Programs

Golf instruction

Mark Bakeman Headshot

Mark Bakeman
Director of Golf, PGA Member

Mark is a highly respected PGA professional who has been in the Valley of the Sun since 1979, when he came here from Southern California to study and play golf at Arizona State University. 

Markʼs passion for the game of golf began when he was a kid growing up on the Monterey Peninsula. As a junior golfer, he competed in Northern and Southern California Junior Golf Association tournaments. In 1985, Mark turned professional and was elected to PGA Class "A” membership in 1990.

Mark has worked for Marriott Golf, Intrawest Golf, and Troon Golf and has worked at these fine golf facilities throughout the Phoenix and Tucson areas: Camelback GC, Kierland GC, Phoenician GC, El Conquistador CC, Raven GC both at Sabino Canyon & South Mountain, and Trilogy at Vistancia.

Mark brought his expertise as a head professional to Ocotillo Golf Resort in October 2008. In addition to his duties at Ocotillo Golf Resort, Mark continues to be involved with the Southwest Section of the PGA and competes in tournaments on a regular basis. He is also a former champion of the Southern Chapter of the Southwest Section of the PGA. Mark and his wife Cynthia have two children, Cole and Taylor Melissa, and reside in Chandler.

Marc Watkins
Director of Instruction

Marc comes from an extraordinary golfing family. His grandfather, Arch, is enshrined in the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame and the Southwest Section of the PGA Hall of Fame. His father, Scott, is a former All-American collegiate player, a former PGA Tour player, and currently a top instructor in Arizona. Following in both his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps Marc has been an avid golfer for 20 years and has been involved in various aspects of the golf industry for the last 15 years. He played three years professionally on the Gateway Tour and the Pepsi Tour. In addition to playing at a high-level Marc has built and fit golf clubs. Marc has also filled the role of Boy’s Head Golf Coach at Notre Dame Preparatory High School. Marc combines this great experience with a vast knowledge of the game making him uniquely qualified to help golfers improve their game.

Understanding the interaction between the golfer and their clubs combine with a vast knowledge of the game makes Marc uniquely qualified to help golfers improve their game. Marc first gets to know his student and what their goals, physical limitations or capabilities are, then uses video analysis to breakdown and the show the golfer exactly what is happening and why. Once the main problem is identified Marc works with the student to implement a plan to correct the problem in the most efficient manner possible

Gary Blaisdell

Gary Blaisdell
Golf Instructor

Gary joins our teaching staff with a stellar resume in the golf industry, spanning over four decades of success in teaching and club fitting. He has delivered keynote speeches for scores of professional golf associations worldwide and has written articles for a variety of golf trade and consumer magazines. He has travelled the world earning the respect of golfers and fellow professionals as a leader in swing technique, putting methods, and equipment. He is recognized by both beginning and advanced players alike for his ability to integrate complex topics in a simple and effective way. A devotee of George Knudsen, Gary centers his swing instruction on a player’s balance. Knudsen is famous for his thoughts on balance (if you start well and you finish well, not much can go wrong in the middle). “Knudsen taught me that perhaps the best thing I could ever do to develop a player is to help them discover their best balance at the beginning and at the end of their golf swing.” This is what produces the consistency that every golfer desires and is what allows them to take their swing from the driving range to the golf course. Currently, Gary remains the Director of Instruction at a private club in the West Valley, and now brings his extraordinary expertise to Ocotillo. You can reach Gary by phone at 602.696.6272 or click on the icon below to send him an email.
Adult Lessons Format & Fees - Mark Bakeman Price
Private Golf Lesson (approx. 1 hour) $75.00
Package - 5 Golf Lessons $350.00
Adult Lessons Format & Fees - Marc Watkins Price
Private Golf Lesson
(approx. 45 minutes)
$85.00
Package - 6 Golf Lessons $425.00
Group of 2 People - 90 Minutes $140.00
Group of 3 People - 90 Minutes $180.00
Group of 4 People - 90 Minutes $200.00
Junior Lessons Format & Fees Price
Private Golf Lesson
(approx. 45 minutes)
$65.00
Package - 6 Golf Lessons $325.00
Adult Lessons Format & Fees
Gary Blaisdell
Price
Private Golf Lesson
(approx. 60 minutes)
$125.00
Package - 5 Golf Lessons
(approx. 60 minutes)
$550.00
Package - 10 Golf Lessons
(approx. 60 minutes)
$950.00
Customized Corporate Packages
(approx. 60 minutes)
$1750.00

Single Private Lessons can be paid at time of lesson.
Packages to be paid in advance
On range or on course options
Greens fee additional, if required.


Corporate Packages
20 sessions minimum
Transferrable
Pay in advance
On range, or on course
Green fees additional, if required

Junior Academies

JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Ages 6-12 (max of 15 juniors)
Basic instruction and challenges for beginners
4 Week sessionas that meet once a week 
4:30 – 5:30 pm
$125 per session

MONTHLY JUNIOR ACADEMY
Cost $275 per month.
Ages 12 -18 for Juniors currently playing or looking to play in tournaments.
Group instruction Wednesday afternoons from 4 pm to 5:30 pm.
1 – 45 minute private lesson – ($50 for each additional lesson, normally $65).
Access to use driving range (Availability changes seasonally)
Access to walk the course when available (Not able to schedule tee times).
The group instruction includes:
Light stretching and exercises
Full swing work
Short game and putting practice
Green reading
Course management
Goal setting
Tournament planning

For more information and to register for our Junior Programs,
please contact: Marc Watkins
marc@watkinsgolfacademy.com

Scroll to Top