Shelby & John, Early 1980s
Established in 1971 by Shelby Futch and John Jacobs, John Jacobs’ Golf Schools & Academies are some of the most recognized in the world.
The success of the John Jacobs’ Golf Schools revolves around Shelby Futch’s commitment to excellence, his love for the game of golf, and his dedication to emulating the integrity and philosophy of John Jacobs.
John Jacobs
John Jacobs is one of the most widely-known and respected golf instructors in the world. He was appointed captain of the first two European Ryder Cup teams in 1979 and 1981 and is an honorary life member of the European Tour. In 1997, John was presented the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for 50 years of outstanding service to golf.
In 2000 John Jacobs was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame and inducted into the GOLF Magazine World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame the following year in 2001. Recognized as “Dr. Golf,” his practical approach to teaching has benefited thousands of golfers. For these many reasons, the John Jacobs’ Golf Schools have modeled their teaching principles after John’s historical successes.
Shelby Futch
Shelby has earned an international reputation with a career that spans every phase of golf. Initially a tour player, Shelby’s contribution to the game subsequently has evolved from his own pursuit of par. His passion for learning about the game and his desire to share that knowledge with others, ultimately led him to establish the John Jacobs’ Golf Schools in 1971.
Shelby has authored numerous instructional articles published nationally by GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest. He was named one of “America’s 50 Best Golf Teachers” by GOLF Magazine, ranked by Golf Digest as one of the best teachers in the country, and featured in the book Golf Gurus. Shelby has also made appearances on The Golf Channel’s instructional program “Golf Academy Live”. He is a frequent guest speaker for the Hong Kong and China PGA and is involved in the development of instructional programs for mainland China.
An Historic Timeline
1950's
John Jacobs earns a spot in the 1955 Ryder Cup and wins two matches. John Jacobs won the Dutch Open and the South African Match Play in 1957. Jacobs then became the tournament director general of the European Tour and was instrumental in helping to grow that tour.
1971-75
John Jacobs' Golf Schools and Academies established by Shelby Futch and John Jacobs. John Jacobs authors "Practical Golf" which is named by Golf Magazines Top 100 Teachers as "One of the best Instruction books ever". Shelby Futch wins the Illinois PGA Championship and in the same year establishes the first John Jacobs Arizona location at Tucson National Golf Resort in Tucson, Arizona.
1976-1979
Shelby Futch launches John Jacobs Golf Schools The Success of Scottsdale Golf Group revolves around Shelby's commitment to excellence and his love for the game. Shelby has earned an International reputation with a career spans every phase of golf. Initially a tour player, Shelby's contribution to the game subsequently has evolved from his own pursuit of par. His passion for learning about the game and his desire to share that knowledge with others, ultimately led him to establish the John Jacobs' Golf Schools. Jacobs publishes Golf Doctor Diagnosis, Explanation and Correction of Golfing Faults.
1980's
Shelby Futch named One of America's 50 Best Golf Teachers by "Golf Magazine". Shelby Futch established the Scottsdale Golf Group. Same year Shelby established the second John Jacobs Arizona location at Camelback Golf Club & Resorts in Scottsdale, Arizona.
1991-1994
Shelby Futch received Top 50 Golf Instructors in America Award from "The Golf Magazine" and strengthens Jacobs' Golf through Scottsdale Golf Groups purchase of Painted Mountain Golf Resort, Mesa Arizona and establishes another permanent John Jacobs' Golf School location. Shelby Futch launches a 7 volume video series TEE to GREEN - a comprehensive step-by-step presentation of the same proven techniques and drills used by John Jacobs' Golf Schools.
1995-1996
Shelby Futch is featured on the cover of AZGQ "The Changing Face of Golf Instruction". Same year Scottsdale Golf Group purchases Hillcrest Golf Club, Sun City West, Arizona and establishes another permanent John Jacobs' Golf School location. Shelby Futch featured in Golf Gurus The Wisdom of the Game's Greatest Instructors.
2000-2002
John's lifelong commitment and passion to the game of golf includes his Induction in the World Golf Hall of Fame and 1 year later John is inducted in the World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame. Shelby Futch receives Top 100 Teachers in America Award from "The Golf Magazine" and 1 year later Scottsdale Golf Group purchases Red Mountain Ranch Golf & Country Club, a Pete Dye masterpiece, Mesa, Arizona and establishes another permanent John Jacobs' Golf School location.
2003-2004
Shelby Futch receives Top 100 Teachers in America Award from "The Golf Magazine". Shelby's commitment to the game of golf and never ending quest to pursue the finest golf instruction in the world leads to Scottsdale Golf Group purchase of Legend Trail Golf Club, Scottsdale Arizona, a Rees masterpiece, and establishes another permanent John Jacobs' Golf School location.
2011-2013
Scottsdale Golf Group purchases Orange Tree Golf Resort in Scottsdale Arizona and establishes John Jacobs' Golf Schools and Junior Golf Program at Orange Tree Golf Resort in Scottsdale, AZ. The first season features 380 juniors participants. Shelby Futch Inducted in the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame.
