Junior Sports + Youth Programming

Hannah White shares how the Back 2 School Bash reflects a broader shift toward creating more reasons for members to use their club.

Champions Run transformed into an immersive K-Pop Demon Hunters experience featuring themed entertainment, activities, food stations and character interactions.

A role-reversal event allowed junior sailors and tennis players to teach instructors their respective sports, combining leadership development, social interaction, and friendly competition.

For one country club in western Michigan, a strategic approach to recruiting and training new caddies demonstrates how less is more.

Ami’s Big Day at Lakewood Country Club is a collaborative project written by employees to strengthen team culture, engage young families, and showcase what makes the club special, all through the eyes of a dog.

As clubs place greater emphasis on family engagement, youth are increasingly being recognized as members whose experience shapes retention, culture, and long-term value.

Matt Kilgariff, PGA, Director of Player Development at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe, warns of the “hidden costs” of junior golfers playing with clubs that are too long or too heavy.

Learning from peers is always one of the best ways to become a better youth instructor, says Assistant Golf Professional Abby Parsons. Asking advice from coworkers and golf professionals around the country is always beneficial.

“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…

Parents often miss the bigger picture when introducing their children to a sport at their club, which is to help develop athletic qualities that the kids can use and that can translate not just to golf or tennis, but any sport.

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…

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

With an eye to both the present and the future, general managers and activities directors are finding new ways to keep kids active and engaged year-round through a broader range of athletic endeavors. 

Youth camps, for both sports and a variety of other activities, are proving to be an especially attractive way to please younger members—and their “paying customer” parents.