I stumbled on the Golf Institute when I decided last year to get serious about my golf game and take a series of lessons. The pro at my home course was inflexible on dates and times, so I started doing some digging around. Although I live in Virginia over 40 minutes away, I took a flyer on the Golf Institute, in part because one of the lead pros, Parker Parsons, was so responsive and inviting. I was so impressed by my first lesson that I signed up and have been a student at the Golf Institute since. I have worked extensively with Parker Parsons, and have observed Damon Lucas working with others. Simply put, great teachers. Parker's insightful and clear instruction has led to my handicap dropping from 15 to 11 in 6 months. Parker fitted me with new equipment, and for the first time I'm playing with tools that fit. They have state of the art fitting technology. Compared to a many businesses that sell and fit clubs, fitting at the Golf Institute is not solely based on hitting into a net. Parker fit me only once he was familiar with my swing, my performance, and my potential. I found the process much more thorough and careful than going into a store and hitting some balls into a net. And the price was incredibly reasonable and the value was tremendous. Beyond the clubs, the instruction is phenomenal. It's one thing to play well, but it's real art to be able to diagnosis someone else's swing and in a very empathetic way make corrections. Parker and Damon are masters at suggesting fixes gently, a little at a time, in a way that is highly effective because it is not overwhelming. In fact, I brought my infrequent-golfer wife out and she has been hitting the ball better, and developing more interest in the game, than ever before. My teenage sons are very excited for summer so they can have the time to get out there and learn to play well. I've taken a lot of lessons, sports and music, over the years. Parker and Damon are gifted teachers. If you want to get better (regardless whether you want new equipment), get out there. Now. read more

Not really one to provide ratings, but, this one is a must. Scheduled myself into the Golf Institute last month, Apr 2014, for club fitting, however, in working with "Parker", the first item was to correct my swing. The change he provided was NOT insignificant. First round of golf following the "correction" was a 78 and my index is 13! Was I pleased and confident going forward. Subsequently, have taken two associates to the Institute and we all three went through the TaylorMade "MAT-T" system with Parker. Unbelievable, anyone serious about their game should take advantage of this techno capability with Parker - the combination will improve your game immediately and significantly. Finally, I was fitted by Parker for TaylorMade clubs across the bag, i.e., driver, 3 wood, 4,5 & 6 hybrids and PW-7 irons. Truly my first "real set of clubs fitted to me" - at the tender age of 68! Clubs are outstanding - fantastic, e.g. never before really consistent with 3 wood, but, with this new JetSpeed High Loft 3 wood I have total confidence that I can smack the ball well and consistently. Parker also fitted a TaylorMade "Slider" driver to me that has taken out the left side of the course - thank heavens after all these years! Prices are right - if you find cheaper prices on the internet, they are most likely counterfeit or "knockoffs". Call TaylorMade and verify they are/are not a certified TaylorMade dealer. Above sounds like a paid add for the Golf Institute - it's not, just someone from Crisfield, MD who made the 2.5 hour commute and returned a new golfer! Try it, you'll like it. Dan K. read more

As a golfer that was struggling to break 90, I began taking lessons from PGA instructor, Parker Parsons, at The Golf Institute at Lake Presidential (GILP) last fall. I have played the game for 30 years and along the way I invested in the best equipment (purchased new golf clubs every 2 years) and took numerous lessons from golf professionals but once I plateaued in the low 90's, I could not improve. I even began to question whether I should continue playing the sport. I read an advertisement for GILP and decided to try them. Best golf investment I have ever made. The instructors at the Institute are true professionals that understand and teach the fundamentals of golf. Parker took me at my stage of development and taught me how to properly hit a golf ball. As a result of working with him, I am hitting it farther, straighter, my scores have come down significantly and my confidence is up. The thing I love about the instructors at GILP is that unlike club professionals and driving range teachers, they focus on 2 things: quality golf instruction and custom fitting clubs. The Golf Institute at Lake Presidential is a great facility equipped with top of the line training aides. They also do excellent club fitting. Personally, I will never invest in a new set of golf clubs again without getting them fitted first and hopefully by the Pros at the Golf Institute at Lake Presidential. I highly recommend them whether you are a beginner or an experienced player. They also have a great program for juniors. read more

I have been playing golf for 45 years. I am not very good. When my grandchildren expressed an interest in the game I knew that they should not be taught by me but have some lessons from a PGA professional. Parker Parsons was working with my oldest grandsons high school golf team. I was impressed with is patience and teaching techniques. He helped the team and my grandson improve very quickly. When my 13 year old grandson wanted to play, our first stop was for lessons with Parker. Parker immediately recognized that the clubs that I had purchased for him were too big and heavy. He made recommendations and fit my grandson with the proper equipment at a very resonable price. The child is now making positive progress with his game. While waiting for the grandchildren I have observed Parker and Damon Lucas teaching many students of all ages. It is amazing that an untrained eye like mine can see the progress the students make with improved ball flight and solid ball strikes. I would recommend Paker Parsons and the Golf Institute for your golf fitting and equipment needs. I am very pleased with the work Parker has done with both of my grandchildren. Great teachers. read more

First class platinum service at it's best. I was first drawn to The Golf Institute because of their use of the Taylor Made MAT-T (Motion Analysis Technology By TaylorMade) system. While the technology is amazing and eye opening what stood out most to me was old fashioned customer service, courtesy, communication and patience. I was fortunate to work with Parker Parsons, a Master Club Fitter & Lead Instructor. What a GREAT guy! He carefully explained every aspect of the analysis/fitting process and made sure I was comfortable throughout. I've been playing golf for 25 years and am your basic hack but I might as well have been a top 10 PGA Tour player by the way Parker treated me from the moment I walked in. He was incredibly forthcoming with guidance, suggestions and humor. The entire process was a very positive experience. I highly recommend The Golf Institute and Parker Parsons for an outstanding club fitting experience where the customer is truly their number one priority. I will not go anywhere else again. read more

After many instructors throughout the years I turned to Parker Parsons at the Golf Institute at Lake Presidential who came highly recommended to me. Parker has been training my son to prepare him for high school golf. Parker is completely focused on the game however makes it fun to keep my 13 year old interested and wanting to come back for more each week. He continues to improve each week with great results. The technology used at the golf institute is amazing and quickly highlights areas for improvement. The facility is very clean and orderly and great for training in any weather conditions. I highly recommend Parker at the Golf Institute. Ed S read more