The world-class facility, led by Bermudian golfer, Quinton Sherlock brings elite-level golf training to the island
A golf academy with a global network that has produced champion golfers has now established a presence in Bermuda.
In true St. Regis style, a champagne toast marked the beginning of the exciting new partnership between the Five Forts Golf Club and Golfzon Leadbetter Academy.
The goal? To bring world-class golf instruction right here to Bermuda.
Named after its founder David Leadbetter, one of the most influential and successful golf coaches, the GLA brand aims to help students “Build a Lifelong Game” through proven teaching methods.
Mr Leslie Praya, General Manager of the St. Regis Bermuda Resort opened the ceremony stating, “A respected leader in the sport, Mr. David Leadbetter has developed champions for generations. We are honoured to bring his vision to Bermuda and to our guests.”
GLA Bermuda becomes the brand’s 34th location worldwide, and the Director of Instruction for the new site is non-other than Bermudian pro golfer Quinton Sherlock Jr.
“Together, we’ll be creating a destination where instruction meets inspiration, where every golfer, irrespective of their skill level, will find a space where they can thrive,” explained Mr Sherlock.
“I’m passionate about working with people. I’m passionate about helping to build a stronger, more connected golf community here in Bermuda. We will be launching clinics, junior programmes, community events – all designed to make golf more inclusive, more fun, and more rewarding for everyone.”
Another objective of the academy is to foster a love for the game among Bermudian youth.
GLA’s curriculum for kids blends education with fitness, movement, and technical skill.
Ben Riches, CEO of Golfzon Leadbetter, hopes the academy will become a catalyst for youth sport opportunities.
Mr Riches stated: “There’s hundreds of kids on this island that don’t play golf today that could, given the right inspiration and the right motivation, become golfers. And what we want to give them is a pathway, through Quinton and through the Five Forts resort here with St. Regis, to allow children to start to play the game. And if they can start with a smile on their face, then they’re likely to keep playing. Where they go from there is up to them … who knows: U.S. college, Tour … we just want these kids to dream. And if they have a dream, and they have an opportunity, and they have good education, then who knows where this could take us.”
Beyond education, the potential tourism benefits of the new partnership were also highlighted by Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport.
He said, “The Five Forts Golf Club is already a jewel in Bermuda’s crown. With the addition of Quinton and the Golfzon Leadbetter Academy, it becomes a beacon of golf development in the region. This partnership elevates the course, it elevates the resort, and it elevates the entire community and tourism product on this island.”
GLA Bermuda offers mini school, private, playing, and family lesson experiences.
Part of the proceeds from lessons will go toward supporting Mr Sherlock’s NGO that he runs in Ghana, West Africa, which introduces golf to children in underprivileged communities.
