Build Skills. Make Friends. Love the Game.
Coachella Valley’s Leading Junior Golf Program
(Ages 7–13)
Fun, fundamentals, and friendly coaching at the Palm Desert Golf Academy – since 1998.
If your child is curious about golf or ready to take their game to the next level, the Palm Desert Golf Academy at Desert Willow Golf Resort is the perfect place to begin. Since 1998, our award-winning junior golf programs have guided young players from their very first swing through competitive high school preparation.
Led by Paul Bucy, PGA, three-time DCPGA Junior Golf Teacher of the Year, and his dedicated professional staff, our programs blend skills development, on-course play, and personalized coaching in a supportive, confidence-building environment.
Through engaging lessons, fun competitions, and age-appropriate instruction, juniors learn the fundamentals of grip, stance, and swing, while also gaining knowledge of etiquette, course strategy, and teamwork. With small student-to-teacher ratios, personalized feedback, and access to Desert Willow’s world-class practice facilities, every child receives the tools to thrive both on and off the course.
Enroll today and give your child the opportunity to learn, grow, and excel with Coachella Valley’s leading junior golf program.
See Which Program Fits Your Junior
Fairway Kids
Skill Series
Beginner
A fun, level-based start for new golfers.
Bobcats Players Series
Intermediate/Advanced
Performance training with tournament prep.
PGA Jr. League
Team Play
All Abilities Welcome
Team jerseys, scramble format, big smiles.
Why Parents Choose Us
Discover why families across Coachella Valley trust the Palm Desert Golf Academy, where expert coaching, small group ratios, and a proven pathway since 1998 help juniors build skills, confidence, and a lifelong love for the game.
Meet Coach Bill Spicknall
Dedicated to Junior Golf Development at the Palm Desert Golf Academy
Bill Spicknall, brings years of expertise and a passion for coaching young golfers. His friendly, approachable style makes learning fun, while his structured guidance ensures every junior golfer builds skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of the game.
“Our goal as coaches is to develop junior golfers for top performance, make a positive impact on them as young athletes, and to do this with respect and integrity. I look forward to an amazing season and to watching the growth and development of all our junior golfers.” — Coach Bill Spicknall
Fairway Kids Skills Series
Level: Beginner
Ages: 7 to 13
Designed for beginners, the Fairway Kids program introduces young golfers to the basics of the game in a fun and supportive environment using the U.S. Kids Golf Level-Based System. Kids will progress through structured levels that focus on essential skills, proper etiquette, and knowledge of the game. This proven system ensures a clear development pathway, allowing young golfers to build confidence, track their progress, and develop a love for golf as they advance through each level.
More Details
Unlock your child’s golfing potential with our Fairway Kids Skills Series at The Palm Desert Golf Academy at Desert Willow Golf Resort. This 8-week skills series is designed to introduce junior golfers to the fundamentals of the game in a fun, engaging, and educational environment.
For only $349, your child will receive personalized instruction from our experienced coaches with a 4:1 student/coach ratio, ensuring they get the attention and support they need to excel.
Our beginner-friendly program follows the US Kids level-based system and includes:
- Skills and Fundamentals Classes to develop essential golf techniques
- Rules and Etiquette Class to understand the game and its traditions
- On-Course Playing Lessons to put their skills into practice in real game scenarios
Each session runs from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM, providing a perfect after-school activity. No golf clubs? No problem! We’ll provide all the equipment needed for the course. Kids will be grouped by skill level to promote progress, teamwork, and confidence on the green.
Enroll your junior golfer in the Fairway Kids Skill Series today and let them experience the thrill of mastering the game while enjoying the scenic beauty of Desert Willow Golf Resort.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that family schedules can change. To keep things fair for all juniors and families, please review our simple cancellation policy:
- Notice Required: Please let us know at least 72 hours in advance if your child cannot attend a scheduled junior golf program session.
- No-Shows / Late Cancellations: Cancellations made with less than 72 hours’ notice, or missed sessions without notice, may result in a cancellation fee.
- Program Deposits: Some multi-week programs may require a deposit to hold your child’s spot. Deposits are non-refundable, but with proper notice, they may be applied toward a future session.
- Make-Up Sessions: When possible, we will offer make-up sessions for missed classes; however, they are not guaranteed.
This policy ensures we can provide the best coaching experience for every junior golfer while keeping programs running smoothly for all families.
October 28 –
December 16, 2025
- Tuesdays
- 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
February 11 –
April 15, 2026
- Tuesdays
- 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Bobcats Players Series
Level: Intermediate / Advanced
Ages: 7 to 13
Ideal for intermediate and advanced players, the Bobcats Players Series program focuses on performance and skill refinement, with an emphasis on tournament prep and junior league preparation. Junior golfers will work on strategy, course management, and advanced techniques to elevate their game. With playing lessons and spending the majority of their time on the course, participants will gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge to sharpen their skills and boost their confidence for competition.
More Details
The Bobcats Players Series at the Palm Desert Golf Academy at Desert Willow Golf Resort offers an engaging after-school golf performance session for junior golfers, with a focus on tournament and junior league preparation. Playing lessons, course management, and spending the majority of our time on the course, this series provides hands-on experience to help junior golfers refine their game.
This 10-week program features a low 6:1 student-to-coach ratio, allowing participants to receive individualized instruction to boost their skills. Golf clubs are available for those who need them, ensuring all juniors can participate. Priced at $429.00, this series is designed to help young golfers build confidence on the course while having fun.
Register today for the Bobcats Players Series at Desert Willow Golf Resort and watch your junior golfer excel!
Cancellation Policy
We understand that family schedules can change. To keep things fair for all juniors and families, please review our simple cancellation policy:
- Notice Required: Please let us know at least 72 hours in advance if your child cannot attend a scheduled junior golf program session.
- No-Shows / Late Cancellations: Cancellations made with less than 72 hours’ notice, or missed sessions without notice, may result in a cancellation fee.
- Program Deposits: Some multi-week programs may require a deposit to hold your child’s spot. Deposits are non-refundable, but with proper notice, they may be applied toward a future session.
- Make-Up Sessions: When possible, we will offer make-up sessions for missed classes; however, they are not guaranteed.
This policy ensures we can provide the best coaching experience for every junior golfer while keeping programs running smoothly for all families.
September 17 –
November 19, 2025
- Wednesdays
- 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
February 11 –
April 15, 2026
- Wednesdays
- 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
PGA Jr. League
Level: All Abilities Welcome
Ages: 7 to 13
This team-based program offers a competitive yet friendly atmosphere for young golfers. Participants enjoy team play, develop camaraderie, and have the opportunity to compete with peers in a structured league setting.
More Details
PGA Junior League is a way for boys and girls to play competitive golf in a fun and enjoyable environment. Participants get to play in a scramble format with their friends, and will receive coaching from PGA Professionals throughout the program. This fun experience welcomes players of all abilities.
Teammates, numbered jerseys, and coaching from PGA Professionals: PGA Junior League Golf is a fun, social, and inclusive way for your kids, ages 13 and under, to learn to play golf this year!
Desert Willow Golf Resort and The Palm Desert Golf Academy is offering PGA Junior League Golf, open to boys and girls of all skill levels – no prior playing experience is required. PGA Junior League Golf is a great way to get the whole family outdoors and on the golf course!
Participants Receive
- Team jersey and bag tag
- 5 team practices and free range balls
- 4 regular season matches
- opportunity to advance to All-Star team during post season
What Can I Expect from my PGA Jr. League Experience?
Welcoming Environment
PGA Jr. League believes that every child can be a golfer. From those brand new to the game to more competitive players, all skill levels are invited to learn and play in this welcoming environment.
Fun Teams
Teamwork is the heart and soul of PGA Jr. League. Kids play on teams in a scramble format and wear numbered jerseys, supporting and learning from one another to develop skills that translate on and off the course.
Expert Coaching
PGA Jr. League experiences are led by expert PGA and LPGA Coaches. They’re committed to safety, care and organization, and ultimately helping children learn and enjoy a sport they can play for a lifetime.
“Coach Paul has been my PGA Jr. League coach for 3 years and he is so awesome. He’s fun and really helps me with my game. He is also a really good player and that’s great to learn from. I love playing at Desert Willow Golf Resort with Coach Paul.“
– PGA Jr. League Player
Junior Golf Lessons and Membership
50 Minute Individual
Junior Lesson
- 50 Minutes of Tailored Instruction
- Swing, Short Game, & Course Strategies
- Fun, Supportive Coaching from PGA Professionals
Junior Golf Membership
- Unlimited Use of Academy Practice Facility
Monday to Friday After 2 PM
Saturday and Sunday Anytime
NO Initiation Fee
NO Monthly Dues
$10 Walking Fee After Last Tee Time
Member Picture ID Card
Valid October 25, 2025 – September 20, 2026
30 Minute Individual
Junior Lesson
- 30 Minutes of Tailored Instruction
- Swing, Short Game, & Course Strategies
- Fun, Supportive Coaching from PGA Professionals
Junior Golf FAQs
Find answers to the most common questions about lessons, memberships, and after-school programs at the Palm Desert Golf Academy, everything parents need to know before enrolling their child.
No. Juniors can bring their own clubs, but we also provide equipment for those who need it.
By age and skill, using the U.S. Kids level system (for beginners).
4:1 (Fairway Kids), 6:1 (Bobcats), team coaching for PGA Jr. League.
We ask parents to provide at least 72 hours’ notice if your child cannot attend a scheduled program session. This allows us to keep classes running smoothly and offer spots to other juniors.
Missed sessions or cancellations made with less than 72 hours’ notice may result in a cancellation fee.
Deposits for multi-week programs are non-refundable, but with proper notice, they can be applied toward a future session.
We do our best to offer make-up sessions when possible, but they are not guaranteed.
Junior lessons are available for golfers ages 17 and under, with both 30-minute and 50-minute options tailored to their skill level.
Each session provides tailored instruction from our PGA Professionals, covering swing fundamentals, short game, and on-course strategies. Lessons are designed to be fun, engaging, and confidence-building.
30-Minutes: $65 per person | 50-Minutes: $125 per person
Membership offers unlimited use of the Academy’s practice facility (Mon–Fri after 2 PM, weekends anytime), plus discounts like a $10 walking fee after the last tee time, no initiation fees, and no monthly dues. Juniors also receive a Member ID card for easy access.
The Junior Golf Membership is valid for one year (October 25, 2025 – September 20, 2026).
Lessons can be booked online or scheduled directly with our PGA Professional staff, and memberships can be purchased online or through the Palm Desert Golf Academy.
Big Swings. Bright Futures.
Where junior golfers learn, laugh, and fall in love with the game.
Ready to Watch Your Junior Golfer Thrive?
Give your child the opportunity to build confidence, develop skills, and discover a lifelong love of the game at the Palm Desert Golf Academy.
