Latest licensed academy expands GOLFZON Leadbetter’s global footprint into Latin America
CHANTILLY, Virginia – GOLFZON, the world leader in simulator golf technology, and GOLFZON Leadbetter, a pioneer in golf instruction, has announced the official opening of a new GOLFZON Leadbetter Academy at Porto Belo Golf All Resort.
This milestone marks the brand’s debut in Latin America and its 34th licensed location worldwide.
Using the established Leadbetter Academy teaching methodology, advanced sports science and cutting edge technology – including GOLFZON’s TwoVisionNX and a Puttview system – the Academy offers a new pathway for elite golf development in the region.
“GOLFZON Leadbetter Academies have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting the growth of golf in emerging markets by providing access to the game and education for local coaches,” said Ben Riches, CEO GOLFZON Leadbetter. “Brazil is one of the fastest-growing golf markets in Latin America, fueled in part by the sport’s exposure during the 2016 Olympics.
“While participation has increased steadily over the past decade, access to high-quality training facilities remains limited. Our partnership with Porto Belo Golf All Resort changes that.”
The opening in Brazil follows other recent academy developments, including St. Regis Five Forts in Bermuda, The Golf Club Naples in Florida, and Epsom College Malaysia.
The new location mirrors the structure of existing GOLFZON Leadbetter Academies, offering a purpose-built facility featuring:
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Swing video analysis studio
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VIP studio for individualized training sessions
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650-square-meter putting green and Chipping green with practice bunker
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Driving range with night lighting
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18 outdoor practice bays with Celebration grass
The academy will be led by two distinguished professional coaches:
Antonio Luiz Chaves Barcellos (Nico Barcellos), a Class A Professional certified by the Brazilian Golf Confederation, has more than 30 years of experience as a player, coach, and golf executive. He previously served as Technical Director and Head Coach of the Brazilian Golf Confederation, contributing to Brazil’s victory at the Copa Los Andes and representing the country at the Olympic and Pan American Games.
Nathalya Maschio, a certified coach with credentials including Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), US Kids Golf, and R&A Rules, brings extensive experience in high-performance training and junior development. She previously made history as Brazil’s first female Head Golf Professional and has represented the Brazilian National Golf Team in international competition.
The new academy at Porto Belo Golf All Resort is a world-class training center that will enhance golf instruction throughout Brazil and underscores the continued global expansion of both GOLFZON and GOLFZON Leadbetter Academies.
For more information on GOLFZON Leadbetter Academy Brazil, visit www.golfzonleadbetter.com.
To learn how GOLFZON simulators enhance instruction, visit, https://www.golfzongolf.com.