Sarah Stone

Please indicate past awards won/recognitions:
Golf Magazine Top 100, Golf Digest Best in State, Other (Indicate specific awards below in 3-a)

Other awards won:
Middle Atlantic Central Chapter Teacher of the Year – 2024, Metropolitan Women's Player of the Year – 2021

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

Total number of individual clinics given per year:
160

Please indicate any Growth of the Game initiatives your facility/academy has launched over the past year (please give specifics on such programs):
During the complete golf course renovation project, with the reopening scheduled for July 2025, my primary objective was to maintain member engagement and connection to the club despite the full course closure. To achieve this, we implemented a series of targeted golf programs designed to meet the needs and interests of various member segments.

League-specific programming was developed for the Ladies 9, Ladies 18, and Men’s Senior groups, complemented by a range of general instructional clinics. These offerings provided consistent opportunities for members to remain active, social, and involved within the club’s golf community throughout the renovation period.

In addition, we reintroduced the Terrified to Try program – originally launched in 2017- as a strategic initiative to attract new players and broaden participation. The program included a four-week instructional series, as well as a one-hour introductory session designed to offer a low-commitment introduction for women interested in learning the game.

These initiatives successfully sustained member engagement during the renovation and positioned the club for renewed participation and growth upon the course’s reopening.

Please share any programming you have made to keep your customers & students engaged:
I have consistently demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to player development by designing and implementing programs that are inclusive, engaging, and effective in transitioning beginners into active golfers. Through creative marketing, targeted curriculum design, and a focus on personal connection, her initiatives have driven measurable growth in member participation and instructional revenue.
“Terrified to Try” – Beginner Engagement Program (2021 – Present)
In my first year at Chevy Chase Club, I launched the “Terrified to Try” program – a creative rebranding of beginner instruction modeled after national “Get Golf Ready” programs. By reframing the experience to be more approachable and emotionally resonant, I created a safe, encouraging environment for non-golfers to take their first steps into the game.
• Structure: 4-week introductory series focused on building foundational skills
• Impact: Over 160 new active golfers have joined the GHIN handicap system through this program since 2021
• Result: Increased engagement in club events and beginner-friendly programming
“Play Golf in 4 Weeks” – Transition Program for Developing Players (2017–Present)
To support player development beyond beginner level, I created “Play Golf in 4 Weeks”, a structured follow-up program for graduates of Terrified to Try. This four-week progression bridges the gap between lessons and course play.
• Format: 90-minute weekly sessions (2 skill-building, 2 on-course application)
• Personalization: Optional 30-minute private lesson for targeted improvement
• Content: Includes instruction on etiquette, rules, and pace of play
• Goal: Build comfort, confidence, and consistency to help new players become course-ready
Professional Bag Evaluations – Club Fitting Meets Instruction (2021 – Present)
I developed Professional Bag Evaluations as a hybrid between instructional analysis and club fitting – a unique offering that benefits both members and professionals.
• Duration: 90-minute one-on-one session
• Inclusions: Full bag TrackMan analysis, loft/lie checks, club condition review, and improvement recommendations
• Training: Sarah used her expertise from a 5-day Mitchell Golf School to train her team in:
o Club bending and repairs
o Proper use of TrackMan during fittings
o Evaluating equipment for performance optimization
• Outcomes:
o Increased lesson revenue for assistant professionals
o Boosted club sales and repair income
o Strengthened member trust in the instructional team
Men’s Tour Practice (2017–2019)
At my previous facility, I introduced my first men’s-only instructional series, Tour Practice Tuesdays/Thursdays.
• Format: 1-hour drop-in clinics focused on structured practice
• Participation: Consistently drew over 25 players per session
• Outcome: Became the highest-grossing clinic of 2019, with over 65 men participating throughout the season
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Staff Development & Instructional Culture Building
Coach Councils – Team Education & Collaboration (2021- Present)
I implemented Coach Councils at Chevy Chase to create a collaborative, growth-minded culture within the teaching staff. These bi-monthly sessions are dedicated to:
• Knowledge sharing
• Continuing education
• Teaching standardization
• Interdepartmental cooperation
Topics have included:
• Club fitting and instruction best practices
• Junior golf methodology
• Short game science: low point and spin loft
• Cause & effect in swing mechanics
• Integrating technology: TrackMan & Swing Catalyst
The Councils also foster a culture of shared students, encouraging members to work with multiple instructors based on their needs.
Instructional Leadership through Skill Specialization
I also introduced the concept of “Skill Experts” within the teaching staff, empowering each instructor to choose a specialty area and serve as the go-to resource for that topic. This structure fosters professional ownership and collaborative learning among the staff, while enhancing the member experience.
Current Staff Expertise Areas:
• DECADE Golf – Strategic course management
• US Kids Certification – Junior golf development
• Swing Catalyst – Ground force and swing data
• Flatstick Level 2 Certification – Putting instruction
• Mitchell Golf Club Fitting – Advanced club repair and equipment knowledge
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Conclusion
From grassroots beginner programs to elite staff training systems, my instructional leadership is built on innovation, personalization, and a commitment to long-term player and coach development. My programs have not only improved participation and performance among members – but have also built a sustainable, collaborative coaching environment at Chevy Chase Club.