Jordan Young, the 2012 Michigan PGA Section Teacher of the Year, is the PGA director of instruction at Fox Hills Learning Center in Plymouth, Mich.
Jordan Young on the importance of using small group training to develop determined juniors:
At Fox Hills, we have developed a program called Junior Elite Team Training for determined junior golfers between the ages of 7-17. This year-round group training program has a variety of training methods; short game training, studio and video work, 18-hole training on-course, fitness training, mental maintenance, equipment evaluations, SAM Putt sessions, Doppler biofeedback and more. Students are assigned certain training areas for skill development. One of the things we are trying to accomplish with this training is to put competitive juniors of similar skill levels together to form a team atmosphere and to push each other through internal competition. We regularly include play dates to get the kids on the course, focusing on preparation for high school and eventually college. Each of the sessions are usually 90 minutes and include a 60-minute private lesson each month. Our 5:1 ratio of students to instructors, in addition to our three different monthly plans based on their budgets and personal training needs, is what makes the program unique and effective.
Jordan Young on the business impact of using small group training to develop determined juniors:
We focus on frequency, duration and a “team training” approach with JETT. This produces the best individual results when it comes to player development. We are in it for the long term! This program has been very successful, and we have developed a great reputation for developing junior golfers into better players. We currently have 112 kids enrolled in the program and use a 10-month billing program with an average monthly rate of $250. In time the program has gained a reputation throughout the state, more and more juniors are coming to experience it.
If you would like to email the author of this Best Practice directly, please email jordany@foxhills.com
