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Golf Lessons & PGA Instruction

Push your game to the limit with Manatee’s excellent practice facilities!

If working on your game is your idea of fun, then Manatee has the facilities where you can practice from dawn to dusk. Work on your swing at our multi-station driving range, or practice your short game on our well-maintained chipping and putting greens.

You can also work with our Class A PGA Professionals to help perfect your game. They say “practice makes perfect,” but only if you’re practicing perfectly with one of our respected golf professionals. With credentials that you can brag about, trust our staff of professionals at Manatee to put your game in its best possible shape.

Instruction Team


Dave Zalbowitz

Dave Zalbowitz

PGA Professional

I am a PGA professional and I come to Pope with over 23 plus years of teaching experience. In that time, I have found the combination of activities, both at the golf course and away, that lead to the most positive results. They make the learning more fun and efficient and gives you the confidence and freedom to enjoy the golf course. I use a personal approach that allows you to explore and understand the game at your pace. Some activities go beyond fundamental techniques, and teach basic to advanced strategies, mental preparation and performance, as well as physical fitness specific to you and your game. Contact me to ask about some of these activities that I use to build a customized instructional program for you.

Current Offerings: Personal Instruction, Monthly programs and Mixed Clinics, Women’s Clinics, Junior Programs

Current PGA Member since 2005. Owner/Operator Pure Golf Instructional and Coaching Programs at Manatee County Golf Courses. TPI Certified, Certified Adaptive Golf

Previous: Golf Digest Certified Instructor, Teaching Professional Dorset Field Club VT, Senior Staff – Stratton Golf Academy, Instructor – National Golf Schools, Instructor – Ben Sutton Golf Schools


Mark Cline

Mark Cline

PGA Professional & Coach

I believe that the relationship is key to any successful golf lesson. With results being the deciding factor, making someone comfortable enough to change is key. Assuming we are trying to improve, this is the goal. I enjoy individual instruction and welcome groups up to 5 for clinics.

My experience coaching at IMG and GOLFTEC as well as several positions at esteemed clubs has given me a broad base of knowledge and skills to successfully help someone improve their golfing experience. It’s a game. We should play it to have FUN!

What I have learned from a very well respected and local golfing legend is everyone has a fingerprint, and it is unique. The golf swing is very similar. My aim is to change what is necessary and adapt the things that need to be refined. Keeping it simple.

Past Experience:
- IMG & GOLFTEC – Golf Coach
- Assistant Golf Pro: The Concession GC, The Club At River Wilderness, The Foundry GC


Sven Nelson

Sven Nelson

General Manager / Director of Golf
Professional Instruction and Coaching

20+ years of Coaching and Training Experience
Director of Golf and Instruction Adena Golf and Country Club
Director of Instruction the Palms Golf Club – Junior Golf Program
Former Head Golf Professional and Instructor for Club Corp
Instructor for WCI Junior Golf Program
Instructor for Naples School for the Deaf and Blind
Former Director of Golf Arnold Pamer Golf

Looking for Tee Time information?

Book online, or call the golf shop at (941) 792-6773.