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Award-winning Instruction

The LaBauve Golf Academy

Kierland Golf Club proudly features the LaBauve Golf Academy. Mike and Sandy LaBauve, one of the very few husband-wife teaching teams in the world, are both listed in Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 Instructors.” Mike is also listed in the “Top 50 Instructors” by Golf Digest while Sandy is listed in the magazine’s “Top 50 Women Instructors.”

Mike LaBauve works with nationally recognized golf instructor and commentator, Jim Hardy, teaching his prolific swing plane philosophy. Hardy’s book, “The Plane Truth,” presents the premise that golf swings are either one-plane or two-plane swings. Hardy and LaBauve determine a player’s swing plane and teach elements tailored to the specific swing type thereby ensuring improvement.

Foremax Training Systems

Foremax Training System

Another unique aspect of the golf experience at Kierland is the Foremax Training System, which provides a comprehensive approach to improving driving distance and overall fitness. The exclusive program brings together traditional instruction, on-course play, fitness, training and nutrition. Mike LaBauve works with Westin’s fitness director, Steve Heller, to create a program that blends the best of exercise physiology with top golf instruction. The result is a personalized workout program that is virtually guaranteed to increase driving distance and stamina on the course.

• Foremax's mission is to teach students how to make these lifelong fitness changes and take with them on the road. The program’s developers know the importance of allowing the participant to take ownership of the customized fitness regimen.

• Here’s how it works: After identifying a person's weakness in swing, short game, driving, etc., Sandy and Mike meet with Steve to compare notes and view the video analysis of the guest. A well-rounded regimen combining cardio, flexibility, strength and nutrition is then developed and progress monitored – comparing notes on improvement and adjusting the program as necessary.

• For the non-golfing guest, Fitness Director Steve Heller will create a personalized workout regimen and guide you through the workout -- adjusting it to fit the guest's needs and desires.

• LPGA players and what they're working on include Pat Hurst (general conditioning in flexibility and strength training); Grace Park (strength for injury prevention to avoid some of the problems that have plagued her in the past); and Marcy Heart (general conditioning as well as toning and strengthening to increase her swing speed by improving hand and wrist strength.)