Find a Coach
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Why a Coach Matters
Certainly one of the most often asked questions I get is: “How do I find the right instructor for my young golfer?”Every golf professional has their own unique personality and coaching methods that teach, motivate, encourage and inspire. And of course, it’s true that some programs may work well for some young players and not for others.
But in my years of working with youth golf, I’ve found that nearly all young players respond best to coaches who incorporate these elements:
- FUN! — Good coaches make learning fun. Historically, golf instruction has not been fun. The best coaches create games and a social setting that not only makes the learning enjoyable, but the atmosphere as well. If it’s not fun, it becomes a chore. Kids don’t like chores.
- FITTING — The coach understands the importance of a club that fits. A poorly fit club, and this includes “dad’s cut-down 5 wood” results in a bad experience. Specifically, the student may be doing a good job of applying the instruction, but because the club is not the correct length or too heavy, results will be poor.
- REWARDS — Kids love to receive incentives to improve and having measurable challenges is the best way to do that. Plus, a structured program, clearly communicated to both player and parent enables everyone to know how the player is doing. You and your child deserve to the see the yield of the time and money invested.
- PLAY — The coach provides opportunities to get your player on the course right away. This has been a challenge at times in the past, but I find it really important to give them a sample of the game early in their instruction. Imagine signing up for baseball and you never get on the field to play a game. Getting kids on the course on holes that are the right length to help them shoot lower scores and have fun is a key element to fully engaging them in the game.
- Golf is as much art as it is science. A good coach can implement their program while working with the myriad of personalities and ability-levels that working with young golfers includes. But when you find the right coach, you’ve given your child the gift of a lifetime — one that will enhance their life and yours in some incredible ways.
I encourage you to find a U.S. Kids Golf Certified Coach, or even more, come visit us at the U.S. Kids Golf Academy at Longleaf Golf & Family Club in Southern Pines, N.C. Good luck and play well!
Jim Hardy, PGA
Director of the U.S. Kids Golf Academy
Certified Coaches
Founded in 2012, the U.S. Kids Golf Coaches Institute conducts dozens of training programs each year designed to introduce coaches to the best practices, data-driven research and most effective resources that can help young players learn and improve at golf. Coaches who participate in these seminars are then tested on various aspects of the education, with those passing earning the designation of a U.S. Kids Golf Certified Coach.
A Certified Coach Level 1 has completed and passed the first training course. A Certified Coach Level 2 has undergone further training and testing and have a greater understanding of many important player development principles including the motivating factors for differing personality types.
Certified Pathway Coach
The success of the U.S. Kids Golf Player Pathway, has led many parents to ask where they can find a coach who implements the most time-tested program in youth golf enjoyment and development. Many times, the child may have participated in the Player Pathway at one location but then be moving to a new community, or perhaps the family has attended our National Parent-Child Camp.
In order to distinguish those coaches who are successfully developing players using the Player Pathway, and help parents find them around the country and world, U.S. Kids Golf has created a designation specific to these coaches.
Top 50 Coaches
Since 2004, the U.S. Kids Golf Coaches Institute has annually recognized coaches that have gone above and beyond in developing the next generation of players.
These coaches have operated distinguished programs that set them apart from their peers and provide established programs that have shown success in developing better players.
Innovation, motivation, and tangible results are major hallmarks of what makes a coach a Top 50 or Master Top 50 (earning Top 50 three times).
The Class of 2024 Top 50 Kids Coaches
Certified Coaches
Founded in 2012, the U.S. Kids Golf Coaches Institute conducts dozens of training programs each year designed to introduce coaches to the best practices, data-driven research and most effective resources that can help young players learn and improve at golf. Coaches who participate in these seminars are then tested on various aspects of the education, with those passing earning the designation of a U.S. Kids Golf Certified Coach.
A Certified Coach Level 1 has completed and passed the first training course. A Certified Coach Level 2 has undergone further training and testing and have a greater understanding of many important player development principles including the motivating factors for differing personality types.
Certified Pathway Coach
The success of the U.S. Kids Golf Player Pathway, has led many parents to ask where they can find a coach who implements the most time-tested program in youth golf enjoyment and development. Many times, the child may have participated in the Player Pathway at one location but then be moving to a new community, or perhaps the family has attended our National Parent-Child Camp.
In order to distinguish those coaches who are successfully developing players using the Player Pathway, and help parents find them around the country and world, U.S. Kids Golf has created a designation specific to these coaches.
Top 50 Coaches
Since 2004, the U.S. Kids Golf Coaches Institute has annually recognized coaches that have gone above and beyond in developing the next generation of players.
These coaches have operated distinguished programs that set them apart from their peers and provide established programs that have shown success in developing better players.
Innovation, motivation, and tangible results are major hallmarks of what makes a coach a Top 50 or Master Top 50 (earning Top 50 three times).
The Class of 2024 Top 50 Kids Coaches
