RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — PDI (Player Development Index) and The Golf Performance Academy are proud to announce a comprehensive series of educational sessions and expert-led presentations at the 2026 PGA Show in Orlando, Florida. Beginning January 21, attendees are invited to engage with industry leaders, including four-time PGA TOUR winner Notah Begay III, to explore the future of junior development, mental performance, and AI-driven coaching business strategies.
Featured Presentations and Speaking Events
Navigating New Trends and Developmental Roadmaps in Junior Golf Presented by Roger Knick and Notah Begay III Join Roger Knick, founder of Junior Golf Hub, PDI, and The Golf Performance Center, for a fireside Q&A with four-time PGA TOUR winner and NBC/Golf Channel analyst Notah Begay III. As junior golf experiences unprecedented growth, this session dives into “what’s next” for the game. Knick and Begay will combine data-driven developmental frameworks with unique insights from the helm of the Notah Begay III Junior Golf National Championship to help PGA Professionals effectively develop and retain the next generation of players.
- When: Thursday, January 22, 1:10 pm to 2:00 pm
- Location: Clubhouse Floor
Mind Over Mechanics: Integrating Mental Skills into Modern Coaching Presented by Dr. Josh Brant Dr. Josh Brant, Director of Mental Game at The Golf Performance Academy, will lead a practical session on translating complex psychological concepts into immediate coaching tools. With over a decade of experience working with elite junior and professional golfers, Dr. Brant will demonstrate how to integrate cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness frameworks into daily training to improve performance under pressure.
- When: Thursday, January 22, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Location: OCCC, Room 230 A
The Modern PGA Professional: How Player Development and PDI Can Transform Your Business Strategy Presented by Roger Knick, Tyler Campbell, and Alex Hume This session demonstrates how the PDI framework functions as a powerful business engine. Attendees will learn how to use PDI as a standalone revenue-generating service or an integrated tool for year-round programming. The presentation outlines the full player development lifecycle, from onboarding to assessment and tracking, and introduces the PDI Ambassador opportunity for professionals looking to expand their regional influence.
- When: Wednesday, January 21, 9:45 am to 10:45 am
- Location: OCCC, Room 230 D
Panel Discussion: Using AI for Your Coaching Business Presented by Proponent Group featuring Iain Highfield, Roger Knick, Lynn Marriott, and Pia Nilsson In this forward-looking panel, industry pioneers discuss the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence in the coaching space. Learn how AI can streamline business operations and enhance student outcomes without losing the personal touch of professional instruction.
- When: Thursday, January 22, 10:00 am to 10:50 am
- Location: Room W304A
About PDI
PDI, the Player Development Index, is a comprehensive assessment platform used by coaches and golfers to track improvement across the key skill factors that drive long-term success. It is the first tool designed to consistently measure the holistic combination of golf skills, physical proficiency, mental game, and competitive performance. By bridging the gap between perceived proficiency and reality, PDI empowers coaches to deliver measurable results.
