Stacy Mapel, a Golf Range Association of America (GRAA) Top Growth of the Game Teaching Professional, is the owner and a PGA of America Teaching Professional at the Mapel Golf Academy at Hawks Creek Golf Club in Westworth Village, Texas.
Stacy Mapel on the importance of conducting putting boot camps:
I have been conducting Putting Boot Camps since the summer of 2017, when I held six camps in seven weeks, and have continued to offer two or three sessions per year ever since. These learning experiences are mostly tailored for adults, but I have had junior golfers as young as 14 years old participate. I have also considered putting a similar program together for juniors and will continue to explore that possibility in the future. These boot camps welcome between three and eight students per session. Each one-day Putting Boot Camp is approximately two hours long and begins with introductions and each participant revealing what they perceive to be their weaknesses in putting. We talk about types of putters, the importance of using the same brand and model of golf ball and the training aids and stations used for that day’s camp. We then move on to the proper setup at address and the stroke itself using putting mirrors. During this time, each participant uses the Eyeline Golf Sight Line System to match their perception of their aim with its reality. After a short break, we reconvene for drills that put an emphasis on speed and distance control. We also conduct games to put the students’ newfound skills to the test. Finally, we wrap up with a quick summary of important points, a brief chat about what they learned and answer any questions they might have.
Stacy Mapel on the business impact of conducting putting boot camps:
Putting Boot Camps not only enable golfers to be laser focused on putting, a part of the game that usually garners the least amount of a golfer’s limited practice time, but are a way to either attain or retain golfers within our coaching ecosystem. They may have already attended a clinic or private lesson and wanted to stay active within our golf academy. On the other hand, this might be their first program with us and will now pursue some of our other learning opportunities. Ideally, golfers get the most out of each session and want to return. These relationships often develop into long-term connections that result in increased business and better golfers. I ensure each golfer leaves with my business card, and I encourage students to visit my website to explore our other programs or work with me on an individual basis. Specialized camps and clinics, such as Putting Boot Camps, enhance your lesson offerings and attract some students you may not have otherwise welcomed to your course.
If you would like to email the author of this Best Practice directly, please email smapel1@gmail.com.
