Pat Mastrian is the Senior PGA Assistant Professional at the Rehoboth Beach (Delaware) Country Club.
Pat Mastrian on the importance of running specialized clinics for youth:
Four years ago, looking to develop a PGA Junior League Golf team, we decided that we needed to start a more advanced clinic to help our kids who were serious about competition. Open to anyone who could play at least five holes, Range Rats is our second youth clinic and boasts close to 20 kids who come every Wednesday through the season. We work on various things within the clinic, including putting, chipping and full swing. We normally walk a few holes with each player and actually get the kids on the golf course. All participants are members of the club, so there is no charge for range balls or golf. Additionally, the goal of being able to compete on our PGA Junior League team gives them something to strive for: a tangible light at the end of the tunnel.
Pat Mastrian on the business impact of running specialized clinics for youth:
We have seen numerous impacts from the program, namely the forming of our PGA Junior League Golf team, which had 16 participants in its inaugural season. We’ve also seen an increase in youth golf rounds since the program started along with, when coupled with our other youth program, growth with parents playing with their children. By focusing more on youth golf in general we have seen additional lessons being taught, at an increase of about three percent, along with more youth range usage. There’s also been an additional amount of youth equipment sales. There’s also been some increase in membership because of this change in focus; our goal is one-or-two new members per year. Many perspective members that we have spoken with continue to place youth golf at a high importance in their decisions. There’s been a major off-course benefit in terms of friendships and camaraderie. The program puts kids together in an environment where they can not only learn to play the game better but also grow as an individual and make lasting friendships.
If you would like to email the author of this Best Practice directly, please email pat.rbcc@gmail.com
