A Note To Our Junior's Parents - 2017

Dear Parents,

Stonebridge Impact Junior Academy welcomes 2017 as a new year filled with improvements and positive change that will certainly help our juniors progress even further. We had a great 2016 at our new facility (Stonebridge) and cannot wait to put some great improvements into play this year. I will outline many of them here, and will follow up with details as each improvement makes its way into our programming.

First off, we have a personnel addition to come this year. To join Coaches Chris, Cassie and Josh, we are excited to announce that Coach Michael will be coming back to join us in May. Michael did a summer internship with me a couple years ago at Eldorado. He will be finishing up his PGA schooling with a 6 month internship with me, and then rolling that over into full time employment as an instructor at the club. Michael brings a different avenue of knowledge to our program as he studies hard on the bio-mechanics and technology side of the game. We will have our Flightscope out and running more often which will give our juniors a different look at the way they play and how they can improve.

As far as the academy goes, we will be expanding the number of tournaments we offer to our juniors. We are going to shoot for one every month, and will still have our “major” events that will qualify each player for the year end playoffs. All our players will have opportunities to play each month as we will break each tournament down into divisions as needed. 

We are going to be adding a fairly big fitness and athleticism component to our programming as well. The golf industry is seeing a sharpe rise in physical fitness and strength programming for elite golfers and we are welcoming the idea of keeping up with that trend. Your junior will not only be a great golfer, but a better and stronger athlete as well. I am certified by TPI (Titleist Performance Institute), and we will be using a lot of their principles in our fitness programming.

Our program curriculum will be more defined and specific to each groups needs for improvement. We will also be emailing out junior progress reports that gives you (parents) a better idea of how your juniors is learning and improving, as well as some areas that need to be addressed at home to facilitate their improvement during training. There will also be a mental game addition to our curriculum where juniors will learn how to control their mind and thoughts on the golf course. 

And finally, the most exciting news of all. Im sure by now your junior has come home and mentioned that because its so cold out, we had our training session indoors. Well, we have taken over the back half of the cart barn that is located out by the driving range, and we have plans being made to turn it into a indoor short game and fitness space. It will serve as our “classroom” for fitness and mental training as well as our shelter for days that are too cold, to hot, or too rainy. 

On a more personal note, I am delighted to say that I have been named the North Texas PGA Randy Smith Junior Development Award winner for our section. Meaning, you can rest assured that your child is in the best junior golf development program in North Texas. I am also honored to say that I received the US Kids - Top 50 Junior Instructor - Honorable Mention for the 5th year in a row. Coach Cassie and Coach Chris will be taking their US Kids Certification course in March, so they will be right on my heels for that award next year. 

We thank you for your continued support. We love each of our juniors and are dedicated to seeing each one improve as much as they want to!

Thank you!

Coach Chad

Are Those Golf Magazine/Digest Articles Written For You?

After taking a two week vacation and being extremely busy when I got back, I had a pile of Golf Magazine and Golf Digest's sitting on my counter waiting for me to read. I had four magazines in all which I read all in one night. I love reading these magazines and articles, but not so much because I learn about golf techniques but because I know many of my students and club members are reading those same articles.

The great thing about being an educated instructor is I have a very strong filter for information. I am able to take a magazine article, read it, and apply it to a student that has that exact flaw. Sometimes I'll read an entire magazine and find nothing helpful, but every month I'll have a handful of members come up to me and explain to me what they read (which is the same thing that I read) and it is very interesting to hear how they interpret the information.

The magazines are very popular because they take great instructors and have them give a simple lesson on a very general topic so that viewers can have something to think about. However, the average golfer will take this advice and immediately apply it to their own game no matter how it affects them or their current golf swing and assume the advice will only help.

During my golf article binge I found 3 articles written on very similar subjects that all had a different approach to the correct technique and all had different fixes and drills. After reading the third article I thought to myself, how can an average golfer possibly sift through all this information and find what is correct for them. More likely will be that this golfer doesn't even understand that the three articles are talking about the same part of the golf swing and will end up trying ALL the drills and fixes at once. Then they are breaking good habits to add bad ones just because they read some information about it.

I read as much about the golf swing and am always learning and training myself (just as you do in your job) to stay on top of the game and the techniques of golf. Part of my job as your golf instructor is to be your personal filter for all the information you read, hear or see. Good instructors have a vivid memory for golf swings and I can probably remember yours much better than you think, so if you have any questions about a reading or piece of advice from an article, I can help you filter that information so you don't have to be confused or developing bad habits for no reason.

Having knowledge is great, but in golf you need to have the ability to know that not every piece of advice is correct and not every magazine article is written for you! Be aware of that and make sure you check with your pro before you make any changes in your swing.

You don't want to improve? I don't believe you!

Have you ever met a golfer who does not want to improve their game or their score?

I have met a few that claim they don't, but they still get upset and frustrated on the golf course. This shows me that they still care and do not want to perform poorly.

Don't be this guy!

I believe deep down everyone playing the game would like to hit better shots and shoot better scores. It's just the nature of competition and sport. So, why do you think the average golfer refuses to take a golf lesson or take them consistently?

Lets look into it...

99% of PGA Tour players, Web.com, European Tour, and collegiate players have a golf instructor they they see regularly. Regularly means whether they are swinging it great or terribly. Why? Their instructor usually knows the player very well and has a great idea of what the players swing faults and tendencies are. Good instructors have a knack for remembering golf swing and lessons from a long time ago which makes each session with a student productive and efficient.

If PGA Tour players are relying on experts to help them keep their swing in shape, why do you think you can handle it yourself?

Excuse #1: I know my swing and can fix myself...

Everyday I hear our members come off the range and say, "I just figured it out!" I can help but ask them what they did to figure it out because it almost always makes me giggle a little bit. Most answers are something like, "I moved my ball position forward a little and started striping it", or "I had to keep my head down longer cause I was looking up."

What I hear is, "I tried so many things, that one finally worked and I hit 2 good shots in a row." The fact is, they got lucky by distracting their mind enough to make a couple decent swings, but they did not improve their overall mechanics. They will try to take it on the course and will find that they swing fix they found doesn't work as well as they had hoped. That is why they are right back on the range the next day searching for the next key that 'figures it out' that day.

In order to improve your game, golfers need to make a commitment to change their swing. The ball flight cannot change if impact remains the same. Usually there are some fundamental flaws that prevent a golfer from making a effective impact position and that is why teaching professionals have jobs. It is very hard to diagnose yourself as you hit. The things you do and the things you feel are often far different from each other, and you need a set of trained eyes to guide you.

Excuse #2: I study the swing, so I know what to do...

Your judgement is clouded by golf magazine articles and the free advice your buddy gave you yesterday. I'm sad to say it, but none of these are tips and fixes are created for you. Magazine articles just want to sound interesting so people will read them (no, they are not directed at you personally no matter how much you may think so). And your buddy is likely just telling you what worked for him at one point when he hit the same kind of shot (do you have the same swing as him? No, it won't work).

Developing a relationship with your instructor is very important. Have them on speed dial on your phone, communicate with them often. Odds are they love their job, and will talk about your swing with you whenever and wherever you need some help.

Many times, a student of mine can simply call me and tell me what the ball flight looks like and what they feel in their swing. I know immediately know what the problem and know what thoughts to tell them that will get them back on track. Having someone on your side that knows your game and swing inside and out is a huge advantage over your golfing buddies.

Excuse #3: Its expensive…

The only other reason would have to be price. But if you talk to your instructor, you can find a plan that fits your budget and your goals. Plus, you'll get all the money back eventually by winning it off your buddies or buying less Pro-Vs from the golf shop. Not to mention you'll have more fun on the course, which is PRICELESS!

So, stop taking bad advise from yourself, your buddies and magazines and start improving your game. Develop a relationship with you pro and keep communication with them and with a some good practice they will keep you on the path to better golf!

Be more like this guy!

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2013 Junior Golf Leader Award, Student Successes and Random Golf Thoughts

I'm honored and happy to announce that I have won the 2013 Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Leader Award for our chapter. I have a lot of pride in my juniors and my program, and its great to get recognition for what I do. What makes it even better is that I love what I do and I would never change my job for anything, so getting this award for doing what I love is just awesome.

Next step is to win the same award for the entire North Texas section. That decision will be made soon, so hopefully its good news!

I have had several junior golfers make big breakthroughs this summer. Several have won individual tournaments and a few of my older high schoolers are talking with college programs about playing for them. Its a exciting time at the club and I am constantly reminded by member and employees at the club that they have never seen this many junior golfers out during a summer or throughout the year.

One of my personal goals is to be a better motivator for my juniors. Golf is the hardest game in the world and is never mastered. Improving takes time, patience, discipline, endurance, guidance, instruction and a great plan. I want all my juniors to be motivated to be the best they can be, and to do that they need to practice consistently.

A great instructor, buddy and teammate (in college) of mine found that research shows people who can practice consecutive days in a row will improve significantly more than those who practice once is a while or every other day. The basic premise is that 14 days (2 weeks) of consecutive practice will produce better results than 14 days spaced out over a month. Your body and brain have the ability to remember feels and thoughts throughout your practice that helps you maintain and progress in your practice. By taking days off between practice sessions, you body and mind forget what they are working on and the little ideas that help you progress.

Two of my students, Jordan and Kyler are a great example. They had high school tryouts today and have been working with me all summer (in my academy) with little practice in between trainings. Ten days before tryouts, they made a pact with me that they would practice for the next 10 days in a row for 5 hours per day in order to get ready for tryouts. I made them a detailed practice plan to follow to make sure they practiced with a purpose and structure. For the most part, they made it to the course everyday (even in pouring rain and 100+ heat) to practice their 5 hours. I am so impressed with them, and I knew they would perform well in their tryouts.

Last year, Kyler had trouble keeping his scored in the 90's with a good round being high 90's and a bad round having no real ceiling (scary). Jordan has been improving consistently for a while, had a career low of 89 in last years high school season but had an average somewhere in the mid to high 90's. Today, at Oak Hollow Golf Course, Jordan shot a new career low 87 and made her Varsity team. Kyler shot a career low 85 and made his JV team. He is on his way to Varsity next year and Jordan has now expressed some interest in playing golf in some capacity in college.

Its amazing what a little determination and commitment will do for your golf game.

I saw a great quote recently that really sums it all up:

"If it's important enough to you, you will find a way. If it's not, you will find an excuse"

All of my juniors tell me they want to get better at golf. They all do, just by being in my academy and getting time with me. But the ones who really want to be good will go the extra mile and put in the 20-30 hours per week it takes to really be great!

Great job to Jordan and Kyler!

Also, Jordan texted me after her round. After congratulating her, I said "Take a day off tomorrow, you deserve it." She texted me back "hahahaha nope, my chipping needs work." That is dedication and she has the internal motivation needed to be a great player. I'm excited for her this year.

Golf is Fun!

A Note From The Head Pro

Eldorado Country Club Head Golf Pro - Scott McClinton was kind enough to teach my juniors for a session while I was away at the TPI seminars. He wanted me to share this note with you:

"Coach Chad has spent the last few days in San Diego attending the Titleist TPI training, getting some great knowledge about the golf swing, golf fitness, and just being a better instructor.  Good for him!  While he was away, I got the opportunity to substitute coach for one of his academy classes.  I just want to say to the parents and to Coach Chad how impressed I was with the academy players.  Their attitudes were some of the best I have seen out of any junior golfers I have coached;  Very positive, very driven, very respectful, and very polite.  It was an awesome experience that was both fun, and rewarding for me.  Great job to those juniors; keep it up, I see LOTS of promise, and great job to Coach Chad for helping mold some great young men and women.  (Tori, Maddie, Jordan, Ryan, Kevin, and Logan – great job gang!)"

Thanks Scott!

TPI Experience - Golf Fitness

This past weekend, I attended a TPI seminar. TPI stands for Titleist Performance Institute and is a way to look at the golf swing that is not normally done. I normally look at a golf swing by recognizing ball flight flaws then looking at the body and how it works to determine what to do to fix that flaw. TPI does this process but almost exactly backwards. 

Each player is taken through a physical assessment that will give the instructor knowledge of how their body is limited in the ability to swing into certain positions in the golf swing. From the results of this test, we can determine how those limitations will effect your swing and cause swing faults that will affect the ball flight. I learned techniques to identify these limitations and also how to help fix them so the player can make more efficient swings. The process is called a screening, and it takes a player through every necessary motion the body has to be put in if they want to have a perfectly efficient swing. Very few people can pass the entire screening, but it acts as a baseline for possible fitness work and a platform for me to know how to teach that individual.

I also learned many techniques that I can use with my students as a warm-up each day so that they are prepared to swing and play their best. Stretching and warming up properly is under-rated by golfers these days. Making sure your body is ready to handle a 80-100 mile per hour swing is very important and will help prevent future injury. 

For my adult students, this will help me assess motions and positions in your swing that you are just not physically capable of hitting, and allow me to prescribe workouts to fix that imbalance or work around it as an instructor. There is nothing wrong with having a limitation in your body, but the best results will come when I know about them and can then work around them. 

For my junior students, academy and summer camps, I have learned the value of having a body that can handle a golf swing and all its essential positions. I will be including more athletic activities as well as a warm-up program for all my juniors. Junior camps (Spring Break and Summer) will be VERY fun and full of exercises designed to develop the entire body (coordination, flexibility and strength) as well as learn great golf fundamentals and skills. 

I am excited to use the new information I have learned this past week I can definitely see the benefits in my own game as well as my students. My quest for new knowledge about the golf swing never stops, and this was a great step into the fitness and body movement characteristics of the golf swing.

The philosophy for TPI is: "We don't believe there is one way to swing a club; we believe there are an infinite number of ways to swing a club. But we do believe there is one efficient way for everyone to swing a club and it is based on what they can physically do."

If you are interested in getting a screening (testing your body for proper golf positions) please let me know!

Finding YOUR Instructor

Dr. Bob Rotella’s five keys to finding the right instructor.

1. Find an instructor who has had success teaching golfers of your ability, age, sex and commitment level. Some teachers prefer (and are at their best) working with really good players, high-handicappers, men, women, kids or seniors. Ask potential teachers what type of golfers they regularly teach and even talk to a few students if you can.

2. Select a teacher who is close to where you live or work and has the time and energy to give you the attention you want. If you have to drive a long way to take your lesson, you might not stay with it. Also, you want to avoid teachers who are overbooked and might rush through a lesson with you.

3. Look for someone who you enjoy spending time with. You might have to take a couple of lessons to find out. Another way is to offer to pay a teacher for half an hour to ask some questions and get better acquainted. You need to find out if you connect.

4. Go for credibility. You can't learn if you don't trust the message. Unlike kids, adults tend to approach lessons with skepticism and question the instruction they receive. Kids are better at trusting what the teacher tells them. Adults could learn from that. If you don't believe in what the teacher is telling you, you're wasting your time.

5. Decide if you want a teacher who is technical and analytical or one who teaches based on feel and visualization. Both methods/philosophies work. But some golfers respond better to one or the other. Discuss your preference with any potential teacher.

All this said, keep in mind that the best instructor in the world might not be the best instructor for YOU. Find an instructor who is successful and you can communicate with and you will have great success!