TESTIMONIALS

Success Stories from Our Students

Junior Golf Champion

For the last two years we have watched Jim Woods instruct our eleven-year-old son, Tyler, with enthusiasm, professionalism, and a passion for teaching. He possesses a wonderful rapport with golfers of all ages and has an outstanding ability to connect with his students. I hold Jim Woods and his instructional skills in high regard, and I am certain his knowledge and teaching techniques have made my son a better golfer. Under Jim’s instruction, Tyler is currently in contention for Player of the Year (US Kids Golf Philadelphia tour) and recently played in the US Kids World Cup Championship in Pinehurst. Jim has provided superb golf instruction and been by his side every step of the way. Being a skilled instructor is great; however, being a great mentor is superb. My son is always eager to share the details of his tournament play with Jim. One day while discussing a round, Tyler mentioned his putting seemed a little off and he’d like to work on it during his next lesson. Not only did Jim Woods offer words of encouragement about his putting, but he also told Tyler his next lesson was complimentary and they’d work on it together. I believe that goes above and beyond teaching and simply shows genuine interest and support for your student. As a parent of a junior golfer, it is so refreshing to find an instructor and academy that not only welcomes but embraces young golfers. Because of Jim’s passion and love of the game he continually offers programs for golfers of all ages promoting a thriving learning environment.
Steve & Tyler

College Division 1 Winner

I started seeing Jim when I played high school golf and have continued to see him through college. I play at the division 1 level and even have a collegiate tournament win. Jim’s teachings have really helped me refine my game and succeed at the next level. I really enjoy Jim’s lessons on the mental aspect of the game. This has taken me from just having a good swing to really being able to play good golf. I also appreciate how technical Jim is and how he tailors his lessons for different people. I highly recommend receiving golf instruction from Jim Woods!

Trent

High Level Junior Golfer Breaking Records

I love working with Coach Woods, he’s committed to helping me achieve my goals, whether I am rebuilding my swing or just tuning things up before a competition. He’s also helped me mentally prepare for the rigors of tournament golf, drawing on his own competitive experience. The best part, he doesn’t want me to change my swing to match some ideal, he wants to help me use what I have to be the best player I can be. After working with Coach Woods, I’m shooting tournament scores in the 60’s, and breaking personal records. Coach Woods is easy for me to follow and work with, he explains what I need to do in easily understandable ways with examples, and he’s patient if I don’t immediately understand. Plus, he makes learning new skills fun. Whether you play golf for fun on the weekends or competitively like I do, Coach Woods will help you become the best player you can be.
Makena

Couples Golf Success

My husband and I would like to take this opportunity to share with you our experience with Jim Woods.  Over the course of this past summer, my husband and I took several lessons from Jim and found him to be extremely helpful.  Jim is not only knowledgeable and talented, his professional demeanor, patience, and ability to approach lessons from many different learning styles offered a truly unique and enjoyable experience. At the beginning of the summer, my husband and I returned to golf after a few summers away.  We had been beginner-intermediate golfers in the past but had discovered that we had lost any ground we had gained before our absence from the game.  Jim guided us through fundamentals, often approaching each of us differently, as we have different swings, styles, and perspectives.  Through careful articulation, patient support, and visual cues, Jim was able to move our game forward.  We are now able to play more consistently good golf and certainly enjoy the game much more!  Jim came to each lesson well prepared to assist.  He regularly stayed with us long after the paid hour expired.  We appreciated his sense of humor and his ability to put us at ease. We learned more from Jim in just five lessons than we had over the three years we had played prior.  We were pleasantly surprised after each lesson, to discover that a little “tip” provided by Jim would result in such a big difference on the course.  We can’t say enough about our experience with Jim Woods this past summer.  We’ve kept a file of all of that we’ve learned from Jim.  We will definitely work with him again.
Tami and Bob

Senior Golf Improvement

I have been working with Jim on and off since 2010.  I am 63 years old and started the game late in life. I was having many problems with just about everything. He found that I was a visual learner and we started a program with camera and computer analysis and worked on that during the winter.  We moved out on the grass in the spring and the improvement kept coming.  I started with a 25 handicap and now I am a 15 handicap and improving.  I am a Veterinarian, and I deal with many professional people.  Jim Woods, in my opinion, is a top professional in his field.  He is very personable, has an eye for analysis and can explain to you the solution to your swing problem so that you can understand.  He is a great golf teacher.
Charles, D.V.M.

Handicap is Getting Lower

I am writing as a testimonial to my experience with Jim Woods, with whom I had golf lessons the last few months.  I was a 15-handicap player and completely lost my swing in the early spring. Following good advice, I sought help from a PGA professional and had chosen Jim Woods to give me the help I need. It was one of the good decisions I had made, as my lessons with him had given an understanding of the elements of the golf swing. His sharp eyes saw the parts in my swing that I had no knowledge of, and he explained it to me in a way that would help me understand my swing and myself better. Truly, he is a true teacher. I had improved in my game and was able to bring my handicap to 13.8. But more importantly, he restored in me the joy of playing this game. He had instilled in me the meaning of “for the love of the game”
Justil

From Struggling to Club Champion

Earlier in the summer I was struggling with my golf game.  Golf; the game I once enjoyed and looked forward to playing, had become very trying and I enjoyed playing less with every challenging round.  One of my friends told me about Jim Woods, and said Jim was probably someone who could not only improve my (at the time) current slump but provide me with lasting guidance that would change not only my golf swing, but the way I approached playing the game.  So, I went to meet Jim and began taking golf lessons under his guidance.  All I can say is that from the very first minutes of my lessons with Jim, throughout the entire experience, I knew Jim was truly interested in making me a better player.  He not only helped me implement much better swing mechanics, but he took the time to explain alignment, set-up, ball position, and swing path in a way that was easy to understand, and for the average golfer like me, easy to put into operation while both playing and practicing.  Oh, and something else very important to note, Jim teaches his students “how to practice”, from set-up, right through completing the golf swing.  That’s very important because once you can execute productive practice sessions on your own, it fosters a much more relaxed frame of mind when you go out and play. I’ve been searching for a golf teacher that I can have a long-term relationship with; and I have found that in Jim.  His teaching sessions have improved my game; and for me, brought excitement and enjoyment back into the game. One lesson was particularly valuable; Jim gave me some excellent guidance on how to play in competition.  As we talked, he drew from his experience as a touring professional and took me through the steps required to prepare for competition, how to “slow down”, and how to stay “in the moment” during play.  I guess the best testament to the value of Jim’s competition play guidance, and his dedication to making his students better players; is that this Saturday, I’m playing in the final round of the club championship in my flight at my country club; you can’t get much better than that!!
Tony

Highschool Success Back to Basics

I took lessons with Jim to get ready for the upcoming high school golf season. I had been referred to him by one of the other players on my team who knew I was looking for a coach to get ready for my senior season. I went to Jim as a very inconsistent golfer looking for what all golfers want: consistency. After my lessons with Jim, I could say that I am now happy with the consistency in my golf game. My high school coach even took notice of my improvements telling me at the end of the season that last year he was a little nervous when I went out on the course, but this year he knew what he was getting out of me.  The way that Jim really helped me was taking me back to the basics. For the first couple of weeks, I was with him, all we did was work on my grip, stance, and address position. Before I went to Jim, I was always fiddling with my grip and set-up mid round because I was never truly confident I had it right. But after I went to Jim and he showed me the correct grip and set-up position and gave me some quick tips on how to get into the correct set-up position, I no longer even think about those things when I’m on the course because I’m confident I am in the correct position. I really liked how Jim utilized all the new technology to show me my swing and some pro’s swings in order to visualize what I am doing and what I should be doing. But the one thing about Jim that can’t be said about everyone is how approachable he was and how easy it was to ask him questions. I think it helped me learn better because I felt comfortable asking questions and learning from him. I would recommend Jim Woods to any golfer of any skill level looking to improve their game and their knowledge of the game.
Anthony

Couples Improve With Technology

I am currently an assistant professor of finance at the Fairfield University in Connecticut. Before I moved to Connecticut, I used to teach at the Monmouth University in NJ. My formal colleague, Daniel He who took advanced golf lessons from Jim Woods, highly recommended me to improve my game and learn a better golf from Jim. This summer, my wife and I took 12 golf lessons from Jim Woods, and we have improved our golf skills significantly ever since. We all had a wonderful time with Jim Woods this summer. Jim Woods is very patient and nice to us. He is very professional in terms of dress, manners, and language. He was always there before we arrived and taught us how to relax and warm up before hitting the balls. He organized the golf classes so well that we didn’t learn too many things in one time. Since we took one class per week, we feel that we always have enough time to practice and focus on one drill at a time. Jim taught us golfing step by step from short games to long games and finally reviewed all previous key points at the very end. He also tailored the lessons based on our different demands and backgrounds. For instance, my wife is a beginner while I am a little bit more advanced. Jim didn’t teach us the same materials even though we are learning the same concept. Following Jim’s other than good teaching skills, Jim also takes advantage of modern technologies. For instance, Jim used high speed camera to shot videos of my swings. In addition, he used the Swing Viewer software to compare my swing to other professional players’ swings. He taught me how to use golf swing apps in my iphone. I think these technologies help me improve my game more efficiently. In summary, Jim Woods is an outstanding golf instructor who is making significant contributions to the golf community. I am confident that he has made, and will continue to make, significant contributions in teaching golf to a degree that places him among the best PGA instructor in the golf field in the U.S.
Ying, Ph.D.

Beginner Gaining Confidence

This email is to let you know that I have appreciated my golf lessons with you. As a beginner, I did not know anything about how to play the game and your instruction has allowed me to be able to hit the ball with reasonable consistency and confidence. In a few short lessons I have learned a lot. This is credit to your extensive golf knowledge, as well as the modern methods you use that combine field play, and video of my swing so that I can see it and compare it to professional golfers.  I look forward to continuing my golf education with you.
Phil

Jim Comes Highly Recommended

As a student of Jim Woods, I would highly recommend him to others that are willing to learn the game of golf or to take their game to the next challenging level. Jim taught me a lot about my swing, posture and golf etiquette. He even went to the next phase by videotaping me and then showing me how far my back swing was. This was instrumental in helping me see hands on how to improve.
Michele

Seeing a Difference with Jims Extensive Knowledge

My first lesson with you opened my eyes to areas of golf I didn’t even know existed. In the hour lesson we had you gave me more information by just talking about the game and the different thought process that goes in a round of golf that I was able to take to the course and see a difference right away. I’m looking forward to my next two lessons with you to take my game to the next level. I’ve taken a few lessons in the past and there’s no doubt I got more from your lesson than any other instructor.
James

The First Class I Learned More than I did in a Year!

I am writing to you to tell you just how happy I am to have Jim Woods as my golf instructor. As a beginner, I have been struggling on my own. I have taken various small seminar type classes to pick up golf techniques over the last year. All have done fine so I thought, until I met Jim last week. In the very first class he taught me more about the game and how to hold the club than what I learned over the last year. I cannot tell you how much that did for my swing and my confidence. He was patient and encouraging. Us beginners really need that, so we don’t become discouraged.
Caroline, CPA

Senior Golfer Can Still Improve

My experience with Jim was great, being a senior, I hesitated but after lesson’s I’ve enjoyed golf even more. even now i can walk into Jim’s office and still get advice, there is an open-door policy, I’m sure there are many that appreciate Jim’s help.
Vincent

Beginner Class Opened My Eyes Wide

Dear Jim. I recently attended your beginner course, and it really helped me to progress to a new level in my Game. I have been playing Golf for several years but never had taken lessons. The whole course is designed to be extremely educational as well as affordable. The price is what attracted me at first. After taking the classes, I was blown away the number of things I learned. I plan on taking a course every year with you. Your knowledge is priceless and patience much appreciated. I have recommended you to all my friends.
Dominick

Seeing a Difference with Jims Extensive Knowledge

I would like to take this opportunity to voice my experience as a student of Jim Woods. I am a relatively new golfer who had little or no experience. I have been with Jim for the past several weeks and have improved more than I expected in that time. Jim is an extremely informative instructor as well as very patient and precise. I would recommend him to any new or experienced golfer for instruction. I will be continuing lessons with Jim, and I know he will get me to the point that I want to achieve soon.
Mike

Jim Stands Out From Other Instructors

My husband and I have had the opportunity to participate in a variety of clinics with Jim Woods, including Beginners, Intermediates and an On Course Instructional League. His expertise, patience, and non-threatening professionalism have developed two absolute newcomers into avid golf enthusiasts! We have also taken lessons and courses from other PGA professionals at Stratton Golf, and Okemo Valley in Vermont, and at Belaire in N.J. The quality of instruction and successful results we have experienced with Jim Woods are unquestionable.
Patsy & Jack

Nervous Beginner Now Feels Comfortable

I recently retired and decided to take golf lessons. I signed up in July for the basic/beginners’ class run by Mr. Jim Woods.  I was nervous because I had never golfed in my life. The instructors were very knowledgeable and made the whole experience very enjoyable.  My husband has played for almost 50 years, and he took me out last week for my first 18 holes. Now, I have a lot to learn, but he was very impressed by what I had accomplished in just 5 short weeks. I would like to thank Jim and his teaching staff, for all their assistance. I would recommend anyone who is interested in learning the game of golf to contact him.
Valerie

Jim Is a Master Instructor in My Opinion

I had the fortune to be introduced to someone I consider a master golf teacher. Jim led me in a 5-week beginner and 5-week intermediate course.  What I thoroughly enjoyed about learning from Jim is the following:
  • His attitude – Jim is down to earth and brings a positive attitude to his teaching. I didn’t feel stupid asking any question and I felt 110% comfortable in where my ability was right no. He does not make his student feel any sense of embarrassment.
  • His patience – I am sure he has heard it all before! Jim always smiled, answered the question. And he would talk in a steady slow manner which must be so hard when he is so knowledgeable.
  • His love of the game – How did I see this? By showing his professionalism and teaching us the etiquette of this prestigious game!
  • His listening skills – E.g. He stopped, looked us in the eye, listened to our comments and then showed us and studied us and then set us off to practice, practice!
  • His communication – He did this ever verbally or by showing us what he was explaining. Sometimes it takes more than one way to communicate!

Jim told us at the beginning to focus on our good shots, forget the bad ones and to above all else ENJOY the game.  Thanks to Jim I am excited about golf and am pleased to be part of this wonderful and frustrating game! I whole heartedly recommend him as a golf teacher.

Liz

High School Girls Golf Team ​

I have been practicing for the past 20 years, trying to improve my game as well as teaching my three children.  My daughter Jessica is 16 years old and is involved with the High School Golf team.  I was interested in placing her with a professional who would be a good fit for her game, as well as her personality. I decided that Jim would be the one to take her to the next level in her game.   Jim is a true professional and has a great understanding of golf and the ability to teach with patience.  That is important while trying to capture the attention of a teenage girl, who sometimes would rather be out with her friends instead of practicing her chipping stroke! Before he starts a lesson with Jessica, he listens very well to any concerns that she or I may have regarding her practice since the last lesson.  He makes the lessons interesting by using the technology to encourage her. The facility offers a program that videotapes Jessica’s swing and immediately after she finishes, she can view it on a screen in front of her.  This is a valuable tool that allows her to see where she went wrong, and to try again. This visual learning is much better than just hearing what she did wrong. She then repeats the swing until it looks perfect, and she walks away feeling confident. She always looks forward to her lessons and has grown through her experience.
Craig & Jessica

Beginner Golfer Success

I just began playing golf a couple of months ago. Based on recommendations I found online; I decided to take lessons with Jim. I was impressed by the reviews I had read, and by what I read on the website. Last week I began the Adult Intermediate group program, which is being taught by Jim Woods. Although we’ve only had one session, I learned more in that hour and a half than I have in all the other lessons I’ve taken. As a beginner, I appreciate that Jim begins from the ground and works his way up. He began the group lesson by providing us with a clear outline of what we would be covering during the session. There is a strong emphasis on building a strong foundation, which I know is a sound basis for learning any new skill. I appreciate that the class size is kept small, as he was able to spend time with each of us, providing detailed and clear guidelines and instruction. When there was a question or issue that arose where the explanation would benefit the group, Jim explained to all of us, demonstrating both the incorrect and correct way to hit. It’s rather inspirational to see his skill in action (although I am smart enough to accept it’s highly unlikely, I’ll ever be that good!). Jim provided us with several drills to practice during the week, correctly pointing out the need to practice on our own in order to see improvement. Additionally, he gave us individual “assignments”, geared to our weaknesses. I am working on what he suggested and know that I will see improvement each week. There was various training aids used, which supported what Jim discussed with us. On the way home, we stopped at Home Depot and purchased dowels to use in our practice sessions at home, as well as “almost golf” balls and a mat to work with in the back yard. I’m really looking forward to the video session this weekend, allowing me to see exactly what I’m doing. I never realized I wasn’t standing square until Jim showed took the time to work with me and showed me an exercise to work on squaring up my shoulders. It’s amazing how much there is to learn!  I’m also impressed by the website – I like the articles posted for me to read, which reinforce what I learned in class. I hope that this continues to be expanded – as an IT person, I know the power of the Internet and feel that this can be a very effective way of disseminating knowledge. I very much look forward to the rest of this class and intend to continue with additional lessons when I complete this course. I consider myself very lucky to have found Jim Woods.
Anahid