Thomas Hawkeye Valdez

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

Other awards won:
Golf Digest Best Young Teachers in America 2021-2022, GOLFTEC Outstanding Acheievement in Instruction award 2014-2023

Total number of individual lessons given per year:
Male: 725
Female: 250
Junior: 300

Total number of individual clinics given per year:
180

Please indicate any Growth of the Game initiatives your facility/academy has launched over the past year (please give specifics on such programs):
Last year, I launched an after-school Off-Campus PE program called Par and Play PE, designed specifically for middle school golfers. Due to its success, the program expanded into a summer version, Summer Par and Play, which achieved record participation numbers.
The program is structured to help young golfers prepare for high school golf and tournament competition. Each week includes one on-course play day and two practice days. To further enhance player development, practice sessions were expanded to two hours, consisting of 90 minutes of golf instruction and 30 minutes of strength and conditioning training with our APEX trainers in the APEX Gym. I collaborate closely with the APEX team to improve participants' coordination, balance, core strength, and speed through specialized training and the use of Mach 3 speed development tools.

A unique aspect of the program is its accessibility. Participants are not required to be members, allowing more young golfers the opportunity to develop their skills in a structured environment.

The program has experienced significant growth. Enrollment increased from 8 participants in its inaugural year to 23 players during the summer session. This school year, we have 17 students enrolled in the Off-Campus Par and Play PE program.
To promote engagement and competitive development, we track weekly statistics and incorporate a season-long points system modeled after the Stableford format. Players earn points based on performance metrics such as fairways hit and putting statistics, with bonus opportunities for achievements like avoiding three-putts and maximizing fairways hit. In addition, we incorporate team competition formats including alternate shot, scramble, and best ball. Special events such as Girls vs. Boys competition weeks further enhance the experience and foster camaraderie among participants.

The program provides approximately seven hours of instruction and development opportunities each week, combining golf instruction, competitive play, physical development, and performance tracking to create a comprehensive pathway for young golfers preparing for higher levels of competition.

Please share any programming you have made to keep your customers & students engaged:
I have significantly expanded our PGA Jr. League program, growing participation to more than 75 unique players this year. Due to increased demand and engagement, the program now offers an equal number of practice days and match play opportunities. We are also expanding from a single combined group to separate sessions for players ages 9 and under and 10-13, allowing for more age-appropriate instruction and development. Each season now serves between 30 and 50 participants, and PGA Jr. League has evolved into a year-round program at Trophy Club Country Club.

In addition to PGA Jr. League, I facilitate two to three on-course instructional sessions per week. These small-group experiences allow me to work directly with one to three students at a time in a real playing environment. During each session, students play several holes while receiving strategic instruction focused on course management, target selection, decision-making, and shot execution. We regularly review situations that create discomfort or result in higher scores and develop strategies to improve performance under pressure. When necessary, we revisit specific holes that challenge players in order to teach risk management, reduce penalty strokes, and build confidence on the course.

To support long-term player development, we have a well developed programming to help our juniors advance in their game. Our Crush It! program introduces beginners to the fundamentals of golf and prepares them to advance into PGA Jr. League and eventually our competitive Par and Play program. Beyond junior programming, we also offer Golf Schools, beginner clinics through Game On, and Scoring University programs for adults.
Collectively, these programs provide a comprehensive development model that serves members, guests, and non-members alike. By offering opportunities for golfers of all ages and abilities to learn, improve, and enjoy the game, we have created an inclusive and engaging environment that continues to drive participation and player development throughout the club.