EL SEGUNDO, CA–Private golf lessons, working in a golf pro shop and playing in various satellite tournaments are the major sources of revenue for most teaching pros…that is until Total Golf Adventures (TGA) entered the golf landscape about four years ago with a unique at-school, after-school golf enrichment program for youngsters K-8 that transitions students to the golf course.
Five years into its growth cycle, TGA, a California-based company, has locations operating in 22 states with 43 programs providing new revenue sources for close to 300 PGA professionals. TGA and its territories will reach more than 45,000 youngsters by year’s end running after school programs in more than 1,500 schools and school systems and more than 225 camps across the nation. Of the total number of programs currently being operated, half of them are owned and operated by PGA and LPGA professionals.
“We have found that Class A PGA Members, PGA Apprentices and LPGA teaching professionals make excellent business owners and teachers,” says Joshua Jacobs, founder and president of TGA. “Not only do they understand how to run and grow a business, but they also possess the ability to teach golf while realizing the importance of growing the game.”
Troy Lewis, owner of the West Dallas/Ft. Worth territory, sums up it best. “As a full-time PGA teaching professional, I learned quickly that there are some times in the year that are just not as conducive to teaching golf as I would like. When I considered how to supplement my income in those down times,
“I found TGA and thought it might be a good fit in the winter. I see other teachers looking outside of golf for supplemental income, but I am happy to say I found a way to do this within the golf industry that grows the game. It turns out that TGA is really a year-round business that helps promote golf in the community and steers kids to the courses for additional lessons as they develop. I’ve expanded my teaching business and influence on kids in the area through the team of coaches I have developed over the past few years.
“We run numerous summer camps and we see a dramatic difference in the golf skills and understanding of the kids who had been through a TGA class or two as compared to those who only take golf in the summer. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to be involved with TGA – during the school year, I simply did not see many kids out at the course. Now, with our TGA classes going to PE classes and offering after school programs, kids as young as five-years old can try it out and see if they like it. The ones that do, improve steadily and truly enjoy the game,” Troy adds.
Through his experiences at various types of golf facilities, his work with all levels of players, and through his involvement on various committees (including the 1st TGA Curriculum Committee and the 2008 NTPGA Grow the Game Committee), Troy has developed a strong foundation for his philosophies and shown a successful track record in teaching. Thus, he was recently named 2008 NTPGA (Northern Texas Professional Golfer’s Association) Metro Chapter Teacher of the Year.
“As a PGA Professional and director of TGA of Montgomery County, MD, I have been able to combine my dream of owning my own business, while teaching a game that I have loved my entire life,” says Matthew Berman. “The satisfaction of seeing the smiles on children’s faces, as they first realize how much fun golf can be, is something that is difficult to put into words. I have had parents of young children thanking me for introducing their children to this wonderful game. Time after time, I have heard students make such comments as, ‘this is the most fun I ever had!’ The success of the TGA program is seen in the fact that the vast majority of students continue in the program year after year. ”
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. TGA’s 5 Level Program uses curriculums developed by PGA and LPGA Golf Professionals and child development and education experts. Their input has ensured that TGA’s curriculums reinforce educational concepts such as arithmetic and reading, while teaching golf. In addition, the TGA program promotes and teaches golf’s life values intrinsic to the game of golf through our unique character development initiative:
Respect – for the game, their partners, and the golf course
Honesty
Teamwork – classes include competition, and skills contests
Sportsmanship – good sportsmanship is fundamental to the TGA curriculum and is rewarded in classes
Commitment and Integrity
TGA supplies its Territory Owners with the tools they need to succeed through building a strong corporate base of supporters which supply a variety of services and products to TGA territories. Just added to a growing list of partners/sponsors is Staples® which provides printed marketing solutions for all TGA territories. Participating with TGA are: Nicklaus Golf Equipment, the official provider of junior golf clubs; Garb, Inc., the official provider of apparel for participants and staff; Divix Golf, Almost Golf Ball’s P3 Ball and IZZO Golf. Total Golf Adventures (www.totalgolfadventures.com) is endorsed and named as the official junior golf initiative by the National High School Golf Coaches Association (NHSGCA) and the Golf Range Association of America (GRAA); is a national supporting organization of the After School Alliance and Lights on Afterschool, are a corporate advocate and a partner of the President’s Challenge on Physical Fitness.
Contact:
ALAN TAYLOR: alan@alantaylorconsulting.com
561 392 1740 or cell phone 516 (NY) 8351151.
