Immordino, Josh - High School Golf Clinics

Property: Riverbend Golf Complex

Location: Kent, WA

Program Contact: Josh Immordino

Contact Phone/Email: 253-856-5199, JImmordino@kentwa.gov

Name of PD Program: High School Golf Clinics

Type of PD Program: Junior Golf Program

Dates of Program: May - August.

Details of Program

Background: Historically, Kent Meridian High School has not been always been able to field a full girls team or boys team due to lack of interest or experience in golf, and very little access to clubs and facilities to practice at. The goals of the program are to increase participation in the KMHS golf team and give access to those who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford the opportunity to play and practice.

Program Design: With the assistance of the KMHS golf coach Russell Hansen, we developed a series of 4 clinics in May as well as 4 clinics that started in late July. These were designed to be an introduction to the game for current and future players. Each clinic was scheduled for 2 hours and gave the current team members an opportunity to practice. It also gave almost all of the students their first experience with professional instruction.

• Week 1 - introduction to the basics and used short irons
• Week 2 - discussion about the proper techniques associated with successful golfers as well as use of the longer irons and hybrids if applicable
• Week 3 - focused on the long game and the tee ball
• Week 4 - focused on the short game which seemed to be one of the most beneficial lessons for the team.

May Clinic Series: $300 4 scheduled clinics on May 1st,8th,15th,29th Clinics will last 2 hours from 3:00-5:00

July & August Clinic Series: $300 4 scheduled clinics Starting in late July Clinics will last 2 hours from 3:00-5:00

A Yamaha Grant was used to help pay for the use of unlimited range balls during the session, any necessary greens fees, and PGA professional lesson fees.

Results of Program

• Scores dropped during the fall season.
• The stat/result that we were proudest of was a higher return rate among players who played on the team the season before as well as a higher return rate among players who showed up for the first time during the spring clinic.
• We also saw a girls golf team that was able to field a full team for the first time in a while, as well as a greatly improved boys team.

The business impact of the clinic was seen with the purchasing of a number of junior passes by the high school students so they could play and practice during the summer months, as well as an increase in range sales as a result of the juniors practicing more frequently.

KMHS Golf Team Summer Playing Privileges Pass:

• $300 (4 passes at a cost of $75 per student = $300)
• Includes the months of June, July, and August
• Breaks down to $25 per month per student
• Allows any 4 KMHS golf team members to play golf at Riverbend on any day during those 3 months. This allows the entire team to share the 4 passes and includes all players regardless of skill or financial standing.

Recommendations

While there are other programs that may lead to a higher increase in revenue, there is lot that can be gained from taking the time to help students who either can't afford to play regularly or who have not been exposed to the game in the past. These players could become your future customers, and the stronger relationship with the high school and its coach will help for future relationships with students that are coming up through the program. It was a rewarding experience to teach the game to a group that had never played before and it was great to see them come through the pro shop and give updates on their progress. Taking the time to help these students is not only helping to grow the game they may just end up being customers for life.