It’s Nice to be Recognized – The Class of 2022 GRAA Award Winners
None of us got into golf for the awards and accolades, but many recipients will tell you, it’s nice to be recognized. The Golf Range Association of America carries on its tradition of recognizing some of the best in the business. The Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professionals and Elite Members who have earned that title more than five times are revolutionizing golf instruction and growing the game every day. The Top 50 Private, Public and Stand-Alone Facilities are welcoming golfers of all skill levels and demographics. There is truly something for everyone in this great game, and our 2022 award winners are leading the way and keeping the momentum moving forward in 2023.
GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional – Robert Dickman, PGA
Robert Dickman is an award-winning PGA teaching professional and owner of his own golf academy in the Illinois PGA Section. Working with his daughter makes the experience of having his own business even more special, and together they offer an array of great programs that educate golfers of all ages and abilities. Here’s their story – check out their website if in the area today!
Virtual Golf Instruction is NOT Just a COVID Thing
Online instruction is here to stay. After all, technology has transformed so many aspects of golf, including how we teach and learn. Quick Fix Golf has programs for all skill levels of play and offers many decades of knowledge of the golf swing. Check out our story – download their app – and hit them up today!
Harrison Meadows Country Club – A Revived Community Venue
There’s new life in the golfing community of Harrison, New York. The story of Harrison Meadows Country Club is one of rising and rejuvenation to become the centerpiece of a community. Here’s the cool story of the positive effects of golf on a people.
GRAA Award Winning Facility Profile – Belfair
Belfair is a multi-year GRAA Top 50 Private Facility that continues to be a haven of recreation, socialization and fun for its many members and community residents. Led by a stellar team of professionals, Belfair is an active club that loves its golf and appreciates the camaraderie of others. Here’s their story, with some help of PGA Professional Director of Golf John Ogden.
Investing in Your Range – Deerpath Golf Course
With more golfers than ever teeing it up, golf courses are turning to additional means of entertainment in the game. Short game areas, putting courses, on-range technology and even par 3 layouts are being added to facilities to keep golfers on the property, even if they’re not playing nine or 18 holes of golf that day. Deerpath Golf Course just added a 30,000 sq. ft. putting and chipping green that is attracting golfers and many new faces as well. Hear all about it from PGA Head Professional Greg Baeten Jr. in this edition of “Investing in Your Range.”
Bringing New Golfers to the Range – Chris Ardolina, PGA
Chris Ardolina is an example of a focused and dedicated PGA Professional who’s growing the game one lesson at a time. He’s developed his teaching acumen through education and experience and delivers upon his promises to his students at Cove Cay Golf Club every day. Here’s his story and a picture of a course you should check out the next time you’re on Florida’s golf coast.
Offer Long-Term Instruction Programs for Women
PGA Professional and Atlanta Athletic Club instructor Caitlin Cannon talks about her efforts to grow women’s instruction and play at her very busy golf club. She advises on programming, communication and approach and has some great tips on engaging your ladies and making them feel like they belong in golf.
Bob Usher Jr., PGA – An Multi-Award-Winning Second Generation PGA Professional
Award-winning PGA Director of Instruction Bob Usher shares stories of his youth, as well as of the club he has called home for 15 years in this profile piece on a second-generation PGA Professional and a great ambassador for the growth of the game.
21 Golf Driving Range – Standing Tall Along the Manhattan Skyline
21 Golf Driving Range should be a destination practice facility for anyone in the New York metropolitan area. With stellar amenities, technology and service, it’s got everything a golfer needs for hours of great practice, camaraderie with family and friends and fun. I was there recently, and it lives up to the hype! We spoke with Eric Kim about the golf range his late dad built more than a decade ago.
Investing in Your Range – StonyCreek Golf Club
StonyCreek Golf Club is a family affair, with brothers leading the way as PGA GM and Director of Golf, and a father-in-law as course architect and owner. In that light, StonyCreek is that public facility that we all need in our town – great programming, affordable rates, expert professionals and memories to be made. Check out the story here!
