Written by Joel Zuckerman

here are several compelling reasons why Berkeley Hall, one of Bluffton’s prestige golf addresses, has attracted nearly 700 members. There’s the premium location, wide-ranging amenity package, and the two Tom Fazio “core” golf courses, where roadways, houses and other infrastructure are kept on the perimeter of the playing areas, allowing for a pure, almost a throwback golf experience from a bygone era.

These are three important aspects, but many buyers have been attracted to yet another amenity, one that arguably has no equal in the golf universe. Berkeley Hall has developed a reputation as one of the finest practice facilities and learning centers in the world.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” marvels Loren Roberts, the eight time PGA Tour winner, current Champions Tour star, and tournament course record holder at nearby Harbour Town. “It’s beyond my wildest dreams, and I’ve practiced all over the world. Any shot you can imagine can be practiced there without heading to the course itself.” Billy Andrade, with four Tour wins to his credit, offers similar sentiments. “If you’re into working on your game, Berkeley Hall is the Mecca. It’s a phenomenal facility; the size, the attention to detail, it’s beyond belief. It’s truly the best practice grounds I’ve ever seen.” Roberts and Andrade aren’t the only marquee golfers who’ve gone out of their way to tour Berkeley Hall. Players like Mark Calcavecchia, Sergio Garcia, Rich Beem and Brad Faxon have all visited Berkeley Hall with the express purpose of seeing the facilities, and all have come away marveling.

The learning center has every conceivable bell and whistle, including three enclosed bays, where players hit off custom cut high tech mats. The practice facility encompasses 31 acres of dedicated turf, which includes 6-7 acres for the short game area, while the range is double ended and two tiered, 120 yards wide and 320 yards long. A portable Cover Shots unit provides shelter from rain or sun for 6-8 players at a time. Mirrors, swing fans, impact bags and various other learning/teaching devices are available on the tee.

Indoor hitting bays feature three mounted industrial JVC cameras which provide rear view, down the line and face on angles. The player inserts a standard analog VHS tape, hits ‘record,’ and starts swinging. They can then look at their swing from these varied angles afterward. The Super Bay is the ultimate classroom. Its 300 square feet of climate controlled comfort, featuring four camera angles: Face on, rear view, down the line and overhead. Two Sony flat screen televisions are recessed and angled into the ground, so players get instant feedback on their swing, without having to walk to the computer monitor. Why two televisions? So both lefties and righties can see their last swing on tape the moment it’s been completed.

t’s easy to be jealous of Andrew Rice, Berkeley Hall’s Director of Instruction. Besides movie star looks, an engaging accent and a solid game borne from his forays on the mini-tours, he’s like the spoiled rich kid at Christmastime. He got everything he asked for.

“I’ve got such a vast array of sophisticated equipment at my disposal, and I attempt to use it all when I instruct our members,” says Rice, who spent six years working for David Leadbetter in Florida before moving to the Carolina Lowcountry in 2001. “We go beyond working in the Super Bay and the short game area. I’ll spend time in the viewing room with a student, showing them the correct techniques they’re striving towards. We cover all the areas of the game, beyond the swing itself. One way we’re effective is taping a student before a lesson, then working on drills for a while, and then taking more videotape. They can see firsthand how the swing changes we’re attempting to implement are moving them closer to the ideal, though they might initially feel awkward to learn.”

The 38 year old South African charges $150 per hour for non-members and $120 per hour for Berkeley Hall members. He may have left Leadbetter to run his own show, but still employs a similar teaching philosophy. “Two primary swing keys include setting up over the ball and staying over the ball throughout the swing, and swinging the arms left through impact. Also, sound fundamentals, a square clubface, and good rhythm are basic tenets,” states Rice, a professional since 1991. “Our huge advantage here is that we have so many ways to help get our message across, and hopefully make the learning process easier, quicker and more efficient.”

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