WEST ST. LOUIS, MO—You’ve coached elementary school volleyball and basketball for several yearsâ?¦you’re an avid golfer and have a passion for business and kidsâ?¦the future of golf rests with the growth of the sport at the grass roots level. So why not combine you’re love for golf and your ability to coach youngsters into a new career?
That is exactly what Kevin Carr did when he purchased the West St. Louis (Franklin and St. Louis counties) territory for Total Golf Adventures, the fast growing at-school, after-school golf program in the country.
The addition of the West St. Louis territory brings TGA’s outreach to 21 states with 35 territories and programs in more than 750 schools. Since its inception nearly four years ago, TGA has put through more than 25,000 students in this unique teaching program.
"I’ve been in the customer service industry for the last 15 years, the last three as a supervisor of client services at R.S.M. McGladrey, a payroll service company in this area. I also have been coaching elementary school volleyball and basketball at St. Francis Borgia Grade School for four years. Working in customer service enabled me to develop a feel for handling and working with people of all typesâ?¦coaching at the elementary school level has given me a keen insight to the mindset of parents, the needs of school administrations and, of course, what it means to the youngsters," said Carr.
"From a golf standpoint, I have been playing since I was 10 and currently play to a 12 handicap. Hence, building this territory for TGA is giving me an opportunity to build my own business combine it with my knowledge of the educational system with my love for the game of golf," he added.
Total Golf Adventures, TGA of West St. Louis, is his avenue to do just that. Golf is a sport that is meant to be fun, exciting and rewarding. Lifelong skills can be learned through the game of golf and quality time with friends and family is endless. Students, both young and old, enjoy spending time with Kevin to learn or improve their game of golf.
As owner of a TGA territory, it will be Carr’s responsibility to build at-school, after-school programs in as many schools as he can and then transition the students to at course programming.
"His spirit and passion for business and kids is what we want from our territory managers," said Joshua Jacobs, CEO and founder of this California-based company. "In the short time we have been operating at-school, after-school programs, we have introduced golf to more than 25,000 youngsters in more than 750 schools in 20 states with 34 territories.
"Kevin’s background and passion are a great combination for us," says Jacobs. "When we look for new territory managers, we look for someone deeply rooted in their community with a drive to grow the game and introduce youngsters to the game. Kevin certainly meets those criteria."
TGA’s 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 contest
â?¢ Sportsmanship – good sportsmanship is fundamental to the TGA curriculum and is rewarded in classes
â?¢ Commitment and Integrity
"We are excited to have Kevin join our team. Not only is TGA a solid business venture, it provides our managers with the opportunity to give something back to their community," said Jacobs. "Our success 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 programs, 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 authentic golf clubs from Nicklaus Golf Equipment, and the P3 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 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, are a corporate advocate and a partner of the President’s Challenge on Physical Fitness.
Contact:
FOR TOTAL GOLF ADVENTURES:
ALAN TAYLOR (alan@alantaylorconsulting.com), 516 835 1151
FOR TGA OF WEST ST. LOUIS
KEVIN CARR kcarr@totalgolfadventures.com; Office: 636-390-0485
Cell: 314-805-1144
