Print this page  |  Close Window

By John Maginnes
PGATOUR.com Contributor

Teaching has always come naturally to Hugh Royer III. It runs in the family. Even while he was pursing glory as a player Hugh was teaching. The four-time Nationwide Tour winner always had the eye of an instructor. His three years on the PGA TOUR gave Hugh a perspective on golf's greatest players that few are lucky enough to see. His instructional style combines his experience as a player and his insights as a student of the competitive game.

Hugh Royer III lends a helping hand and a watchful eye to Sean Murphy.

It is not surprising that Hugh Royer III would pursue teaching after his playing career was ended. After all, his father, Hugh Royer Jr., turned a successful PGA TOUR career into a life serving golf's youth. Hugh Jr., winner of the Western Open in 1970, brought his knowledge from a life on the PGA TOUR to the youth of Columbus, Ga. As the head professional at Bull Creek, he sent more than a dozen young players to college on scholarship. During his tenure as the associate golf coach at Columbus State, the Cougars won an impressive five NCAA II Titles.

Hugh Jr.'s success and dedication to the game that he loved was honored 1989 with his election into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame.

Perhaps the most important thing that Hugh Jr. passed on to his son was a communication style that speaks to players of all ages. Hugh III uses a home-spun style and the gift of a natural story teller to relate to his players.

"The key to instruction is the ability to communicate to players in different ways," Hugh III explained. "I may need to use two totally different analogies to illustrate the same point to two different players."

Hugh walked away from competitive golf with his eye firmly set on instruction following the 2000 Nationwide Tour season. A year later he opened the Columbus Golf Academy in his home town in Georgia. Although he enjoys working with players of all ages and abilities it was his passion to work with dedicated juniors and young professionals. That desire was the driving force behind his decision to join the staff of the International Junior Golf Academy at Hilton Head Island, S.C. At the specialized boarding school, Hugh was the only former PGA TOUR player on staff.

While he was there, Hugh realized the uniqueness of his prospective as a former player. Under his tutelage In-Kyung Kim won the U.S. Junior Girls Championship in 2005. She is now a rookie on the LPGA Tour.

In January, Hugh left Hilton Head to open the Champions Golf Academy at Long Bay Club in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The move was a dream come true for Hugh. As the Director of Instruction, he is in the process of building a facility that caters specifically to professionals intent on elevating their games to the next level.

The facility at Long Bay Club is designed to help players concentrate on their games. With a world-class practice facility, housing for the pros and their families and a dedicated fitness facility, a player never needs to leave the property. Additionally, renowned sports psychologist Steven Russo has joined the staff of the Champions Golf Academy. The final pieces will be fall into place this summer with the addition of a physical trainer and nutritionist who will work specifically with budding professionals to enhance their chances. Long Bay also boasts a Jack Nicklaus signature course that is at the student's disposal. Pricing for the program is based on a player's level of play.

This risky philosophy is the cornerstone of Hugh's academy. While most instructors have a flat hourly fee, Hugh is betting that he can push your game to the next level. If one of his many Hooters Tour players moves up to the Nationwide Tour, they both benefit.

With the strained economics of the pursuit of professional golf in mind, Hugh has created specific programs to help players of varying success levels. One of these programs is known as the Gap Year Program, which is specifically designed for the first year of a player's career. The transition to the pro ranks is as much about lifestyle and organization as it is about golf.

Hugh has also designed a Qualifying School program designed to help players peak their games at the most important time of the year.

Many students have already made the migration up the South Carolina coast to enjoy the lavish facilities of the Long Bay Club. Recently, veteran players Pete Jordan and Sean Murphy spent a weekend with their contemporary turned instructor for tune-ups on their games.

The pursuit of a career in professional golf is murky at best. Few players have the ability and experience to make the transition from successful amateur to the top of the professional ranks seamlessly. There is a specific learning curve that players must overcome to reach the pinnacle of the game. The Champions Golf Academy combines PGA TOUR experience and state-of-the-art facilities with these players specifically in mind.

Just like his father, Hugh Royer III's dream is to help others reach their goals in an fun and informative atmosphere.

Editor's note: For more information on Champions Golf Academy, go to championsgolfacademylbc.com.