Where is the next Tiger Woods or Annika Sorenstam? And where will they come from? They are out there, for sure, and one organization is making a concerted effort throughout the United States with a unique at-school, after-school program not just to find the next super star, but to get as many youngsters involved in playing golf.
The effort is under the auspices of Total Golf Adventures, a California-based company that has licensed the concept throughout the country in general two territories in Michigan, in particular with Jeff Van Putten in Southeast Michigan and by Richard Coatta in Oakland, MI.
There are more than 25,000 youngsters already enrolled in the at-school, after-school program 28 programs in 19 states. TGA is one of the leading companies that reaches out to school-age children with golf programs. Using a unique teaching method that supports and reinforces educational concepts taught in school, TGA has created an opportunity for children to develop life enhancement skills, learn and improve their golf game, and have fun.
"The idea of owning my own business within an industry that I have a passion for and providing a lifetime opportunity for many children was the key reason for me launching Total Golf Adventures in Southeast Michigan," said Van Putten, who graduated from Hope College in Holland, MI.
Prior to becoming a licensee, Jeff was a real estate specialist for the National Heritage Academies, a charter school organization.
For Coatta, owning the territory in Oakland is a lifetime dream and allows him to continue with his passion for golf. He started playing golf at 10 and has been an avid golfer ever since. He has a golf teaching certificate from the United Golf Teaching Federation and is working toward his PGA apprenticeship. He has worked at Mystic Creek Golf Course and Bay Pointe Golf Club. He is currently giving lessons at Oakland University.
"Being a golf instructor, I can’t think of anything stronger than teaching the TGA program. Teach them at the age when their motor skills are in development. Teach them the basics of the golf swing, rules and etiquetteâ?¦that will last them a life time," said Coatta.
There well may be another Woods or Sorenstam out there, but the TGA programs extend beyond learning the game of golf and honing the golf swing. A child’s passion for the game of golf grows with a program that expands and improves their motor skills and coordination, encourages their advancement, and builds their confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the TGA program promotes and teaches life values intrinsic to the game of golf:
â?¢ Respect – for the game, their partners, and the golf course
â?¢ Honesty
â?¢ Teamwork – classes include competition, and skills contests
â?¢ Sportsmanship – good sportsmanship is fundamental to the TGA curriculum and is rewarded in classes
â?¢ Commitment and Integrity
"We are excited to have Van Putten and Coatta operating programs in Michigan. Not only is TGA a solid business venture, it provides our licensees with the opportunity to give something back to their community," said Joshua Jacobs, President and CEO of this fast-growing national youth program. "Our success in two short years is primarily due to several facts. "First, the entrepreneurial energy of our territory managers; second, there is strong interest among youth of America for golf program and lastly, schools are craving for at-school, after-school, realistic programs."
The TGA curriculum was developed with input from PGA Professionals and PhD’s in Child Development and Education. Their input has ensured that TGA reinforces educational concepts such as arithmetic and reading, while teaching golf. Students learn to: keep score, count strokes (addition/subtraction); judge distances to the golf hole; (visual perception); and, study golf rules and etiquette (reading rule books by the National Golf Foundation or in the case of younger children, identifying with pictures).
TGA uses junior golf clubs in four different sizes and the Almost Golf Ballâ?¢, new practice ball designed to be safe for children and easy to hit. Students’ sense of achievement and accomplishment is fostered as they move through a five level program designated by the TGA colors. In addition to instruction during the five levels, students are introduced to the rules, etiquette, and fundamentals of golf; then transitioned to learning how to play on a golf course. Finally, the advanced level students are prepped to play competitively through TGA and PGA Section teachings.
Total Golf Adventures (www.totalgolfadventures.com is based El Segundo, CA. and operates 32 programs in 23 states. Since launching in Fall of 2004, TGA instructors have taught more than 25,000 children in over 600 schools. TGA is endorsed and named as the official junior golf initiative by the Golf Range Association of America (GRAA); is a national supporting organization of the After School Alliance, is a corporate advocate and partner of the President’s Challenge on Physical Fitness.
Contact:
Alan Taylor
Alan Taylor Consulting, Inc.
561-3921740
alan@alantaylor.com
Jeff Van Putten
TGA of SE Michigan
152 North Mill
Plymouth, MI 48170
tgaofmichigan@sbcglobal.net
(616) 633-2400
Richard Coatta
TGA of Oakland County
8100 Pontiac Lake
White Lake, MI 48386
tgaoaklandco@sbcglobal.net
(248) 496-6464
