Academy FAQs
-
A child can enroll when they are 6 years old. Following the long-term athletic development model, ages 0-6 are best spent learning fundamental gross motor and movement skills including running, jumping, twisting, kicking, throwing, and catching. Receiving coaching prior to developing coordination skills does not set the child up for long term success with the game.
-
There are 10 levels on the player pathway
-
Each level is very unique to the stage of development your child and includes necessary skills needed to first play the game for the rest of their lives and then the skills to compete at the highest level. It is not a race to the finish! New Player Evaluation’s are held prior to the start of each new semester. If a child is brand new to the game they will begin in Level 1. Tournament scores will need to be provided to join the Play to Compete or Elite Junior Level.
-
To progress through each level there are five achievements: putting, around the green (chipping, pitching and sand), full swing, knowledge and scoring
-
Classes in the Academy are based off a player's PP level. Therefore: FUN-Damentals follows levels 1-3; Train to Play follows levels 4-5; Play to Compete follows levels 6-10
-
For levels 1-3, scoring pins are earned during Academy training. Once a player reaches level 4, scoring pins must be earned through 9 holes of play through our developmental scoring league or tournament play
-
Private lessons can be a beneficial addition to a child’s Academy training if the PLAYER is committed to improving. Early on in their development, it is more important for the player to have fun and discover a love for the game. This can be done most effectively through group training. If a player is struggling to advance a level because of a skill deficiency in a certain area, a private lesson could be beneficial. As a player’s skill and love for the game increases, more individualized attention is needed as their commitment increases. In our Play to Compete and Elite groups, players have monthly 1 on 1 private sessions built into their training time to assess progress and develop a practice plan for the month. At this level additional bi-weekly or monthly 1 on 1 private sessions can accelerate the learning process if the player is following their prescribed practice plan.