Due to a casual comment by my orthopedic surgeon, I had the good fortune to be directed to Sonny Reynolds in nearby Winterport. That began a twelve year association with a terrific golf instructor and a wonderful personal friend. I cannot say enough by way of ecommendation for anyone of whatever age who is thinking about beginning or who aspires to advance in this most demanding and enjoyable game. I only wish, in retrospect, that I had begun earlier in life, although the one advantage is that I came to Sonny with no experience and therefore no bad habits that become increasingly difficult to correct as one ages. Sonny taught me everything I know about golf, for which I am profoundly grateful.

As a retired college and seminary professor--meaning a perennial student--I absorbed his teaching like a sponge. I took lessons nonstop during those twelve years, learning everything I could about the game, by listening, asking questions, and observing Sonny as he patiently and thoroughly responded to my inquiries, and then meticulously demonstrated each shot appropriate to the lesson and to my level. At times he would tantalize me with more advanced kinds of shots that I now am capable, on occasion, of executing. As an instructor, Sonny ranks with the very best; there's no doubt about that. I know. I was a college tennis coach for several years. His knowledge of the game is thorough; his ability to work with a student at the level he or she is at is uncanny; his tailoring the lesson to a student's specific needs is precise; and his respect for the student as a person, and sometimes as an apprehensive beginner, is always present. I never finished a lesson without feeling good about my golf and especially about myself as a person. That's a rare talent in instructors in any sport.

Having moved to a private golf community in Williamsburg, Virginia, where there are three 18 hole courses designed by Dan Maples, I am continuing my thorough enjoyment of the game, thanks to Sonny. I scarcely hit a shot without first calling to mind some important observation about that particular shot that Sonny made in a lesson years ago. That itself indicates the powerful influence his teaching has had on my game. It is not an overstatement to say that everything I can do on the golf course, whether the preparation for a shot, the execution of the shot, or the review following the shot, I owe to Sonny Reynolds. As Sonny used to comment to me, if folks spent just a tenth of their golf expenditures on lessons instead of the latest and often the most faddy expensive equipment, they would not only enjoy the game more but would, over time, improve as well. I'm so glad I took that advice to heart; it has made a huge difference.

Whether you are just thinking about taking up the game or whether you have graduated to an intermediate or advanced level, I cannot recommend strongly enough a visit to the Training Center and a consultation with Sonny. It is a total facility, including chipping and putting greens, greenside and fairway bunkers, two turf stations, downhill and uphill practice areas, and a wonderful Executive course on which to test your skills. Most importantly, you will find in Sonny a person who epitomizes the gentlemanliness that has characterized golf since its inception, a hospitable setting, and a sense that you are not only important to Sonny as an individual, but that he honestly believes that you can not only learn to enjoy the game, but that you can achieve beyond a level that you might have thought possible.

"Feel your game," as the golf ad puts it, by letting Sonny introduce you to the most popular game in the U.S., and then by allowing him, personally and professionally, to guide you along your path to the pleasure and satisfaction that comes with playing well. Believe me, you will appreciate my advice long after you have forgotten this testimonial. Best wishes as you pursue your dreams and goals with the legendary and amazing game of golf."