ 5

Good morning my name is Joe DiStefano and I am a new property owner to Palmetto Dunes and I had the fortune of meeting with Doug Weaver at Robert Trent Jones golf course. My golf game was in need of a resurrection and Doug was just the man for the job! We worked on fundamentals and how to be a more consistent golfer. I found Doug to be an incredible instructor and a very genuinely Great person! It’s really simple, if I just do what Doug tells me or instructed me to do, I am a much better golfer ! I’m back home at my Golf club, International in Bolton, Massachusetts, and my fellow members are very impressed with my new game thanks to Doug!

Source: Google

★ 5

I spent five hours over the course of a vacation week in private instruction with Doug Weaver. Doug was gracious with his time, charitable with his knowledge - even taking the initiative to document a good portion of it with video for me, patient with me but deliberate with his instruction, and most of all, effective. I no doubt have a better grasp of what it takes to achieve a higher level of skill in the game of golf after drilling with Doug, and next year, hopefully once I've built on what he's shown me, I will be reaching out to him again.

Source: Google

★ 5

Doug Weaver took the time to get to know my background and knew how to relate concepts to athletic approaches I was familiar with from other games. The videos he took on my phone while giving me instruction I can go back to as I work to implement those ideas. I feel like this hour was of great value.

Source: Google

★ 5

During my last trip to Palmetto Dunes in March, I was struggling with my golf game. I had an excellent lesson with Michael Decker, who gave me some drills and swing thoughts that really helped my swing and my attitude. I am looking forward to taking more lessons with Michael next time I’m there. He’s great!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

i’ve been working with Michael Decker for well over a year and have found him to be an excellent teacher of golf, as well as his excellent in character. Of course, my golf game has improved immensely but more important, I really enjoy working with michael as well.

Source: Google

★ 5

I’ve been working with Michael Decker for 2 years as my golf pro. He is the most excellent instructor. So very patient and so technically sound in his instruction. As a new golfer, I love my game and I love the challenges he puts before me to grow my skills.

Source: Google

★ 5

I would like to thank Mike Decker for working with me thru the winter of 2023 and 2024, He helped me very much with my short game thru the long game . He keeps it simple without giving you to many things to think about when your over the ball. It has paid off very much with being able to lower my handicap. Looking forward to meeting with him again in winter of 2025. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to improve their game.

Source: Google

★ 5

I coordinated a family lesson with Doug Weaver. My wife is a beginner, however a very good athlete, and I have been playing for 30 years. Doug teamed us up with Michael Decker (PGA Professional). We took part in a 10 hr. session over several days. My wife as apprehensive at first as she did not want to get overloaded with information. After our second day, she wall all in. Michael is outstanding Golf Teacher. He starts with Putting, then progresses from there. He focused on chipping and pitching as that builds the foundation of the swing. This is the area that helped me most. I was struggling with tee shots and long irons. Most of my issues showed up in the short game. This included, slight head movement, grip tension at impact and misalignment. He had me doing drills (towel drill, one handed swing, etc.). I spent a lot of time practicing in between sessions barely holding the club with amazing results. Please note, the RTJ facility has a nice practice green for chipping and putting. The driving range also features Top Tracer technology, so you get immediate feedback on your shots. At the end of our session, we couldn't have been happier. Michael is a true professional and we can't wait to come back for a follow up session. This young man has it going. You get his undivided attention throughout your session. We also noted, He NEVER took his phone out to text others during our session. This may not be a big deal for some, but it is for us. Unusual in today's environment and would have been an immediate turnoff for us. We highly recommend working with Michael as he handled the disparity in our levels better than most. Thanks Michael, you are the best!

Source: Google

★ 5

Michael Decker is a great teacher! After you tell him your “feels” he watches you swing and explains the “reals”. You will leave with a process and path forward.

Source: Google

★ 5

I had three lessons with Michael Decker this past February and March. I found him to be very good in helping me refine my golf swing to help offset lower back issues I had been experiencing for the last two to three years. I was able to swing all my clubs without experiencing any back pain and I found I was hitting my club’s further as well. I also had a lesson with Michael covering chipping and sand shots which found very helpful. Michael was very pleasant, knowledgeable and focused on my specific needs.

Source: Google

★ 5

Michael Decker is brilliant, understandable and very user-friendly

Third year in a row he has helped me and my daughter

Could not endorse him more

Source: Google

★ 5

Took my second lesson with Ed Brill and solved my swing and chipping problems that have stopped me from achieving a 4 index game. I highly recommend Ed given his knowledge and experience plus style of teaching. His use of video feedback helps to see what changes are required. Ed also keeps corrections simple so not to fill your head with too much to think about. Thanks Ed and can’t wait to put things into action.

Source: Google

★ 5

Had a one time lesson with Ed Brill. Lots of information in an hour. From reading greens to chipping and full swing. He knows the golf swing and rapid fires information. I didn't expect a miracle cure for my 18 handicap swing in an hour, but he gave me some swing concepts I can work on.

Source: Google

★ 5

Ed is a great teacher. Really helped with my swing and setup.

Source: Google

★ 5

Doug Weaver is an outstanding instructor. Have taken multiple lessons from him in the past two years and his approach to teaching is simple, easy to understand and apply. With all due respect to the professionals I've taken instruction from over the past several decades, Doug is by far the best I've experienced. Additionally, he makes the experience fun and enjoyable. He is a real asset to the Palmetto Dunes golf organization and highly recommend him.

Sheldon H

Source: Google

★ 5

My wife and I truly appreciate the “golf guidance” that Doug (Weaver) shows us. There is such a difference in what your expectations are with a golf coach. Doug is first of all a truly great human being plus he has a way of totally taking your insecurities about your swing away with out making an issue about it and with humor and sincere thought reinforces every good thing there is about you!

Source: Google

★ 5

Doug Weaver is the best golf instructor I have taken lessons from. I have taken lessons from many golf instructors.

He seems to care about the results you have as a golfer. The videos he shared with me, his comments about what to look for in a golf club to join and play regularly., and his comments about how to enjoy golf have been invaluable.

Source: Google

★ 5

My husband and I spent a full 4 hours with Doug. We are both active but in our 70’s. I take lessons all the time and some teachers are better than others. Doug is the exception to that rule. I told my husband I feel like all the lessons I’ve had were just band aids. They help the current problem. But how long does that last. Doug gave us the fundamentals of golf. He didn’t try to recreate our swings. Just gave us the perfect foundation for what ever kind of swing you have. Taught us where our power comes from without swinging hard. I wish he was in my backyard! We will definitely be back he is a master teacher!!! Thanks Doug for all that you shared with us. We feel like we have things to work with but nothing overwhelming. I’ll recommend you to all my golf friends!

Source: Google

★ 5

We had a great session with
Michael this week. Michael was very patient with both of us as first timers. My 8 yr old learnt so much about golfing. He now has a golf fever. We have to find more lessons for him when we get back home.

Source: Google

★ 5

Mr Weaver is an excellent teacher and he knows exactly how to work with you. He knows what he is talking about and is a tremendous teacher.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been golfing for 40 years. I had never had an official lesson...taught by my grandparents. My brother and I took a 3-day golf school program with Doug Weaver at Palmetto Dunes. I was an 11.5 handicap, and my goal was to get under 10. I never know just how ridiculous my golf swing was. After three days with Doug, my new goal is to get under a 5. I'm one month out, and my game is so much more consistent, and now I know what I did wrong when I mess up.
Our golf school was 4 hours a day for 3 days with a full round of 18 in the afternoon after school was out. The first day was 4 hours off the course. For the second and third day, we did 2 hours off the course and 2 hours on the course. It was the perfect structure. What we learned has greatly improved my putting, chipping, short irons, long irons and driving. Every part of my game is better than it was. It'll take some more work to get consistent, but I am so much more in tune with this game that I was.
Doug was sensational. We did pre-school questionnaires and long conversations about our game, and we got right into it. My brother and I are at different levels, and he did a terrific job of tailoring the advice for each one of us. My brother and I will be back to take us to yet another level. I still can't believe the difference three days could make.

Source: Google

★ 5

I had not been able to play golf for 18-20 months following orthopedic injury and surgery. I was able to schedule a couple of lessons with Doug Weaver while visiting a couple of weeks ago. What a fantastic experience! He quickly spotted my issues and was able to give me a few concise corrections and drills that made a huge difference immediately. So glad I was able to get on his schedule and will look at another lesson next spring!

Source: Google