7 ways to create a successful Junior Golf Program
Creating the next generation of golfers is on every Golf Professional and General Manager’s priority list. However, we can often fall into the trap of de-prioritising junior golf as other tasks take up our time.
It takes concerted and long-term effort with a champion or champions to drive junior golf and their programs.
In my experience as a PGA Member, former Academy Manager, Coach and current golf club GM, these are some of the things that I think are crucial to the success of your Junior Program.
Buy in and alignment from key stakeholders
Board, Management, Golf Operations staff, PGA Coaches and Members. This starts with planning out your program, and it could be as simple as 2 x 1 hour sessions per week or as sophisticated as multi-level Long Term Athlete Development programs.
Knowing your “why” and setting your goals
Grow the Game has become a catch all phrase, but what do you really want out of your junior program? Does your Club need a cultural shift towards more younger family units coming to the Club? Try and get specific with this. Our goals at Lonsdale Links are geared towards engaging with our local Community. We want younger families using our course, playing more golf and enjoying the hospitality in the clubhouse.
Clear communication
Bad communication about the administration/scheduling of the program will thwart the success of your junior golf program. Be clear on whose responsibility this is and communicate on a regular basis.
Passionate champions
Your PGA Members and Community Instructors must be passionate about Junior Golf and consistent in their approach. Otherwise, your program will never thrive.
Term programs and School Holiday programs
Both sets of programs have their place. I have found that running school holiday programs has been a good introduction for juniors to become interested in attending your term programs. There is an element of parents seeking cheap babysitting when you conduct school holiday programs. Putting that aside, it is still a great way to introduce new juniors to the programs that you offer during term.
Course Play Opportunities
This is a key differentiator for golf courses versus driving ranges. On course play should be encouraged and carefully scheduled into your programs. Regular competitions should also be incorporated into your junior program and adjusted to the level of player. 3 x 50 metre holes for the youngest juniors up to 9/18 hole competition for the more experienced juniors.
Rewards
Kids love it when they have a sense of achievement. Giving out prizes, chocolates, etc. goes a long way with juniors and their enjoyment of the program.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but hopefully sparks some thought about how you can improve your junior golf program.