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SHORTCUTS NEIGHBORS 76 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 Quail Lodge Pro Eases Golf Anxiety T he course at Quail Lodge & Golf Club winds along the Carmel River, in a well-landscaped valley that's frequently sunny and always friendly for players who choose to walk. Director of Instruction Katherine Marren joined the team here in 2009, after 16 years as the lead instructor at the Pebble Beach Golf Academy. Since then, she's developed programs that make the game more accessible for juniors, women and new players. When Golf Digest ranked each state's best golf instruc- tors last October, Marren made California's top 20. She was the state's only female golf pro included on the list, which is based on rankings by fellow instructors. "It's exciting," Marren says. "A lot of women are doing a good job teaching golf, so it seems that our programs at Quail resonate. People see them as vital and making a difference." Those programs include private and small-group instruc- tion for players at all levels, a summer twilight golf program and "Get Golf Ready," which was introduced in 2012. The initiative has welcomed some 300 participants with lessons on basic rules, etiquette, equipment and technique. "It's really about overcoming fear. There's a lot of tra- dition to this game, and if you've never played, there's a whole vocabulary to break down. We take it step-by- step," Marren says. "This program really supports our local community, allowing people to get into the game." More recently, Marren rolled out a two-day golf school that packages playing lessons with workshops focused on putting, chipping, wedges, bunkers and more. Participants also enjoy lunch and dinner at the resort, and several ses- sions are reserved for female players. "Women love to learn golf with friends. It adds those elements of camaraderie and support, which makes it more fun. To me, that's kind of the secret. When you're having fun, you're going to learn more," she says. To reserve tee times and register for lessons at Quail Lodge Golf Club, please visit www.quaillodge.com or call the resort at 831/624-2888. —Renee Brincks Katherine Marren is director of instruction for the golf course at Quail Lodge. She is in the top 20 of California instructors rated by Golf Digest. Photo: Kelli Uldall