TJ Yeaton

Please indicate past awards won/recognitions:
PGA Section Teacher of the Year, GRAA Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional, Golf Digest Best in State

Other awards won:
Golf Digest Best Young Teachers, Golf Magazine Teachers to Watch

Total number of individual lessons given per year:
Male: ~800
Female: ~275
Junior: ~150

Total number of individual clinics given per year:
~30

Please indicate any Growth of the Game initiatives your facility/academy has launched over the past year (please give specifics on such programs):
While our facility did not formally operate any PGA of America–branded Growth of the Game programs this year (such as PGA Jr. League or PGA HOPE), we have remained deeply committed to the PGA’s overall mission of expanding participation, inclusion, and long-term engagement in the game through our own facility-driven initiatives.

Over the past year, we have implemented several internally developed programs that closely align with these national objectives, including:

Ladies of the Links Clinics – A 12-week women’s-only group coaching series progressing from short-game fundamentals to full-swing and on-course play. Designed to build skill, confidence, and community among female golfers.

Operation 36 Player Development Program – A structured and goal-oriented pathway for juniors and adults to improve through measurable scoring benchmarks, supervised practices, and guided on-course play.

Long-Term Coaching Pathways – Customized player development programs that combine private instruction, supervised practice, and on-course coaching to foster sustainable growth for committed players.

Weekly Short Game Series – A rotating themed series focusing on putting, chipping, pitching, and bunker play, providing consistent engagement opportunities and skill advancement for players of all levels.

Guest Instructor Golf Schools – Two-day immersive experiences with nationally recognized guest professionals, offering members exposure to world-class coaching and broadening their connection to the game.

While these initiatives were not official PGA programs, they share the same goals—introducing new golfers, retaining active players, and enriching the overall golf experience through structured learning and community engagement.

Please share any programming you have made to keep your customers & students engaged:
Over the past year, we incorporated several initiatives designed to make golf more engaging, inclusive, and developmentally sound for players of all levels. These programs emphasize long-term skill development, on-course application, and a strong sense of community among our members.

Ladies of the Links Clinics: A 12-week women’s-only coaching program that progresses from the simplest, shortest shots in the game to full-swing and on-course coaching. Each week builds on the previous, blending technical skill development with real play, confidence-building, and camaraderie among participants.

Operation 36 Player Development Program: Expanded our Operation 36 framework for both juniors and adults, providing a clear, goal-oriented roadmap for progress. Students work through defined scoring benchmarks while integrating supervised practice and on-course play, fostering measurable improvement and retention.

Long-Term Coaching Programs: Introduced individualized development plans combining private instruction, supervised practice sessions, and on-course coaching. These programs are designed for golfers seeking year-round structure, accountability, and sustainable improvement rather than one-off lessons.

Weekly Short Game Series: A popular rotating program featuring themed sessions on putting, chipping, pitching, and bunker play. Each week offers focused skill-building and competitive practice environments that encourage consistent participation and skill transfer to the course.

Guest Instructor Golf Schools: Hosted multiple 2-day collaborative golf schools featuring nationally recognized guest coaches. These immersive experiences expose members to new perspectives and advanced training environments while elevating the overall instructional culture of the club.