Mar 30 - Apr 4, 2025
Pennsylvania
Improve Your Game on Historic Shawnee’s Premier Golf Course
Program No. 13053RJ
Develop your golf game alongside PGA instructors, enjoying daily practice, informative lessons, practical tips and discovering the history of this premier course.
Enroll with Confidence
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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & PRICES
| No shuttle | Roundtrip airport transfer |
|---|---|
|
Excludes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location. |
Includes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location. |
Apr 27 - May 2, 2025
Oct 26 - Oct 31, 2025
Nov 2 - Nov 7, 2025
DATES & PRICES
| No shuttle | Roundtrip airport transfer |
|---|---|
|
Excludes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location. |
Includes round-trip airport shuttle transfers to and from the program location. |
Filling Fast!
Mar 30 - Apr 4, 2025Filling Fast!
Apr 27 - May 2, 2025Oct 26 - Oct 31, 2025
Nov 2 - Nov 7, 2025
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 3L 5D
1
Check-in, Reception, Welcome Dinner, Optional Movie Night.
Shawnee on Delaware, PA
2
Class, Golf Lessons, Nine Hole Practice, Local History
Shawnee on Delaware, PA
3
Golf Lessons, Master Class, Play Golf, Concert
Shawnee on Delaware, PA
4
Lessons, Free Time, Putting Contest, ShawneeCraft Brewery
Shawnee on Delaware, PA
5
Golf Lessons, 9hole Practice, Putting Contest, Final Dinner.
Shawnee on Delaware, PA
6
Program Concludes
Shawnee on Delaware, PA
At a Glance
Play on the historic Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort's premier course — host site of the 1938 PGA Championship in which Paul Runyan defeated Sam Snead in the final. Graced with magnificent trees, picturesque mountains and a beautiful river, this course was A. W. Tillinghast’s original design, completed in 1911. The PGA Professionals at Shawnee’s Tillinghast Golf Academy introduce you to the great game of golf and the basics of play including history, etiquette and rules.
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Nine holes of golf a day with carts provided. Rental clubs available with prior arrangement. Metal spikes not permitted. Golfers of all experience and ability levels welcome. Golfers will be placed in smaller groups based on experience or personal preference.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Learn golf techniques, etiquette and the rules and tips for practicing in a fun, informative series of lessons.
- Take part in instruction and practice each morning, then play nine holes each afternoon. A bonus master class is a special treat!
- Enjoy an exclusive, private, 30-minute lesson with one of our pros.
General Notes
The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal and a live performance or event. An airport transfer is available at added cost.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Brian Bergstol
Brian Bergstol is the Class A PGA professional at Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort; he leads the instructional program and is playing professional on staff. Brian marks 20 seasons as a Road Scholar instructor and has been the lead programmer for a decade. He is a graduate of Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA, where he holds the individual and career scoring records. He has played professionally on various tours, and within the PGA for nearly two decades. Brian has amassed over 175 professional victories.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Brian Bergstol
View biography
Brian Bergstol is the Class A PGA professional at Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort; he leads the instructional program and is playing professional on staff. Brian marks 20 seasons as a Road Scholar instructor and has been the lead programmer for a decade. He is a graduate of Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA, where he holds the individual and career scoring records. He has played professionally on various tours, and within the PGA for nearly two decades. Brian has amassed over 175 professional victories.
Brandon Hendershot
View biography
Brandon Hendershot is from and has spent most of his life in Bangor, Pennsylvania but has lived in the Shawnee/East Stroudsburg for the past few years. He has been playing golf for nearly 15 years and is currently enrolled in the PGA PGM apprentice program. Brandon has been teaching golf at Shawnee for the past three years.
Midge McClosky
View biography
Midge McClosky is the cultural program director for the Shawnee Institute, executive director of the Shawnee Playhouse, and the artistic director of the Worthington Players. Before moving to Shawnee, Midge worked as a professional actress, singer, and dancer performing musical theatre in 49 of the 50 states. Her extensive credits cross over into film, television, commercials, voiceovers and live industrials. She and Chris, her husband of more than two decades, have two grown sons.
Kyle Adammonis
View biography
Kyle Adammonis has recently joined the staff of the Shawnee after graduating Valedictorian from The Professional Golfers Career College in beautiful Hilton Head, S.C. He enjoys meeting new golfers and sharing the skills he's learned over his many years of golfing. His education also includes two years of advanced education in sports and business management. When not on the course, Kyle enjoys fishing, hiking, baseball and floor hockey.
Suggested Reading List
(2 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Improve Your Game on Historic Shawnee’s Premier Golf Course
Program Number: 13053
THE FUNDAMENTALS OF QUITTING GOLF
The Fundamentals of Quitting Golf offers permanent relief, or perhaps just a chuckle, to golf sufferers who swear they are going to quit the game, often using very colorful language.
As explained by author David Divot, your mind is cluttered with excuses for your poor play: lack of lessons, bad courses, old clubs, new clubs and on and on. Quitting "cold turkey" does not work because, subconsciously, you want to believe this nonsense. But with Divot's ten-year course of treatment, you eventually admit that there is no excuse for your game.
Explore techniques to control your anger and depression. Then ponder why you would put that monumental achievement at risk by trying to golf.
Discover that having confidence in your game is the surest way to shatter your confidence.
Consider why golf magazines constantly offer new tips for curing the same problems that were supposedly cured by the tips offered in previous issues.
Find out how to heighten your disappointment by pretending you have some control over where your ball will go.
You may not cure your golf affliction with The Fundamentals of Quitting Golf, but at least you'll have a good laugh trying.
A DISORDERLY COMPENDIUM OF GOLF
“Golf is full of quirky bits and pieces along with stories and information. There’s something on every page of this entertaining book to interest and amuse every golfer. Not surprising with Lorne Rubenstein involved—one of the best.”
—Arnold Palmer
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
13 meals (
5B, 3L, 5D
)
8 expert-led lectures
1 expert-led field trip
9 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Reception, Welcome Dinner, Optional Movie Night.
Location:
Shawnee on Delaware, PA
Meals:
D
Stay:
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Activity Note
Inn check-in from 4:30 p.m. Take golf clubs to the bag drop at the end of the circular main driveway. The golf shop will tag and store your bag all week. Remember to bring your name-tag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Hotel Check-in begins at 4:30 p.m. After you check in at the front desk and get settled into your room, join your fellow Road Scholars for a welcome reception to socialize until dinner begins. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Our programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light morning exercise, interaction with members of the local community, and evening entertainment. The program is designed to accommodate both beginners and experienced golfers. During golf instruction sessions, we will divide into smaller groups and rotate between a series of learning stations. We will then be divided further for more personalized instruction. Each participant will have a half-hour private lesson at some point during the week. We recommend that you bring your own set of clubs. If necessary, you can also rent a set by submitting a request in advance. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
Tonight's 7:00 p.m. American Home Style dinner buffet offers a variety of selections including a vegetarian option and other healthy choices including fruits and vegetables from our own garden, a delightful dessert, plus coffee, iced water, water.
Evening:
After dinner, continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, enjoy an entertaining Golf Movie selected by our pros and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Class, Golf Lessons, Nine Hole Practice, Local History
Location:
Shawnee on Delaware, PA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Activity Note
Stretching session led by a member of golfing staff. Walking 15-30 yards per hole from cart to green; primarily flat, manicured terrain. Golf carts will be used to carry equipment between holes.
Breakfast:
In the Inn's River Room Restaurant.
Morning:
We will gather with the Tillinghast Golf pros who will lead Orientation and introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and provide more details on our golfing program including an overview of the skills and techniques we will learn. Following the session, there will be an opportunity for Q&A. We’ll ride golf carts to the practice areas. During golf instruction sessions with our pros, we will divide into groups and rotate between a series of learning stations, focusing sequentially on full swing, short game, putting, and bunker play. We will then divide further for more personalized instructions. At some point during the week, each participant will have a half-hour private lesson with a golf pro and will be pulled from the station rotation for this learning experience. Shawnee’s golf course was the first designed by famed architect Albert Warren Tillinghast (1876-1942). It debuted in 1911, setting Tillinghast on a distinguished career, and has become one of the most prized golf courses in the northeast U.S.
Lunch:
At the Inn.
Afternoon:
Under the supervision of our pros, we’ll play nine holes on Shawnee’s 27-hole championship golf course, working on the skills we learned during the morning instruction. Those who wish to continue playing independently for the rest of the afternoon are welcome to do so at no additional cost.
Dinner:
At the Inn.
Evening:
We will gather for a historical presentation in Shawnee's own museum. This lecture features a fascinating introduction to the rich history of our area of our area presented by a local historian.
Day
3
Golf Lessons, Master Class, Play Golf, Concert
Location:
Shawnee on Delaware, PA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Activity Note
Stretching session led by a member of golfing staff. Walking 15-30 yards per hole from cart to green; primarily flat, manicured terrain. Golf carts will be used to carry equipment between holes.
Breakfast:
At the Inn.
Morning:
We’ll continue our small group instruction with the Tillinghast professionals. The Shawnee golf course was built by Charles Campbell Worthington and completed in 1910. In 1912, Worthington invited professional golfers from around the world to compete on his course, which led to the formation of the Professional Golfers Association.
Lunch:
At the Inn.
Afternoon:
We will learn from our best golf instructors in a special Master Class. They will demonstrate a variety of drives and approaches using all the skills we have been taught. We’ll have an opportunity to play 9 holes independently following the Master Class with Brian Bergstol.
Dinner:
At the Inn. We will enjoy a farm-to-table meal presented by our Executive Chef featuring famous Pennsylvania dishes.
Evening:
The Shawnee Institute concert series, open to the public, presents a variety of performing groups throughout the year. In tonight’s concert, we’ll hear local musicians. This is a great opportunity for community engagement with audience members and performers. Please note that an optional donation basket is passed for the performers.
Day
4
Lessons, Free Time, Putting Contest, ShawneeCraft Brewery
Location:
Shawnee on Delaware, PA
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Activity Note
Stretching session led by a member of golfing staff. Walking 15-30 yards per hole from cart to green; primarily flat, manicured terrain. Golf carts will be used to carry equipment between holes. Keep your putter and a ball after the morning instruction to participate in the putting contest tonight.
Breakfast:
At the Inn.
Morning:
We’ll continue our small group instruction with the Tillinghast professionals. An early fixture on the PGA tour for more than 20 years from 1916 to 1937, Charles Campbell Worthington’s course hosted the PGA Championship in 1938.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. Playing golf on our course during free time today is available for a fee. Road Scholar participants will have a discounted rate. Please inquire with the Group Leader if interested.
Dinner:
Pizza Party at the ShawneeCraft Brewery
Evening:
After dinner, we will continue our evening at the ShawneeCraft Brewery to get a sneak peak behind the scenes at our locally owned brewery. A tasting will be included for those who are interested.
Day
5
Golf Lessons, 9hole Practice, Putting Contest, Final Dinner.
Location:
Shawnee on Delaware, PA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort
Activity Note
Stretching session led by a member of the golfing staff. Walking 15-30 yards per hole from cart to green; primarily flat, manicured terrain. Golf carts will be used to carry equipment between holes.
Breakfast:
At the Inn.
Morning:
We’ll continue our small group instruction with the Tillinghast professionals. Our golf course was designed by famed architect Albert Warren Tillinghast, for whom the Golf Academy is named. Tillinghast designed more than 250 golf courses and was inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame in 2014.
Lunch:
At the Inn.
Afternoon:
Putting all of our new skills together, we’ll play nine holes on Shawnee’s 27-hole championship golf course. Those who wish to continue playing independently for the rest of the afternoon are welcome to do so. At 5 pm, everyone will have an opportunity to compete in the putting contest. It will provide surprises with challenging twists and turns to test our new and improved putting skills. Once our champion prevails, we will head in for dinner.
Dinner:
At the Inn. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning. This is the final organized event for the program.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Shawnee on Delaware, PA
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Inn check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the Inn. This concludes our program. Be sure to collect your golf bags from the pro shop before departure.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
- Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 04, 2025
- Apr 27, 2025 - May 02, 2025
- Oct 26, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
- Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 13 Reviews
Sort By:
A great way to improve your golf game on a beautiful, historic course. Excellent instruction & the hotel staff could not have been more friendly.
— Review left May 18, 2024
Golf program at Shawnee on the Delaware was very rewarding. Golf instruction was first rate and I learned so much about how to lower my score from tee to green.
— Review left May 18, 2024
I rate the program 3/5 for a 19.5 handicap non-drinking lady attending as a single.
Midge McClosky, Site Coordinator VERY GOOD.
Shawnee Inn GOOD. Meals GOOD.
Shawnee Golf Course - 27 holes (9-hole White, 9-holeBlue, 9-hole Red) most holes on an island, along the Delaware River. Hot, thick clouds of BITING KNATS, aerated greens.
Brian Bergstol, Teaching Pro-Talk and answered questions VERY GOOD.
"Shawnee history" by Midge McClosky EXCELLENT
Golf -
EXCELLENT: my ½-hour 6-iron lesson with Brian Bergstol, Teaching Pro, and three 1-hour 6-people group putting on aerated greens with Nick Lussier, Shawnee Head Golf Professional
Helpful: John Marrone with long shots
Helpful: Brandon Hendershot, Asst. Golf Professional, with chip shots. However, I could NOT stay long in the chipping area with the thick clouds of BITING KNATS.
BAD: Monday afternoon only golfed a 9-hole scramble on White Course; Tuesday afternoon only golfed 5-holes on Blue Course; Thursday afternoon only golfed 5-holes on Red Course. HOT: BITING KNATS: SLOW with “Never golfed” players mixed with “Experienced golfers”: I had NO PRO HELP.
21 nice participants: 6 couples/2 friends/7 singles ranged from Experienced 19 handicap (myself) to “Never golfed”.
For afternoon play, the fast “Experienced golfers” should have had their own Groups and teed off first, followed by the slower “Never golfed” who should have had their own Groups.
GREAT FUN: “On our own” Wednesday afternoon, at Great Bear Golf Course 18-hole round ($32.50) in 4 ½ hours with two other Experienced golfers. We saw a black bear on hole #4.
On Thursday afternoon golf ball size hail damaged my car in the parking lot.
— Review left September 10, 2023
My second trip to the Road Scholar Golf Instruction at Shawnee and will not be the last.
— Review left May 22, 2023
So much was wonderful about this trip! The golf pros were fabulous and seemed truly to care about our progress. And all of the people were warm and welcoming. I do have a few suggestions, however. It would be good to list the proposed evening activities in advance and have folk indicate which ones they plan to attend, giving the leader a good idea of how many to expect. As it was, several of the proposed activities were not appealing to some of us, and yet we felt guilty if we didn't take part -- that is not a good way to feel during a short vacation. There were other evening activities that might have been more enjoyable -- whether a talk by Nick, say, about golf course etiquette and how to handle certain kinds of situations, or about the history of the game and the physiology of why it is that certain clubs and certain backswings lead to success in various situations, or perhaps a reserved time at the campfire so that just our group could make so'mores together. As a side note: it was unfortunate that the kitchen was so overwhelmed that even having our orders submitted well in advance, the food was exceptionally slow coming out.
— Review left October 4, 2022
Golf experience was great! Pros were very hands-on and my game improved considerably. I loved that they went out on the course with us. The accommodations and food need significant attention...not good!
— Review left August 15, 2022
What is especially nice about this program is the expertise of the instructors. Another benefit is that they reserve 9 holes of their 27 hole golf course for just our use, so we have unlimited use to practice in the afternoon.
— Review left August 12, 2022
Well planned and a great educational experience.
— Review left June 11, 2022
A fantastic week of golf at Shawnee. Enjoyed a great group of program participants, some excellent golf instruction from enthusiastic and patient instructors, and good food and hospitality with beautiful surroundings in the Poconos.
— Review left May 14, 2022
The Shawnee on Delaware Golf School ROCKS! I loved everything about it and it was a great value. The structure of the instruction and the instructors were excellent. Frankly, I'm a bit reluctant to write this review because I don't want it to be hard to get into another class should I decide to go again!
— Review left May 13, 2022
This was my first Road Scholar trip and I loved every minute of it! The instruction was stellar and I look forward to developing my new skills on my local golf courses. Without hesitation I will look for other Road Scholar trips to take and might even repeat this one!
— Review left October 1, 2021
I am 70 years old and was interested in improving my golf game. Four consecutive three hour morning instruction sessions certainly got the job done. It didn't matter what level of golf you were. Everyone in the group benefitted. the instructors were wonderful.
— Review left August 20, 2021
Great golf instruction at an historic resort - wonderful week!
— Review left June 7, 2019
