FAQs
GENERAL
Where is the Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy (GGGA) located?
The academy is located at Mission Inn Resort & Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida
How can I receive more information on your programs?
Please contact our office at 866-639-9099 or visit ggga.com. You may also send an email to info@ggga.com
How do I apply?
Receive application and letter of recommendation forms from GGGA, then file out and submit with your $75 application fee. Complete applications are each reviewed for acceptance with GGGA.
What are your hours?
GGGA office hours are from 9:00am to 5:00pm EST Monday through Friday.
What is your vacation policy for students?
GGGA follows the same schedule as Montverde Academy. Housing is closed for all students for Christmas break and Summer break.
What are the admissions requirements?
Admission is based on academic, golf and interpersonal ability. Character, attitude and work ethic are strong considerations for acceptance into GGGA. A minimum golf handicap is not a requirement.
How do I schedule a visit/site tour?
To schedule a visit of the Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy and/or Montverde Academy, please call our office at (866) 639-9099 and ask for the admissions department or send an email to info@ggga.com
Are international students issued an I-20?
All international students who apply to Montverde Academy and the Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy will be issued an I-20. The I-20 is issued by Montverde Academy and should be taken to your local embassy to receive your visa.
Does my child need health insurance?
Health insurance is required. Please note that many physicians and pharmacies require payment in full at the time service is rendered. Completing insurance forms is the parent’s responsibility. Contact the GGGA office for information regarding Insurance for International students. GGGA can also provide insurance upon request.
What should I bring to the Academy?
Necessary items: golf equipment, clothing, toiletries, alarm clock, umbrella, bug spray, suntan lotion, long distance phone card, money/credit card, swimsuit, school supplies, travel supplies when attending tournaments
Optional items: cell phone, laptop, Ipod, camera, cards, games, sports equipment, reading lamp
Strictly prohibited items: candles, flammables of any kind, pets, alcohol, cigarettes or any tobacco product, any illegal drug, hanging lights, pornographic posters/magazines/materials, TV’s and stereos, fireworks, paintball guns…
Is transportation available to and from the airport?
GGGA representatives are available to personally provide transportation to and from the Orlando airport. Parents should contact the GGGA office to make arrangements at least 24 hours in advance. Transportation costs to and from the airport throughout the year are the sole responsibility of the student.
What is the transportation while at the Academy?
GGGA has a fleet of vehicles that transport students to the golf academy, course and range, as well as to tournaments and activities. Montverde Academy provides bus transportation to and from school.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed.
What are the accommodations like?
Students live in fully furnished condos located just a few minutes from GGGA’s practice facility at Mission Inn Resort. They are upscale, spacious condos with all of the amenities you would expect such as Cable TV, DVD Player, Wireless Internet.
Are rooms single or double occupancy?
Rooms are double occupancy
What is the daily schedule like?
For Full-Time Juniors:
7:00am - Bus to Montverde Academy (MVA)
8:00am - 12:00pm - Class at MVA
12:30pm Lunch at MVA
1:00pm Bus back to GGGA housing
2:00pm – 5:30pm Golf Program
5:30pm – 6:30pm Fitness Training
7:00pm – 8:00pm Dinner/Social Time
8:00pm – 9:30pm Study Hall
10:30pm Curfew
For Post-Graduate Students:
8:00am – 11:30pm Golf Training Program
11:30pm – 12:30pm Fitness Training
12:30pm – 1:30pm Lunch
2:00pm – 5:30pm On-Course Training
6:00pm - 7:00pm Dinner
7:00pm – 10:30pm Free Time
What is your curfew?
Daily curfew is 10:30pm; Weekend curfew is 11:30pm
Should I bring cash and/or credit card?
Students are encouraged to bring a debit or credit card for their personal expenses. You are welcome to bring a small amount of cash for the same purpose. Bringing large amounts of money is strongly discouraged.
STUDENT CARE
Who looks after the students?
Boarding students live in GGGA condos under the full-time supervision of a “houseparent”. The houseparent oversees all aspects related to student life at the Academy.
Can my child have a car while attending GGGA?
Cars are strictly prohibited for high school students. Post-Graduate students, however, are allowed to have a car.
Are laundry facilities available?
Students are responsible for doing their own laundry. Each condo is equipped with full-size washer and dryer. Students are responsible for having their own laundry supplies (detergent, fabric softener, etc…)
Do students have access to the Internet?
Yes, wireless Internet is available in all houses.
Where do students eat?
If you are a boarding student, all meals at the Academy are included in the program. Students have breakfast each day at the GGGA dining hall, weekday lunch at Montverde Academy; and dinner at GGGA’s “food house”.
Dining out expenses are the sole responsibility of the student.
Is it possible to accommodate special dietary needs?
Yes. Special dietary needs based on religion or health issues can be accommodated.
How do students get to school?
All boarding students are transported to and from Montverde Academy by a Montverde Academy school bus.
Are activities arranged outside of program hours?
GGGA students are given a number of different options for extra curricular activities and these include, but are not limited to, local area attractions, movies, shopping malls, bowling, laser tag and other activities. Students are also encouraged to participate in Montverde Academy’s weekend activities.
Can my child come and go on weekends?
Yes. Students are free to leave GGGA housing as long as they are checked out by an adult (25+) with written consent from their parents.
How do students make purchases of necessities, clothing, school supplies, etc…?
There are weekly trips to Target and Walmart for any supplies needed.
What happens if my child gets sick or is injured?
Students are required to notify their house parent or coach immediately if they become sick or injured. If a doctor’s visit is necessary, students are taken by a GGGA houseparent.
Can my child stay in the boarding facilities during an official school break?
GGGA, including student housing, is closed around certain major holidays. During holiday closing dates, student housing will be closed and golf training will not be available. Parents are responsible for making travel arrangements during these time periods. If students are unable to leave, an additional fee will be charged to cover house parent representation, meals and accommodations for the duration of the break.
Where can parents stay when they visit?
Mission Inn Resort offers a special rate of $95 per night to GGGA friends and family. You may make your reservation by calling 1-800-874-9053 or visiting www.missioninnresort.com.
What is provided in each student’s room?
A bed with all bedding, bath towels, hangers, a side table with a lamp, a dresser and a space to do school work and study.
What “extras” should parents provide?
Any additional storage space that the student may require.
Where can I ship packages to my child?
All packages should be shipped to the GGGA office:
Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy
Attn: Student Name
10400 County Road 48
Howey in the Hills, FL 34737
GOLF
Who will be my golf instructor?
As soon as you arrive, you will be evaluated by GGGA’s Director of Golf. This evaluation will determine which instructor and group is most suitable for you in terms of ability, personality and age.
Can I sign my child up for private lessons in addition to the training program?
Yes.
How can I stay informed of my child’s training progress?
Coaches are encouraged to stay in constant contact and communication with parents. Progress reports are also provided to parents periodically by email.
How does my child enter tournaments?
GGGA staff enters students into tournament through junior tour directors (AJGA, IJGT, FCWT, HJGT).
How does my child pay for meals at tournaments?
Students are required to pay for their own meals when traveling to tournaments. They should bring cash or credit card.
Are they required to carry a GGGA golf bag?
Yes. All full-time students receive a GGGA logoed golf bag and are required to carry it at all times.
Are they required to wear GGGA’s PUMA tournament wear?
Yes. All full-time students are required to purchase a PUMA uniform package and are required to wear this uniform at tournaments.
How many tournaments will my child play in?
On average, GGGA students will play in four to five tournaments each semester.
Can my child play in additional tournaments outside of GGGA’s schedule?
Yes. Arrangements for outside tournaments are the sole responsibility of the parent. Parents must notify the student’s coach of outside tournament schedule so that the coach can make adjustments to the student’s training schedule to help ensure peak performance.
I-20
How do I receive an I-20 from GGGA's partner school, Montverde Academy? Should an acceptance be offered, Montverde Academy issues the I-20 document once the Admission Office has received the signed enrollment contract and the non-refundable enrollment deposit.
I already have an I-20. How do I transfer my I-20 to Montverde Academy?
Should an acceptance be offered, Montverde Academy transfers the I-20 document once the Admission Office has received the signed enrollment contract and the non-refundable enrollment deposit.
What type of Visa do I need to attend Montverde Academy?
An F-1 Visa is required to attend Montverde Academy.
