Ben Michelon

Please indicate past awards won/recognitions:
N/A

Other awards won:

Total number of individual lessons given per year:
Male: 100
Female: 80-100
Junior: 500

Total number of individual clinics given per year:
50-75

Please indicate any Growth of the Game initiatives your facility/academy has launched over the past year (please give specifics on such programs):
This year we launched a new initiative called our Junior Express Camps, designed to expand opportunities for our membership beyond just the children of full members. Recognizing that many junior families have busy schedules, we created a flexible program offering three condensed 90-minute sessions focused on the fundamentals of both the short and long game.

Each camp was structured by age group with a dedicated coach assigned, maintaining a 6:1 student-to-coach ratio (maximum 12 golfers per session, with a minimum of 4 required to run). What makes this program unique is its accessibility—Express Camps were opened not only to Regular members, but also to SWR, Intermediate, and NLI categories, reaching an untapped area of our club community.

The results were immediate and impactful. Families who had previously been unable to participate due to scheduling or membership limitations were able to enroll their juniors. As a direct outcome, our junior golf program grew from 120 participants last year to 150 this year. This initiative successfully introduced new families to our junior programming while strengthening our club’s long-term commitment to growing the game.

Please share any programming you have made to keep your customers & students engaged:
As PGA Professionals, we live by the motto “We Love This Game.” With that in mind, our junior golf programs are built around one core mission: helping kids develop a passion for the game. Our goal is not strictly to produce Division I golfers, but rather to create an environment where juniors enjoy learning, competing, and building confidence through golf.

To keep our students engaged, we consistently incorporate games and fun competitions into every session. By creating a light and enjoyable atmosphere, we encourage juniors to learn without feeling pressured. In addition, we actively integrate ADM (American Development Model) activities into our programming. These activities not only help juniors become better overall athletes, but also bring a fresh and unique twist to our practices.

In the summer, we offer four core junior programs designed to provide a clear pathway for every age and skill level:

Future Stars (ages 4–7): An introduction to the game through fun, game-based learning that sparks early interest.

Player Development (ages 8–12): For juniors showing more interest in the game, with a focus on building stronger fundamentals.

PGA Jr. League (ages 8–12): Designed for more advanced and competitive golfers, giving juniors the chance to compete in a team format and experience tournament play.

Interclub Team (ages 13–18): For advanced high school players playing in more serious competitions, preparing them for higher-level play.

With this progression, we provide a structured pathway for juniors of all ages and abilities to grow within the game. Whether a child is picking up a club for the first time or preparing for high school competition, our programs ensure there is an option that fits their passion and goals.