Arizona Biltmore Golf Club is giving the Valley’s golf scene a sharper, smarter upgrade.
The historic Phoenix club has launched a new elevated golf instruction program in partnership with Combine Golf Academy, bringing a performance-driven training model to one of Arizona’s most recognizable golf destinations. Translation: less guessing, more improving, and finally a golf lesson that feels as tailored as your favorite club fitting.
Leading the new program is Joe DiChiara, the newly appointed director of instruction at Arizona Biltmore Golf Club and founder of Combine Golf. DiChiara is a PGA Professional with more than 22 years of coaching experience, working with everyone from brand-new players to major champions on the PGA and LPGA Tours. In other words, this is not your “bend your knees and hope for the best” kind of lesson.
The new Combine Golf Academy program is built for players at every level, from juniors and beginners to serious golfers chasing cleaner swings, better strategy, and fewer mysterious meltdowns on the back nine. The academy offers private instruction, player development programs, junior training pathways, ladies and beginner programs, technology-driven swing analysis, structured practice, and performance training.
“Our goal is to make golf more accessible and enjoyable for every player who comes through the program,” says Leo Simonetta, director of golf at Arizona Biltmore Golf Club. “Partnering with Combine Golf allows us to provide clear, personalized instruction that builds confidence and helps players improve their game.”
DiChiara’s coaching philosophy skips the one-size-fits-all swing fantasy. His approach is rooted in the idea that there is no single perfect golf swing, only the best swing for the player standing in front of him. That belief led to his proprietary ACT System, which stands for Assess, Coach, Train. The framework is designed to identify opportunities, implement improvements, and reinforce results that actually stick.
“Combine Golf is committed to delivering one of the most advanced and effective golf instruction experiences in the country and we’re thrilled to partner with Arizona Biltmore Golf Club to reach even more people,” says DiChiara. “By combining data, coaching expertise, and individualized training, we’re creating a program that helps every golfer improve with purpose and confidence.”
The academy’s instructor lineup adds even more competitive muscle. Kennedie Montoya, a former Division I standout at Grand Canyon University and New Mexico State University, joins the team alongside Thomas Lehman, a professional golfer with collegiate experience at TCU and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Together, the group brings a mix of tournament-tested insight, technical training, and player-first coaching to the Biltmore fairways.
The setting does not hurt either. Arizona Biltmore Golf Club sits within the Biltmore Estates community and features two distinct 18-hole courses, the Estates Course and Links Course. The property also includes a full-service Golf Shop and Adobe Bar & Grille, with sweeping views of the surrounding course. Located adjacent to The Arizona Biltmore, the club remains one of the Valley’s most established golf experiences.
For most of its nearly 100-year history, Arizona Biltmore Golf Club has been tied to the resort and country club lifestyle that helped define Phoenix leisure. With recent capital investments and leadership from JDM Partners, the club is continuing that legacy with a refreshed focus on modern golf, player experience, and serious game improvement.
For golfers ready to stop blaming the clubs, the wind, Mercury retrograde, or that one bad bounce, this might be the moment to finally get serious.
Insider Takeaways
- Arizona Biltmore Golf Club has launched a new elevated instruction program with Combine Golf Academy.
- PGA Professional Joe DiChiara joins as director of instruction, bringing more than 22 years of coaching experience.
- The program includes private lessons, junior pathways, ladies and beginner programs, swing analysis, and performance training. DiChiara’s ACT System focuses on assessing each player, coaching individualized improvements, and training for lasting results.
- The instructor team includes Kennedie Montoya and Thomas Lehman, both bringing strong collegiate and competitive golf backgrounds.
- Recent capital investments and leadership from JDM Partners continue to shape the club’s next chapter.
To learn more or book a lesson, visit azbiltmoregc.com/phoenix-golf-instruction.
