Bill DeVore, a PGA apprentice and U.S. Kids Golf Certified Instructor, is an assistant professional at The Club at Longview in Weddington, North Carolina.

Bill DeVore on the importance of searching for mobile apps that can create excitement:
The PGA Merchandise Show is a tremendous opportunity for PGA Professionals and apprentices to see the latest technology and teaching aids that will grow participation and excitement on the range. One thing I have found to be particularly effective when searching for the newest technology is to observe fellow instructors teach during PGA Show Outdoor Demo Day at Orange County National. For example, last year I watched my good friend Brad Redding, a PGA Master Professional, giving lessons with a device called Swingbyte, which is an app you can download on your smartphone and then immediately start capturing swings. There was a palpable energy on the driving range surrounding this product; students were improving and having fun with the advanced analytics that could be utilized. With technology, particularly easy to use technology that can be found on our smartphones and tablets,  becoming such a crucial aspect of teaching, searching the PGA Show for apps like Swingbyte, Powerchalk and V1 Golf is a great way to create excitement and fun at your practice facility. These apps are cost effective and simple to use when you are giving lessons! There are so many unique options for growing range excitement and participation at the PGA Merchandise Show. I’m looking forward to what 2015 has to offer.

Bill DeVore on the business impact of searching for mobile apps that can create excitement:
Mobile apps have been an integral part of my teaching toolkit. All of my students seem to really like their ease of use and its advanced analytics. For example, Swingbyte has helped increase my lessons in 2014 by 20 percent, and I feel it will be even more in 2015. It has been a fantastic item for youth golf as well; the juniors love the technology and are always excited when I use it. I am glad I decided to scour the range during last year’s Demo Day!

If you would like to email the author of this Best Practice directly, please email billdevoregolf@gmail.com