Classes are conducted in one hour sessions in age specific, small group classes (maximum 8 students per class). In each fun-filled, activity-based class, participants are exposed to specific golf skills, blended seamlessly with the development of key life skills such as interpersonal communication, self-management, and goal setting. While learning the great game of golf, a natural teacher of important life lessons, it is our hope and mission that participants will develop the following core values: respect, courtesy, honesty, integrity, responsibility, perseverance, confidence, judgment, and sportsmanship.

Each One Hour class begins with an activity or discussion about a specific life skill topic. (i.e Meeting and Greeting, Dealing with Challenges, Staying Well for Life, etc.) Once the life skill has been introduced and understood, then we start specific golf instruction. During this phase of class, teachers help students apply the life skill while learning and improving a specific golf skill through fun games, activities, and drills. Finally, at the end of class, instructors review the material learned and discuss how the life skill helps us do better in golf and life.

Learning how to navigate a golf course and continually improving playing ability is a huge part of our program. In fact, golf lessons have no real impact unless the student is actively playing the game. Time and time again, we see the amazing positive change in students' confidence, performance, and overall enthusiasm when they get out and play the game on a regular basis. This is why Player League Events are mandatory for advancing in our program.

Player League events are on-course outings that provide playing opportunities in a safe and structured environment. Parental participation is required for all juniors under age 11, unless junior is approved by GAVC staff for unsupervised play. Player League Events give our juniors the opportunity to:

1. Play the golf course under the supervision of our professionals, volunteers, and mentors.
2. Meet other junior golfers and make new friends.
3. Learn how to navigate the course at the beginning stages.
4. Improve scoring ability, learn rules and etiquette, and experience non-threatening competition.
5. Have fun that can only be experienced from actually playing the game!

Each Player Event begins with check-in. It is recommended that participants arrive 30-45 minutes early to warm up before going on the course. (Range Balls may not be included at all locations.) Prior to going out on the course, participants are grouped together by age, then by achievement level. Older players tee off first and play 6 to 9 holes, while younger players will tee off later and play 4 to 6 holes. Player League Events last between 1.5 to 2 hours.

Academy Challenges are required to advance in our program. Academy Challenges are exciting golf events, which provide students with an opportunity to:

1. Participate in a skills challenge (driving, approach shots, short game shots, and putting)
2. Complete golf skill requirements to advance to the next stage in the program.
3. Meet other junior golfers and make new friends.
4. Further develop and demonstrate life skills and golf skills.
5. Self-monitor progress and mastery of skills "when it counts."

Each 1.5 hour Academy Challenge begins by gathering the participants together and grouping them by their current level of progress: Target, Par, Birdie, Eagle, or Ace. In their groups, they discuss life skills and golf skills they have learned in class and develop a plan on how they will help them with today's events. Next, each group goes to their respective stations (Driving Range, Chipping Area, and Putting Green) to attempt the skills challenge for their respective level. Then, each group rotates stations until everybody has participated in each one. Each station takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. After completing all events, participants sign and turn in their score cards. Finally, all participants gather for the closing ceremonial competition where students compete in a short game contest and try to win a prize. All results are posted on students Progress Chart within 24 hours.

Learning to effectively practice with a purpose is a major key to the positive development and continuous improvement of any golfer. Purposeful Practice is not mindlessly hitting a bucket of balls, but rather having a specific intention or focus for each and every shot. Purposeful Practice Sessions provide the framework for participants to get the most out of their practice time.

In each 1.5 Hour Purposeful Practice Sessions, participants will be grouped by age and spend 10 - 15 minutes in 5 or 6 different stations. Each station will cover a different shot or part of the game, such as Driving, Iron Shots, Fairway Woods, Putting, Chipping, Pitching, Bunker Shots, etc. Each station will be set up with engaging visuals, games, or clearly defined areas of focus to help students get the most out of each shot. Instructors and volunteers are there to guide participants and coach as needed. One station will be dedicated for students to ask for help on specific shots or parts of their swing. Participation is required for advancement in the program.

Periodically, we will offer special events such as Parent/Player tournaments, special clinics, advancement ceremonies and other fun events. Keep an eye on your emails for upcoming special events!

To foster motivation and continuous learning, The Junior Academy provides 6 levels of achievement challenging participants to develop from new or beginning golfer to skillfully advanced and even tournament ready. To progress from stage to stage, participants must meet minimum participation requirements and achieve a specific level of proficiency in the following areas: Golf Skills, Golf Knowledge, Playing Experience, as well as Life Skill Knowledge and Application.

Stages:

• Red - New Golfer 1
• Orange - New Golfer 2
• Yellow - Beginner
• Green - Advanced Beginner
• Blue - Intermediate
• Black - Advanced