Tessa Teachman, the 2024 Philadelphia PGA Section Player Development Award Winner, is a PGA of America Assistant Golf Professional at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
Tessa Teachman on the importance of understanding the keys to successful programming:
I started playing golf with my father in our backyard when I was just three years old. He was an excellent golfer who spent a lot of time nurturing my love for the game, and is a huge reason why I enjoy golf the way I do. After a successful collegiate career and several years pursuing the game professionally, I fell in love with teaching. Reaching out to former coaches and friends has allowed me to continue learning and to be a better coach, mentor and professional. I have facilitated more than two dozen programs during my first few years as a PGA of America Golf Professional, ranging from Beginner 101 classes to advanced golf schools. Some of my favorite clinics focus on a well-rounded approach to golf – mental strength, TPI assessments, Yoga for Golf, Breakfast Club (morning golf clinics followed by mimosas), Operation 36, group-specific clinics and Sharp Shooters for short game work. I implement technology in my coaching and instruction, using Trackman and video in all my clinics. I also include training aids, videos, reference materials, apps for tracking stats and mental strength workbooks in my clinics. Offering a variety of options to gain new students and answer the question of “What’s next?” is vital to programming success. Additional keys to successful programming are the follow-up emails and lesson notes I provide. I ensure each student has a firm understanding of the information covered and access to it in the form of a Cliff Notes email or handout for each topic to reference during their practice between lessons.
Tessa Teachman on the business impact of understanding the keys to successful programming:
A focus on women and juniors must be sustained for the growth of the game. Women are the fastest-growing segment in golf and often make the most financial decisions at a golf club. In fact, I have had a lot of great clinics and lessons with young females, mothers and wives who want to learn how to play for two primary reasons: 1) to make an impact at work, and 2) to be able to play with their spouses and family. Similarly, junior golf has grown to levels that we couldn’t have imagined a decade or two ago. There are many more opportunities for juniors than ever before – PGA Jr. League, Operation 36, golf camps, clinics and exposure for junior girls to see other successful female professionals. I base a large part of my coaching philosophy on having a firm understanding of why we do things in golf and within the golf swing. As complicated as the game could be, I strive to make it easily digestible, with an emphasis on teaching for understanding and creating relationships around golf, instead of just teaching lessons.
If you would like to email the author of this Best Practice directly, please email tessa.nicole.teachman@gmail.com.
