Noah Horstman

Please indicate past awards won/recognitions:
PGA Section Teacher of the Year, 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):
2023 PGA National Youth Player Development Award Finalist 2023, 2020 US Kids Golf Top 50 Kids Coach 2023 Operation 36 Top 50 Master Coach Award Winner 2023 GRAA Top 50 Growth of the Game Elite Member Status 2022, 2019 Operation 36 Top 50 Coach Award Winner 2020, 2021, 2022 GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional 2022 US Kids Top 50 Honorable Mention 2021 Pacific Northwest PGA Youth Player Development Award Winner 2021 Oregon PGA Youth Player Development Award Winner 2021 US Kids Golf Top 50 Honorable Mention 2017-2019 GRAA Top 50 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional 2019 Oregon Chapter PGA Player Development Award Nominee 2018 Northern Ohio Section PGA Player Development Award Nominee 2017, 2018 Northern Ohio Section PGA Teacher of the Year Nominee 2014 & 2016 Northern Ohio Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2016 PGA National Player Development Award Nominee 2015 Northern Ohio Section Youth Player Development Award Winner 2015 PGA National Teacher of the Year Nominee Callaway Master Fitter Flightscope Certified Professional US Kids Certified Instructor NG360 Golf Fitness PGA Magazine Ambassador Taylormade National Fitting Council Puma Brand Ambassador OPGA Player Development Committee Member

Total number of individual lessons given per year:
Male: 500
Female: 400
Junior: 1100

Total number of individual clinics given per year:
Over 500

Please indicate any Growth of the Game initiatives your facility/academy has launched over the past year (please give specifics on such programs):
Through partnerships with local school districts, private schools, and community organizations like the YMCA, I’ve witnessed the remarkable impact of the Golf in the Schools/ Golf in the Parks program on all aspects of Youth Player Development and growth. Having introduced golf to over 8,000 children throughout my career, this program plays a pivotal role in providing opportunities for youngsters who may not have otherwise experienced the sport due to various commitments and limitations.

Golf in the Schools/Golf in the Parks has been meticulously designed to introduce the game of golf in school environments and other community organizations equipped with gymnasiums or outdoor fields. Beginning in the gym, this program employs SNAG (Starting New At Golf) equipment, creating a high-energy atmosphere that fosters both fun and fundamental learning, enabling children to experience success in the sport.

The Stair Step Approach:

Step 1: In my initial visit to a new school, I actively engage with each grade level during their PE class, conducting games and introducing the kids to the world of golf. Many of these children have never even held a golf club, and witnessing their joy as they see the ball take flight is truly heartwarming. It is crucial at this stage that each child recognizes themselves as “golfers” and their homework is to proudly inform their parents of this newfound identity.

Step 2: Following the introductory golf class at a school, I tailor additional programs to suit the unique needs and preferences of each institution. These programs can take various forms, including:

Four-week classes: Providing golf instruction for four consecutive weeks during PE classes. This model boasts the highest success rate in converting young golfers to on-course play.

Monthly classes: Conducting PE classes every quarter. While effective, conversion to on-course play typically occurs between weeks 3 and 6.

Quarterly classes: Teaching PE classes or organizing field days involving multiple grades. This approach initially has a lower conversion rate, but it’s remarkable how many calls we receive from students even a year later.

Step 3: Recognizing that many families lack the time and resources to bring their children to a golf course, I bring the golf course to them through after-school programs. These programs establish golfing environments at schools, allowing kids to continue their development and learn life skills that extend far beyond the golf course.

Step 4: The next phase involves on-course programs, often in the form of field trips to West Coast Golf Academy. Here, young golfers can participate in complimentary clinics or play days on the golf course. The conversion rate to dedicated golfers significantly increases when these youngsters complete their first nine holes on the course. The course setup is designed for their abilities, and they may walk the course while focusing on putting and learning essential rules and etiquette.

Step 5: Young golfers are invited to join our entry-level programs, including but not limited to PGA Junior League, PGA Sports Camp, Drive Chip and Putt, Junior FUNdamentals of Golf, USGA/ LPGA Girls Golf, Little Linkstars, and Operation 36.

Step 6: Building strong relationships with the entire family is paramount. While it is essential to support and nurture the young golfer, fostering a positive relationship with the entire family is equally critical. Often, what begins as a child’s introduction to golf evolves into a family-wide involvement within a matter of weeks, highlighting the transformative power of Golf in the Schools.

Career Golf in the Schools Statistics:
Number of Schools Participating: Nearly 50
Number of new golfers created: Over 8,000
Number of new golfers on the Course: Over 3,000
Number of families Created: Over 1,000
Number of total golfers Created (including kids and family members): Nearly 10,000

In terms of revenue generation, while it’s challenging to quantify the profound impact of this program, a conservative estimate suggests that if a family spends $3,000 on golf-related expenses during their child’s introduction to the sport, my Golf in the Schools program has contributed to generating $30,000,000 for the golf industry in their introductory year alone.

Fall and Beyond Vision:
Recently, I met with the Ashland, Oregon YMCA, which boasts over 8,000 members. Our collaborative efforts will soon introduce Golf in the Schools programs at the YMCA campus, with local schools bussing children ages 3 and up to learn the game. These programs will comprise four weekly classes, with two weeks held at the YMCA and two weeks at Oak Knoll Golf Course. Our vision extends to leveraging the Golf Garage, a 20,000-square-foot indoor training facility currently under construction and set to open in May. This facility will serve as a stepping stone to further connecting young golfers to the golf course.

In essence, golf has enriched my life through meaningful relationships, and it is the life skills that the game imparts on a daily basis that fuels my passion for developing Golf in the Schools. There is no better way to make a positive impact on the next generation, and I firmly believe that every community should embrace a Golf in the Schools program.

I am most excited about a non profit I have launched called West Coast Golf Association that is working to raise over $500,000 in 18 months for Southern Oregon junior golfers in need. The kick off event is November 15th at Golf Garage!

Please share any programming you have made to keep your customers & students engaged:
The following is an outlook at the youth programs stair step approach at West Coast Golf Academy. This is the same approach I take with my adult ladies and men. In addition I add in group travel and golf schools along with themed events that allow any age and ability golfer access to the game.

Throughout my career, I have created over 1,000 distinct youth player development programs, with an additional 150 programs successfully implemented at West Coast Golf Academy in the past 12 months alone. This extensive experience equips me with a wealth of knowledge in the art of designing and executing programs that consistently yield remarkable results. Furthermore, I’ve extended my expertise by providing consultation services to other clubs and professionals, assisting them in crafting effective programs tailored to their facilities.

At West Coast Golf Academy (WCGA), our commitment to devising a comprehensive plan for the success of our junior golfers is paramount. With nearly two decades dedicated to youth player development as my primary focus within the industry, I have consistently strived to evolve and adapt our junior player development programming to meet the ever-changing needs of our aspiring golfers.

In this pursuit, I’ve established a well-defined and structured stair-step approach to junior golf development, ensuring that each program we offer has a meaningful impact on the next stage of a junior golfer’s journey.

More recently, I’ve introduced “defined standards” that underpin all our programs designed for progression. These standards emphasize not only golfing proficiency but also character development, mandating community service as an integral component of the program. This holistic approach not only encourages good play but also instills values and a sense of community engagement in our young golfers.

Junior Golf Feeder System:
To ensure the success of our junior golfers at West Coast Golf Academy (WCGA), I’ve consistently prioritized youth player development over my nearly 20 years in the industry. I’ve continually adapted and improved our junior player development programming. Recently, I’ve introduced “defined standards” for all our programs aimed at leveling up. These standards not only emphasize golfing proficiency but also instill character by incorporating community service as a key component.

Little LinkStars (Ages 3-6):
This program holds immense potential, catering to parents seeking sports activities for their young children. To create a secure and enjoyable learning environment for these “Little LinkStars,” I’ve collaborated with a PGA associate possessing expertise in early childhood development. We actively encourage parental involvement in this class, often led by mothers, and have observed its positive influence on building participation in our adult and family programs. This weekly program runs throughout the year, maintaining a low student-to-teacher ratio of no more than 5:1.

Golf in the Schools/Golf in the Parks:
Arguably the most influential program in growing the game of golf, this initiative has been made possible through community partnerships with local schools and organizations like the YMCA, which also collaborates with specific local schools. West Coast Golf Academy has seized a significant opportunity to introduce golf to all children residing in our area by working closely with these organizations.

Career Golf in the Schools Statistics:
Number of Schools Participating: Nearly 50
Number of new golfers created: Over 8,000
Number of new golfers introduced to the Course: Over 3,000
Number of families Created: Over 1,000
Number of total golfers Created between kids and family members: Nearly 10,000
Revenue Generation: Priceless, but in the first year, if a family spends $3,000 on golf, clubs, and food, it translates to helping generate $30,000,000 for the golf industry through youth player development via my golf in the schools program during the golfers’ introductory year.

PGA Junior League (Beginner-Advanced):
Since 2013, I’ve been actively involved in PGA Junior League as a captain. Last year marked the inaugural season of a PGA Junior League Team at WCGA, which hosted two seasons. Our team achieved the remarkable feat of tying for first place in the conference. With over 200 kids participating in this program over the years, we’re working towards making it a year-round offering.

USGA/LPGA Girls Golf (Beginner-Advanced):
Until recently, I was the sole USGA/LPGA Girls Golf site director and program provider in the area. I’ve set an ambitious goal of introducing 400 new girls to the game in the next four years. Thanks to partnerships with the Golf in the Schools program and the YMCA, this goal is becoming a reality.

WCGA PGA Weekly Camps (Beginner-Intermediate):
Originally launched in collaboration with PGA Camps and now operated by WCGA, these week-long camps have proven highly effective in teaching the fundamentals of golf and encouraging ongoing engagement with the sport. A typical camp accommodates an average of 10-15 kids for either three or five days, running from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Operation 36 (Beginner-Advanced):
As a Top 50 Operation 36 Coach, this program has significantly enhanced WCGA’s youth player development efforts. Operating on a ten-level teaching process, known as “Game Golf,” it emphasizes on-course learning. Op 36’s integration into our intermediate and elite-level programming, with the use of the Op 36 app, enables us to track statistics and appropriately place juniors in more advanced programs.

PGA Sports Camp (Beginner-Intermediate):
This program, implemented to enhance athleticism among our students, involves collaboration with our Golf Performance Specialist. It focuses on improving coordination, strength, speed, and balance in junior golfers. Activities include unique exercises such as putting on one foot with eyes closed to develop proprioception. Parents have praised this program for its role in building physical strength and situational awareness in their children, which translates to improved golf skills.

West Coast All Stars “WAS” (Intermediate):
Introduced to bridge the gap between Operation 36 and Elite Academy, this brand-new program plays a vital role in WCGA’s “stair-step approach” to junior golf. To qualify for this program, students must meet certain criteria, including achieving a 200-yard drive in the Operation 36 model. Typically, sessions maintain a student-to-teacher ratio of 4:1, with eight youth golfers per session.

High School Competitive Advantage (Intermediate-Advanced):
Designed for middle school and high school students aspiring to excel in school golf and summer tournaments, this program operates on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. It offers an affordable price point of $15 per class when students commit to a three-month program. Currently, we have over 30 kids from local area schools actively participating.

Elite Academy/Global Academy (Advanced):
As the most advanced program at WCGA, the Elite Academy caters to juniors who display exceptional passion and aptitude for the game. Entry is typically by invitation, based on factors such as work ethic, maturity, and community involvement. The program encompasses 24 hours of group coaching per month, including two private coaching sessions. We emphasize mental performance, fitness, nutrition, and offer discounts on participation in the Southern Oregon Junior Golf Tour and equipment.

In addition to these programs, I have established partnerships with four green grass facilities, with plans to expand to two more. These facility partnerships have proven mutually beneficial, bringing in new revenue streams and increasing golfer engagement during non-peak hours. The concept of a golfer starting at a particular facility holds lasting value and may eventually lead them to choose it as their home club. Effective communication and promotion from both the golf professional staff in the golf shop and the PGA coach have been instrumental in the success of these partnerships and the overall growth of youth player development.