Eva Rogers

Please indicate past awards won/recognitions:
GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional

Other awards won:
Golf Digest Best Young Teachers, U.S. Kids Top 50, IPGA Section Nominee: Teacher of the year, Player Development Coach

Total number of individual lessons given per year:
Male: 175-200
Female: 175-200
Junior: 200-225

Total number of individual clinics given per year:
100-120

Please indicate any Growth of the Game initiatives your facility/academy has launched over the past year (please give specifics on such programs):
This past year was a pivotal one for growth-of-the-game initiatives, with a significant increase in both lesson engagement and program offerings. The addition of a short course and an 18-hole putting course provided exciting new spaces for junior golfers and families alike. These facilities became the foundation for added junior clinics and putting-focused game days, which have been highly successful in providing young players with a fun, challenging environment to develop their skills. Both areas allowed us to create a range of new, engaging clinics that bring energy to junior programs and make the game more accessible and enjoyable for young golfers. Additional adult nights have been a blast on the short course and putting course. These evenings provide a great opportunity for adults to unwind, enjoy friendly competition and meet new members.

One of the most successful developments has been the introduction of small group programs. I designed these for both high school students and adults, structured for groups of four people who meet weekly. The intimate group setting provides an ideal balance of personalized instruction and group support, creating an atmosphere where each player is encouraged to push themselves, refine their skills, and connect with others who share a similar passion for the game. These programs have been particularly effective for golfers who are committed to improving and want to build a sense of community. Beyond the two-hour sessions, many of the participants regularly meet to practice or play together, reinforcing the social and communal aspect of the sport that’s so crucial for growth and development.

After seeing the success of small group programs with older kids and adults, I’m now planning to introduce a similar model for younger players. The initial goal was to observe how well this format would work with more experienced or older participants, and it has proven to be an excellent approach for both skill development and community building. Based on these results, I’ve put together a model that will support younger golfers in similar programs, adjusting for age-appropriate instruction and engagement. This expanded format aims to make small group learning accessible to players of any age.

I’ve introduced parent-child events and clinics that have quickly gained popularity, particularly as more moms are getting involved in golf. These events create a wonderful opportunity for families to bond over a shared interest creating a love for the game among all family members. The enthusiasm from parents, especially mothers, has been heartening to see, as they embrace the chance to participate in family-oriented activities and create lasting memories together.

The programs already in place at the club have proven to be a significant source of revenue, and with the introduction of additional offerings, we are now experiencing increased activity during days and nights that were previously slower. This boost in engagement has translated into higher sales across various areas, including club merchandise and pro shop items, as members are more motivated to invest in their golfing experience. Additionally, rounds of golf have seen a marked increase, particularly family rounds, as parents and children take advantage of the opportunities to play together. It’s not uncommon to find many of our members enjoying time at one of the club’s restaurants after their sessions, further solidifying the club as a vibrant social hub. This flourishing atmosphere not only enhances the overall member experience but also contributes positively to the club’s financial health.

Please share any programming you have made to keep your customers & students engaged:
Keeping students engaged and excited about returning to their golf sessions is a fundamental aspect of my teaching philosophy. Over the years, I have developed a variety of programs designed to create a dynamic and enjoyable learning environment that appeals to golfers of all ages. Central to my approach is a game-based and stats-driven programming because it’s tangible progress, teamwork, and healthy competition. By combining structured goals with engaging activities, I ensure that each session is not only productive but also fun, creating a love for the game among my students.

One of the key elements of my programming is the establishment of daily goals that cater to both individual skill development and team building. For instance, during range sessions, students might focus on specific aspects of their game such as improving their driving accuracy, enhancing their short game, or refining their putting technique. Each goal is measurable, allowing students to track their progress over time. These statistics driven framework empowers them to see their improvements firsthand, motivating them to push their limits. Additionally, I implement team-based challenges that encourage camaraderie and support among peers. By creating a community, students feel more connected and invested in their progress, which in turn keeps them engaged in the session.

Competitions are another vital component of my programming that significantly enhances student engagement. I organize various fun and interactive contests, such as target days on the range where I put out dozens of targets including; balloons, pinatas metal target, noodles, hula hoops, and they must hit or be within a certain distance from the targets within a certain time frame or amount of golf balls they are provided. This format not only sharpens their accuracy and focus but also instills a sense of excitement that keeps them motivated. I also do Drive, Chip, Putt Competitions against their friends with a scoreboard. Furthermore, I host Coach vs. Junior challenges, which add an element of friendly rivalry to the learning experience. In these competitions, students enjoy the chance to outscore their coaches, whether during putting contests or on-course challenges. This spirit of competition not only makes practice more enjoyable but also keeps students excited for what’s coming next.

In addition to structured lessons and competitions, I incorporate training aids and technologies to maintain student interest. Utilizing tools such as TrackMan, putting mirrors, and alignment rods, I provide immediate feedback that enhances their understanding of swing mechanics and shot accuracy. This hands-on approach allows students to visualize their progress, making lessons more interactive and engaging. Additionally, I regularly adapt the curriculum to include new drills and activities, ensuring that students remain interested in what each lesson will bring.

For adult learners, I recognize the importance of balancing skill development with practical play, which is why I’ve increased the emphasis with on course development. Instead of spending an all the time on the range, I take my students on the course to complete specific tasks, such as hitting greens in regulation or managing their short game under pressure. This approach not only reinforces their skills in real-game scenarios but also keeps their interest high by adding an element of strategy and challenge.

Lastly, I’ve found that parent-child programs have been incredibly successful in engaging families and strengthening the community. These sessions provide a unique opportunity for families to bond over golf, creating friendly competition for both young golfers and their parents. The increased participation from parents this year has been fantastic, creating an inclusive atmosphere that encourages family involvement in the sport.

My commitment to creating engaging programming for both junior and adult golfers has resulted in a thriving learning environment where students feel excited and motivated to improve. By integrating goal setting, competition, and community-building into my lessons, I inspire a love for the game that encourages students to return time and again, eager to continue their golf journey.