Matthew Montecucco

Please indicate past awards won/recognitions:
GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional, Other (Indicate specific awards below in 3-a)

Other awards won:
2024 Largest Program in the PNW | 2024 & 2023 National #GameChanger Coach Award | 2024 & 2023 National Top 25 Largest Program Award | 2025 & 2022 WW Chapter Youth Player Development Award

Total number of individual lessons given per year:
Male: ~350
Female: ~75
Junior: ~1000

Total number of individual clinics given per year:
343

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, our mission at Chambers Bay has been to create programs that genuinely grow the game — not just in numbers, but in accessibility, family connection, and long-term engagement. One of our most significant initiatives was the launch of the Winter PGA Jr. League Hybrid, the first program of its kind in our Section. By combining our Winter Game Improvement Academy with structured PGA Jr. League matches, juniors now receive multiple 3-hole competitions throughout the winter at a PGA Championship Golf Course. This innovation keeps players active during the off-season, strengthens skill retention, and establishes a new revenue stream during months that traditionally see lower participation.

Another major growth initiative is our continued expansion of the PGA Jr. League 9U Pilot Program, part of the PGA’s national movement to introduce children ages 4–9 to golf in a more age-appropriate and engaging way. By designing modified formats, parent-caddie roles, and short-course yardages, we created a joyful, developmentally sound entry point for the youngest golfers. This program not only helps children fall in love with golf early, but also provides the earliest pathway into our 13U and 17U divisions.

In 2024, we launched a completely new initiative: Swing as a Family. This program fills a nationwide gap by allowing parents and juniors to learn the game together, side-by-side. It breaks down barriers for adults who have never played before, builds confidence in both generations, and transforms golf into a shared family experience. Many parents who started in Swing as a Family now participate in our clinics, join our PGA Family Golf events, or play recreationally with their children — creating a strong retention loop that benefits both families and the facility.

Family-based programming continued to grow through our PGA Family Golf Series, where Chambers Bay once again hosted the most events in the Pacific Northwest Section. With more than 10 events culminating in the Winter Freeze Championship, families competed, earned Family Cup Points, and celebrated progress throughout the season. This year, our team, The Pickle Chips, proudly finished 2nd at the PGA Family Golf National Championship in Wisconsin, competing at both Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run — an achievement that brought tremendous pride to our community.

Accessibility remains a foundation of our growth initiatives through our Community Equipment Program — “Growing the Youth of Tomorrow Through Golf.” By collecting, refurbishing, and redistributing donated clubs, we remove one of the biggest barriers to entry. This initiative has already provided dozens of juniors with their very first set of clubs, opening the door to players who otherwise would not have been able to begin their golf journey.

Finally, our PGA Jr. League program continues to be one of the largest and most impactful in the country.

In 2023, we had 190 participants.
In 2024, we grew to 308 juniors, ranking 12th nationally among single-facility programs.
In 2024, we grew to 306 juniors, ranking 8h nationally (as of 11/1/25)

Our postseason success included seven teams advancing to Local Qualifiers, two teams to Sectionals, and our 13U All-Star team reaching the Regional semifinals for the first time in program history.

Chambers Bay has now been a Regional Qualifier for four consecutive years, a testament to both player development and program depth.

These initiatives — from youth development to family programs to community outreach — collectively reflect our commitment to growing the game in a meaningful, measurable, and sustainable way. They demonstrate that when a facility invests in accessibility, creativity, and community, it leads to extraordinary growth.

Please share any programming you have made to keep your customers & students engaged:
Keeping students and families engaged at Chambers Bay begins with creating a clear, year-round developmental pathway. I designed a four-season Academy model – Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter – so players never experience long breaks or lose momentum. Each season has its own focus, traditions, and progression points, which gives juniors a reason to stay committed and excited throughout the entire year.

Another core engagement strategy is building a strong sense of community and belonging. “Team Chambers Bay” has become a recognizable identity for our juniors, supported by custom yardage books, medals, challenge coins, and season-launch messages that help players feel part of something special.

Family engagement is another major part of our programming. Our Swing as a Family classes and PGA Family Golf Series bring parents and juniors together in a way that most facilities don’t offer. Families learn, play, and compete side-by-side, earning Family Cup Points throughout the season. This approach has dramatically increased retention, because when parents are connected and enjoying the journey, the kids stay involved longer.

Competitive pathways also keep juniors engaged long-term. From our 9U Pilot Program, to 13U and 17U Jr. League, to the Junior Stroke Play Championship, every player has a clear and age-appropriate next step. Our All-Star program offers advanced players the chance to compete at Local Qualifiers, Sectionals, and even Regionals. These milestone moments keep students dedicated and continually striving for improvement.

Inclusion is also central to our engagement strategy. I’ve been blessed with teaching multiple blind athletes. Adaptive programming for visually impaired and mobility-limited athletes, using customized teaching methods that help every player experience success. These students are fully integrated into our community, enriching the culture and demonstrating that golf is truly for everyone.

Lastly, I maintain engagement beyond the lesson tee through an active digital presence. Through my @MonteInstruction social media platforms, I share lesson highlights, tournament recaps, drills, and messages of encouragement. I personally respond to questions and comments, creating an ongoing connection that keeps students and families engaged even on the days they’re not at Chambers Bay.

Together, these programs create a culture of connection, belonging, and forward momentum—ensuring that juniors and families stay engaged, stay motivated, and stay part of Chambers Bay for the long term.