Matt Kilgariff, PGA Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., says an Instructor Development Program should be designed to elevate the standard of instruction at the club and ensure that instructors are equipped to meet the diverse needs of their students.

Matt Kilgariff, PGA Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe (Calif.), interviews Bryan O’Reilly, the CEO and Co-Founder of Skill Money Games, to learn how individuals can engage in real-money golf challenges based on their skill level.

Matt Kilgariff, PGA Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., says your students should understand their game, have a plan, list their goals, and stick to the process that teachers develop.

Matt Kilgariff, PGA Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., says golfers should seek out a specific type of trainer in the offseason.

Matt Kilgariff, PGA Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe (Calif.) says the easiest and most rewarding way to invest in employees is through encouraging and supporting continued education.

Matt Kilgariff, PGA Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe (Calif.), says embracing guest speakers and instructors, prioritizing staff seminars, and annually introducing new technology are just a few ways to keep the program growing.

Matt Kilgariff, PGA Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe (Calif.) suggests breaking down the practice routine into two main areas: shots within 100 yards, and shots beyond that distance.

Matt Kilgariff, PGA Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe (Calif.), gives his students drills to “quantify their practices,” which helps them experience and measure progress and begin to build confidence.

The type of shot you execute is based on clubface to path relationship, says Matt Kilgariff, Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe (Calif.). The club path in relation to the clubface dictates the direction the ball will curve.

One element of a successful player development program is a strong junior program, says Matt Kilgariff, PGA Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. “Juniors are the future of golf. Junior programs can bring families together and create a sense of community.”

Matt Kilgariff, Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe (Calif.), discusses the benefits of offering state-of-the-art technology for yardage and greens for everyday players.

Matt Kilgariff, PGA Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe (Calif.), interviewed Brad Mason, owner of WhyGolf, to discuss ways club professionals can help their members improve their games.

Just like the golf swing, there is no black-and-white when it comes to which technology is right for you. What Matt Kilgariff, PGA tells individuals when they ask what he would recommend for them is … figure out your budget and then research which technologies would be best for you to enhance your students’ experience.

The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe installed GolfForever training stations at all practice facilities. Members shared that using the program helps to properly prepare them for their round. They also believe it has prevented injuries due to their bodies and muscles being properly warmed when they hit the first tee.

Findings of a National Golf Foundation study indicate that four out of five private club members believe an enhanced driving range with technology is far superior to a standard range. One participant stated, “the difference is night and day.”