Matt Kilgariff

“When interviewing instructors for your junior program, look for enthusiastic, knowledgeable, experienced, and patient individuals,” says Matt Kilgariff, PGA Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe (Calif.). “Seek out instructors who are excellent communicators and are positive and encouraging.” Second in a two-part series. Read the first article HERE. HIRE THE…

Matt Kilgariff, Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe (Calif.), says we all learn better and faster when learning is made fun. “The best way to break the ice with children and their parents is to set an expectation and assure them that your program “guarantees fun…and results!” He says clubs should…

“The major concern from these golfers is how they struggle with the loss of power and distance,” says Matt Kilgariff, Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe (Calif.). “Focus on how to help them hit the ball farther. What will it take to increase or maintain their swing speed?”

Play-based golf lessons are much better than standing on the practice tee all day. Your students will gain a great appreciation of the course, your vision for them, and the game.

Everyone knows there are no magic pills for improving a golf game. You, as the professional, must trust your knowledge and track record of success. The goal is to make long-lasting, incremental improvements over time. Encourage your students to be patient with you, as well as themselves.

There are countless ‘golfer personality types’ an instructor will encounter. The goal is to know and understand the needs of individuals and to gear teaching accordingly, says Matt Kilgariff, Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe (Calif.).

Matt Kilgariff, Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe (Calif.), says professionals should start the fitting process by “interviewing” the golfer. Questions should be non-judgmental and designed to lead the player to share with you their strengths, areas of opportunities, desired ball flight and short- and long-term goals. 

Matt Kilgariff, PGA, Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., says games where scores are kept will provide real data to help quantify students’ practices and help them know when and how it’s paying off.

Each student is an individual and should be treated as such. Teaching approaches should not be cookie-cutter and each student’s needs and goals must be the priority, to guarantee a successful outcome.

Juniors are the future of golf, and a commitment to quality junior programs must be a large part of your Player Development Program.

If your club has made the decision to dedicate space to building a golf performance center, now is the time to determine the budget, members’ needs and what equipment and technology will fill those needs. Here are some key steps any plan should follow:  • Begin with a budget. We all dream of what a…

Adding a dedicated space for golf performance should be on every club’s to-do list, says Matt Kilgariff, Director of Player Development for The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe (Calif.). “Your investment will lead to benefits throughout the club, from F&B to the pro shop—your members will spend more time and money,” he says.