ABOUT ME
I have been a golf professional for over 15 years and although I had worked for several country clubs and found the work enjoyable, I still found myself looking for something more fulfilling. In 2006, I made one of the most career rewarding decisions I have ever made, to focus all my efforts on teaching golf to children ages 4 and older.
The challenge we face today is making golf one of a child’s top five choices. Currently, children are choosing other activities to fill their free time, with team sports, karate, dance, music, and video games being their top five. How did I overcome this challenge? I believe in order for a child to try a new activity and stick with it there has to be certain elements that exist. First, the choice must be fun. Secondly, they can participate with their friends. Finally, they have to experience some level of improvement. A child will play with a stick for 30 minutes if it is fun. This is my approach to the challenge, which starts in the schools where future junior golfers are waiting to be discovered.
There is an old adage that says, “No man stands so tall as he who stoops to help a child”. What a wonderful philosophy and one to which I am totally committed. I am not a doctor, lawyer, or brilliant scientist. I am a golfer. As such, this is the best way that I can help a child. Although I enjoy the title of Professional Golfer, I must never let this become an obstacle between me and the child with whom I am working. I have found that building a relationship with a child is easy if only you are willing to recognize and respect them for who they are. There are many times when the teacher must become the student. There are times when throwing a water balloon is far more fun than swinging a golf club. There are times when a shoulder to cry on is far more important than the art of gripping a club. Above all else, there is always a time to encourage – never a time to criticize.
OUR PHILOSOPHY AT OHIO JUNIOR GOLF ACADEMY
To create a FUN environment in which every student will improve his or her own golf game, while meeting other young golfers. Each student will gain a greater knowledge regarding the rules of golf, etiquette, short game, full swing, course management, and how to practice correctly. Whether your child is new to the game or a college-bound athlete, we have a program that will teach them correctly so they can reach their personal goals.
PERSONALIZED INSTRUCTION
The student to staff ratio will not exceed 8:1. This ratio allows each and every student to receive personalized attention. Thus, students are always grouped by age and skill level. Our staff believes a student doesn’t care “How much we know until they know how much we care”.
