Page 34 - GBC fall 2015

“I am now able to run a new platform called ‘Learn to Compete’ alongside the other three coaching programs: New Competitor, Developing Competitor, and Advanced Competitor.”
JUNIOR GOLF PROGRAM
I had 60 juniors in my program that first summer and have seen substantial growth in the game since then. I am thrilled to say that in 2015 golf is booming in Pictou County, Nova Scotia! The number of students in my Junior Golf Program skyrocketed, from 48 kids last spring to an astonishing 120 a year later. This number does not include the large number of students also pre-registered for summer programs.
Due to the high demand, this spring we offered two six-week junior programs, on either Saturday or Monday evening. I am amazed and ecstatic with the explosive interest that the people of Pictou County have taken in a game I have loved for so many years!
I consider it very important for junior development that programs are convenient and affordable to maximize participation. To make this possible, I coordinated with other local athletic organizations such as soccer and baseball, as well as more established hockey schools that are intensely dedicated to the sport.
It is of upmost importance for me to create a schedule that is convenient for the parents of my junior students, and to give as many
kids as possible an opportunity to play and enjoy golf without having to sacrifice other sports. We all have the same goal in mind, to create healthy opportunities for our youth and I believe it is better to work together to make this possible.
PROGRAMS FOR ALL LEVELS
At Eagles Chance, we have many different options for youth getting involved in the game. In the fall of 2014, I took the Coach of New Competitor workshop through the PGA of Canada. This allowed me to certify my facility as a National Junior Golf Development Centre this season. Not only does this give us great exposure and credibility, it enables us to create a variety of options depending on the individual’s development level. I am now able to run a new platform called ‘Learn to Compete’ alongside the other three coaching programs: New Competitor, Developing Competitor, and Advanced Competitor. These programs are in addition to the programs being fed through my CN Future Links Learn to Play Programs.
I have created something for everyone. Whether an individual has never held a club or has been golfing since they could walk, I have a group for them to fit into comfortably. I want all my juniors to feel at home when they are at Eagles Chance, so it is imperative to match them to a program for their development level.
I make great use of the CN Future Links programs at my facility to help my students grow. We offer Learn to Play Programs for kids ages 5-7, 8-10, and 11-14. We also have a “Girls’ Club” here at Eagles Chance, which I find to be very influential in encouraging more women to take up the game. My Girls’ Club program went from seven girls last year to 18 in the spring. I credit part of this growth to girls recruiting their friends from other team sports such as hockey, which showcases the importance of students not being forced to sacrifice another sport for golf.
CN Future Links programs are free to run. Advertising is the only cost, which we covered for less than $300, including the annual fees for our website. Social media, e-mail marketing and our website are the only forms of advertising we control. Word of mouth is our number one source of advertising, so if I can focus on making everyone enjoy themselves at our facility, they will tell a friend, who will subsequently tell a friend.
UNIQUE MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE
Our membership structure is not your standard membership system. We have a discount membership program that costs $40 for the year. This includes half-price rates for the range and for the course. A family membership is $115 and can include up to six people. This
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Golf Business Canada