Young, Ryan - Free Military Clinics (SMGA)
Property: Chambers Bay
Location: University Place, WA
Property Type: Daily Fee, Public
Program Contact: Ryan Young, Director of Instruction
Contact Phone/Email: 253.363.3861, ryoung@kempersports.com
Name of PD Program: Free Military Clinics (SMGA Clinics)
Type of PD Program: Adult Beginner
Dates of Program: Saturday clinics for 8 weeks. Spring and Summer sessions
Details of Program
- Free two-hour beginner clinics from 10 am – 12 pm:
- Taught by two PGA Professionals
- First 1.5 hours: instruction on weekly topic
- Free lunch/social time
- Last 1/2 hour
- Free rental clubs
- Free custom fit TM sets for qualified veterans
- Must have qualified injury determined by SMGA
- Must go to at least 6 clinics
Results of Program
Over 300 active and retired military participated over the 16 clinics offered. Over 10 new custom fit TM sets given out for qualified wounded warriors.
Over $5,000 in lesson revenues and over $3,500 in F&B revenues paid by Salute Military Golf Association.
Since the program is free to veterans, we rely heavily on our SMGA sponsor. They pay our instructors to teach each class and buy the boxed lunches. As we keep growing, we are thankful for the Yamaha Player Development Grant for supporting the costs of our teaching aids and tee prizes. Beside the several graduates who participate in our follow up programs, they community impact is priceless.
Recommendations
These two-hour clinics were more than just beginner golf clinics open to any military, they were a source of therapy for most attendees. The Salute Military Golf Association sponsored everything through their fundraising efforts. PGA Professionals should be there to make friends and socialize with the students as they are more than instructors to them. Work with F&B to have boxed lunches ready by 11:30 am.
Reach out to the SMGA, Wounded Warrior Project, and/or the PGA HOPE. Each of these associations support veterans playing the game and have funds to do so. Know your audience and treat these classes as fun, inclusive, and social events.