Bridget Ackley

Please indicate past awards won/recognitions:
GRAA Growth of the Game Teaching Professional, Golf Digest Best in State, Other (Indicate specific awards in 3-a below)

Other awards won (if provided):
2026-2027 Golf Digest Best in State, 2024 South Florida PGA Section Player Development, 2021 South Florida PGA Section Youth Player Development, 2024 U.S. Kids Master Kids Coach, 2020-2024 GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional, 2023 U.S. Kids Top 50 Coach, 2021 Southeast Chapter Youth Player Development, 2020 U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Coach

Total number of individual lessons given per year:
Male: 200
Female: 150
Junior: 400

Total number of individual clinics given per year:
550

Please indicate any Growth of the Game initiatives your facility/academy has launched over the past year (please give specifics on such programs):
Over the past year, The Park West Palm has strengthened its commitment to growing the game through innovative and inclusive programming designed to engage players of all ages and abilities. As the Junior Golf Leader, I oversee and coach all junior-focused programs with the goal of elevating each participant’s experience year after year.

A key focus of my coaching philosophy is to build the athlete first to develop strong, confident, and well-rounded juniors before refining golf-specific skills. I integrate principles from my TPI Junior Level 3 certification, the PGA’s American Development Model (ADM), and the U.S. Kids Golf Player Pathway Program to create programming that blends athletic development, skill progression, and most importantly, FUN.

Highlights from this past year include the continued expansion of PGA Jr. League, growing from two to three teams and now offered across four annual seasons, allowing players to enjoy consistent, year-round team golf experiences. I also run weekly junior clinics for ages 5–13 and Birdie Basics sessions for ages 3–5, serving as essential entry points for young families discovering the game.

Beyond junior golf, I lead three six-week PGA HOPE programs at The Park annually, providing free instruction and community for local Veterans. These sessions have fostered camaraderie, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose among participants.

To further strengthen the player pathway, I’ve continued with an annual Drive, Chip & Putt preparation clinic, Breaking 90 & Breaking 100 adult clinics, and Golf 101/201 adult programs, designed to welcome beginners and help returning players gain confidence on the course. These group programs not only grow participation but also build lasting engagement among families and new golfers alike.

Together, these initiatives reflect The Park’s mission to make golf accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable, creating a place where juniors, adults, and Veterans can learn, connect, and thrive. My ongoing goal is to continue evolving these programs through education, mentorship, and innovation to ensure every participant leaves with a stronger game, a better understanding of movement, and a deeper love for golf.

Please share any programming you have made to keep your customers & students engaged:
At The Park West Palm, I focus on creating year-round engagement through consistent, community-driven programming. Juniors stay active through four annual seasons of PGA Jr. League, supported by weekly clinics, Birdie Basics sessions, and multi-sport summer camps that blend fun, movement, and golf development.

To keep programming fresh, I’ve added specialized experiences such as Drive, Chip & Putt prep clinics and co-coached the Shank Safari Golf School with Liz Breed. I’ve also participated with U.S. Kids Golf as a co-coach for two Parent-Child Camps at their Longleaf facility and participated in a Rick Smith Golf School hosted at The Park. These collaborations have elevated instruction quality, engagement, and provided ways I can continue to enhance programming at The Park.

Adult retention continues through various programs like Breaking 90 & 100 and Golf 101 & 201 programs, while PGA HOPE provides Veterans with lasting connection, camaraderie, and access to the game. Together, these programs ensure players of all ages remain motivated, supported, and excited to stay involved in golf year after year.