Golf Lessons
Meet your game-changing team of professionals
Whether your game needs fine tuning or the basics, you’re in the right place. During golf season, Suncadia’s PGA golf pros provide first-rate instruction seven days a week. More personalized than a clinic, our private and small group lessons offer hands-on instruction that targets the specific improvements you need. For more information, call (844) 817-5870 or contact our golf pros directly.
Darren Howard
PGA Director of Golf
My golf career has taken me to many places, granting me the opportunity to meet, play with and teach all types of golfers. My experience ranges from complete beginners to avid golfers, including college golfers, mini-tour and tour players. I have been fortunate to have been named a Ping Regional Fitter of The Year twice and PGA Chapter Teacher of the Year four times. I learn something new every time I give a lesson and try to keep instruction simple for my students. My most fulfilling times on the lesson tee are when I see a student hit the ball in the air on the “sweet spot” for the first time.
- Individuals: $100 per hour
- Groups: 3-4 people $40/hour
- Playing lesson: 9-holes $200
Contact: dhoward@suncadia.com
Brad Donahue
Head Golf Professional
I have a great passion for teaching golf to everyone — from beginners swinging a golf club for the first time to golfers striving to win their club championship. For every student, my goal is to help them enjoy the game more than when we started. I try to keep lessons simple and clear so that students can take the concepts straight to the practice range or the golf course. I am an experienced tournament golfer who had a successful college career and won the Pacific Northwest Assistant Professional Championship in 2022. I can help experienced players with their competitive mindset, course management and consistency in competition. I also take a lot of pride in building a great junior golf program and molding the future of our game. We strive to make our PGA Junior League program fun for all while teaching core golf skills, golf etiquette, respect for the game and how to work with others.
- Individuals: $100 per hour
- Juniors (Ages 6-17): $70/hour
- Groups (3+ Students): $40/hour per student
- Playing Lesson: 9 Holes $160
Contact: bdonahue@suncadia.com
Jacob Eckardt
Assistant Golf Professional
My name is Jacob Eckardt, and I am an assistant golf professional with a passion for teaching and competitive play. My journey in golf began at the age of 14 when I first picked up a club at a local municipal course. As my love for the game grew, I started competing more seriously, eventually playing high school golf at Northridge High School in Layton, Utah.
I officially began my career in golf at Sun Hills Golf Course, working on the cart and range staff while dedicating myself to competitive amateur events. My dedication paid off when I won the Sun Hills Club Championship in 2020. From there, I transitioned to Glen Eagle Golf Club, where I gained valuable experience in the pro shop and began teaching junior clinics in the spring. After a couple of years, I earned a promotion to assistant professional, allowing me to expand my teaching to private lessons and Operation 36.
In the winter of 2024, I joined GolfTEC, becoming a certified teaching professional and club fitter. After refining my skills at GolfTEC, I returned to Glen Eagle to further my progress in the PGA program. Now, as an assistant professional at Suncadia, I’m thrilled to continue growing in my career and sharing my love for the game every day.
- Adult – $100 per hour
- Junior – $50/per hour
- Group – $40 per person
Contact: jeckardt@suncadia.com
Drew Thompson
Assistant Golf Professional
I have a strong passion for the game of golf and look forward to where this great game takes me. Teaching golf has been a joy of mine for a long time and being able to do it professionally is a dream come true. I have taught adult clinics, junior camps, and have been a part of the PGA junior league program as a coach as well as taught many private lessons. I work with mostly beginner and youth golfers showing patience and consistency in my teaching. There is no greater feeling than seeing someone fall in love with the game after that first “perfect” swing.
- Adult – $100 per hour
- Junior – $50per hour
- Group – $40 per person
Contact: dthompson@suncadia.com
Professional Club Fitting at Suncadia
Elevate your game with expert club fitting at Suncadia, where our seasoned professionals tailor clubs to suit your swing. While we specialize in Ping and Titleist fittings, our skilled team also provides expert guidance for Cobra, Callaway, and PXG clubs.
- Darren Howard, Director of Golf – A trusted Ping staff member with over 25 years of experience, Darren has twice been recognized as a Ping Regional Fitter of the Year.
- Brad Donahue, Head Professional – As a Titleist staff member, Brad brings over seven years of experience in Titleist and PXG fittings, ensuring precision and performance.
Our fittings take place both indoors and outdoors, utilizing the cutting-edge Tru Golf Simulator for the most accurate measurements, helping us create a custom fit tailored specifically to you.
Schedule your personalized fitting today by emailing dhoward@suncadia.com or bdonahue@suncadia.com.
