Golf Instruction
Practice makes perfect! Whether you’re new to the game or are a seasoned vet, you can always continue to improve and learn. The instructors at Desert Canyon Golf Club provide a positive and professional learning experience. Meet our instructors and schedule your lesson.

Tim Bell
Golf Instructor
Tim Bell was born in Baltimore, MD, and moved to the valley in 1991. He is a self-taught golfer who started playing his freshman year in high school. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Systems Engineering. However, his passion for the game led him to pursue a career in the golf industry. Tim was an instructor for Ahwatukee Golf Properties for five and a half years and was based out of The Duke At Rancho El Dorado in Maricopa. Most recently worked for McCormick Ranch golf course and leads a group of young juniors for Pops and Jr. Youth Golf at Dobson Ranch Golf Course. Tim’s passion is teaching kids the game of golf. He is patient and understanding and believes if he can teach juniors the game, he can help people of all ages. Tim enjoys taking students out for playing lessons to help with decision-making and club selections from tee to green. Tim’s goal is to make the game fun and to relax. Whether you’re looking to pick up the game or shave a few strokes off, Tim will be eager to help you accomplish it. He looks forward to helping you achieve your golf goals.
Services Available:
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Full Swing Instruction
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Short Game Instruction
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Junior Instruction
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Group Golf Instruction (call shop for details)
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Ladies Clinics
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Specialty Clinics
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Weekly full-swing and short-game clinics
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Golf-Specific Mental Training
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Lesson Type | Fees |
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Adult | |
Hour | $100 |
Half Hour | $70 |
Junior | |
Hour | $65 |
Half Hour | $40 |
Playing Lesson | |
18 Hole | $400 |
9 Hole | $200 |
Packages | |
3 Half Hour Lessons | $175 |
5 Half Hour Lessons | $325 |

Marcus Pickett
Golf Instructor
Marcus Pickett is originally from Fort Lauderdale, FL. As a senior in high school, Marcus became the 1st African American to qualify for the Florida Regional State Finals, where he took 2nd place. In 2009, Marcus received a golf scholarship at Grossmont College, where he played for two years before transferring to San Diego State University. Marcus, with multiple 1st places, wins on the amateur and professional golf circuit, including 32 1st place trophies,14 plaques, and three medals, within the past ten years. Marcus brings 22 years of experience, playing in both the amateur and professional circuits. Some of his playing experience include PGA Tour, Gold Coast, JGA, FJGA, Golden State, Dixie Amateur, Outlaw, APGA, and Minor League Golf tour.
His teaching philosophy starts with taking a personal look into your current game and swing. From there, Marcus will work with you to gain confidence in your golf swing and create a plan to help you achieve your goals. From full swing to the short game to putting, Marcus will give you the necessary tools and use the most recent technology, such as the launch monitor used on the PGA TOUR and LPGA, to improve your game.
Services Available:
-
Full Swing Instruction
-
Short Game Instruction
-
Junior Instruction
-
Group Golf Instruction (call shop for details)
-
Ladies Clinics
-
Specialty Clinics
-
Weekly full-swing and short-game clinics
-
Golf-Specific Mental Training
-
Contact Marcus

Anthony Smith
Assistant Golf Professional | Associate member of the United States Golf Teaching Federation
Born in Kanas City, Kansas, Anthony was moved to Arizona at a young age, with Fountain Hills being his new home. Golf became an early passion among school and friends, with his first lesson being right here at Desert Canyon Golf Club. Anthony began his golf career in Payson, where he worked for Chaparral Pines Country Club and the Rim Golf Country Club. It was there that he found his ability to educate. Now years later, Anthony is excited to be helping individuals in the very same place it all started for his golf education.
Golf Philosophy – Simplicity, Flexibility, and Purpose
Simplicity – With the amount of information out there, it can be overwhelming to understand what is effective for each player. Focusing on the basic skills and knowledge allows you to create the shots you want to hit.
Flexibility – While strength is necessary, flexibility creates the momentum to strike every shot accurately and powerfully.
Purpose – Above all else, purpose. It is no secret that golf is a mental game where the farthest distance is between your ears. Like life, we hit each shot, intending to do our best while staying optimistic regardless of the outcome.
Lesson Type | Fees |
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Pre round tune up | $50 |
Hour | $100 |
Group | 2 - 6 persons | $50 per person |
5 lesson package | Buy Package | $400 |
Contact Anthony

Don Graham
Class “A” Head Teaching Professional PGA of Canada (member since 1974) Certified Instructor at Jim McLean Golf Academy (2013-2016 SunRidge Canyon GC)
Personally trained with Mitchel Spearman (David Leadbetter Academy), Harvey Penick,
Jim Flick, Paul Runyan, Paul Bertholey, Irv Schloss.
Participant in 2008 U.S. Senior Open
Alberta PGA Player of the Year 1994
Alberta PGA Champion 1995, 1994, 1991
Alberta PGA Assistants Champion 1979
Alberta Amateur Champion 1972, 1973
Alberta Junior Champion 1969
ASU Golf Team member 1970-1974
Official Golf Coach of the NHL Arizona Coyotes 2003-2005
Developer of Eagle Greens Golf Centre – Calgary, Alberta (Golf Range and Recreation
Report recognized the facility as one of the Top-10 New Ranges of 1999
Mission Statement – The Don Graham Golf Academy operates on the precept that the correct application of the few fundamentals of golf is the most important factor in laying a solid foundation for a good golf swing.
The Academy’s prime objective is to provide a compete and applicable understanding of the fundamentals and basic techniques; identify and strengthen the weakest areas in a person’s game; demonstrate a systematic and manageable approach to game improvement; and enable students to acquire the skills to hit all the shots.
Teaching Philosophy – After 5 years as a tour player and over 30 years as an instructor my creative teaching method will provide you with complete knowledge of the fundamentals and how they relate to you. You’ll learn sound full-swing fundamentals, proper short game techniques, goal-oriented practice methods, course management skills and specialty shots. I feel personally responsible for providing my students with proper training so that they all may enjoy and excel at golf for the rest of their lives.
Academy Features – Video analysis with V1 Sports software (#1 Preferred Video Analysis) Video voice analysis sent to student’s email for every lesson. Short game teaching aids for chipping, pitching, and putting On-Course Playing Opportunities
Lesson Type | Fees |
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Hour | $100 |
Half Hour | $60 |
Playing Lesson | 9 Hole | $200 plus Greens Fees |
5 lesson package | Contact Don |