"No one stands so tall as when they stoop to help a child..."
- Bobby Jones
A Letter from Bill Madonna, PGA Master Professional
Dear Parents and Junior Golfers,
After 30 years of teaching golf, I am totally convinced that proper analysis (identifying not just the problems, but the student's worst problem) coupled with video swing examination (so the student can also recognize the flaw) will lead to an experience on the lesson tee that truly makes the student better by the end of that lesson. This is all the vast majority of golfers want.
However, there are other golfers who want to be “complete” in their efforts to know and play the game at the highest level possible and wish to excel beyond the norms of others. They want to make the high school golf team and then hope to get a college scholarship or play professionally. They want to play in state and regional events. They want to qualify for national USGA amateur tournaments. The United States Junior Golf Academy integrates all of these opportunities plus Supervised Practice and Improvement Initiatives that will allow each junior to play at their highest level and achieve their personal goals.
Learning correct swing techniques through private lessons, coupled with "supervised" practice sessions is the total answer! There isn’t one area of the game that isn’t covered, from physical fitness and nutrition, to short game, shot making, course management and the rules of golf. Our juniors will learn everything to help them succeed in golf! We are all excited to launch this new program and I can assure you that the boys and girls will all have fun in our great learning environment.
This is a choice juniors make out of the desire to be the best they can be. This cannot be looked at as though they are joining a health club. As parents, you and I both know these conditions are very profitable for the health club owners because the client pays up front and then usually don’t go. Everyone is well intended at the onset, but motivation and desire soon diminish. We understand this dilemma and make the program exciting, fun, productive and positive results are immediate and therefore encourages the student to stay the course.
By joining the United States Junior Golf Academy and The Honourable Company, a specific program within the BMGA, the students will be rewarded for their efforts. They will be with like-minded individuals who will drive their motivation beyond what they thought possible. Rewards will increase as their percentage of improvement increases and as their short and long game handicaps lower. Join us to improve your game.
Bill Madonna
PGA Master Teaching Professional
Honourable Company
Dedication
We are truly excited about the future of the United States Junior Golf Academy (USJGA) and its inaugural program, The Honourable Company. The program name is dedicated to recognizing the group of golfers that formed Scotland’s first genuine Golf Club, The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers. The USJGA understands that all golfers must be stewards of this great game. To be able to carry on its legacies, one must be made aware of its traditions and attributes through an understanding of the game’s history. In that light and with great pleasure, the Bill Madonna Golf Academy is proud to introduce to you The Honourable Company.
Who Is This Program For
This curriculum is designed for junior golfers, 18 years and younger, who are determined to make the strong dedication to the entire golf improvement program. It is important that both the parents and their sons or daughters make the full commitment to become proficient in junior golf for tournaments, competitions, likely college golf scholarship opportunities, and potentially even professional golf, if they so choose to go this route in life
Three stages of The Honourable Company
"New to the Game" - Green
- Students will participate in our GREEN program of introductory clinics and private instruction to see if they are ready for the "Tee to Green or Complete Golfer" programs.
"Tee to Green" - Red, White, Blue
- Those juniors who have decided “Golf is my game”. Private and Supervised Practice Sessions (scheduled monthly)
"Complete Golfer" - Bronze, Silver, Gold
- Juniors with at least a 90 - 100 or better scoring average. Parents may elect Complete Golfer level even if student does not average 100. However, the level of color code will ultimately be determined by the Academy Director Team.
- Players will be grouped and placed at certain playing and ability levels based on their initial interview and a full Academy Director Team evaluation. Age is not the determining factor ...skill level is!
- The format for The Honourable Company was established to provide select high performance junior golfers with a comprehensive and systematic approach to training, competing, skill improvement and personal development. Both young men and women are welcome to participate. Our Color Code System is used as an indication of playing ability.
- The USJGA believes these golfers will eventually become contributing citizens, pillars of their communities, and ambassadors to the game of golf. Parental support, aligned with the goals of the program, promotes student success.
We recognize the need to introduce all boys and girls to values associated with this great game. All USJGA students are automatically members of the Spirit of Golf Foundation. For golf to continue to grow, developing and retaining new players is a responsibility of all us who know and love the game. To accomplish this introduction, the USJGA welcomes and encourages all skill levels to join our program. Our Color Code System allows for the "new to the game" student and those with "playing experience" to feel welcome and comfortable in their interaction with other members of the academy.
Our Coaching Philosophy
- Each athlete is a unique individual.
- High performance athletes develop at different rates.
- Developing the complete individual will enable the finest athlete and person to emerge.
- Parental support and a professional coaching influence are key components in the development of top golfers.
- The commitment to excellence develops champions.
- The player’s score and who he is as an individual are not related.
- Optimum growth comes from clear intentions and strong commitments by the athlete, coaches and parents.
- In order to be a champion, you must have your own passion for the game. If you are not having fun out there, you will not succeed.
Maturing into a champion both on and off the course is an exciting challenge for aspiring young athletes and their families. It takes considerable commitment, support, feedback and training. A professional coaching influence combined with effective training and practice is paramount in this process. The Complete Golfer, BMGA, USJGA and The Honourable Company are a holistic approach to developing and nurturing adolescents so that they will mature into the finest golfers and most outstanding people possible. This specialized program presents committed athletes with an opportunity to realize their goals in both sport and life
What Can Participating Athletes Expect?
- To have fun, support and a full commitment from all BMGA teacher/coaches
- To improve as golfers, students and people
- A professional coaching and training program that is adapted to meet their specific needs
- Honest and open two-way communication and feedback
- Structured coaching, practice and training with a focus on swing technique, fitness, nutrition, short game proficiency, course management and mental skills
- Preparation and guidance for life as a collegiate student-athlete and beyond
- Personal telephone and e-mail access to all BMGA golf coaches
Do You Have What It Takes?
This program is suitable for individuals who are:
- Outstanding golf athletes motivated to improve to top level junior golf and beyond
- Committed to being the best that they can be on and off the course
- Responsible for their actions and "coachable"
- Positive about the game and its challenges
- Respectful and honor the game of golf
- Give academics top priority
Athletes Selected To Participate Are Expected To:
- Be committed to developing into all that they can be in all areas of life
- Conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times
- Respect the efforts of parents, coaches, golf officials, facility staff and sponsors at all times
- Approach all relevant tasks (academics, practice, play, fitness, nutrition and training) like a champion
- Be a role model
- Continually learn and discover
- Be honest with themselves and others at all times
- Have fun and enjoy the journey
What Roles Do Parents Play In The Program?
Parents play a pivotal role in the development of high performance people. It is crucial that each athlete and his/her parents are aware of individual and collective roles and responsibilities of the athlete, parents and coaches. Greatest gains are made when all stakeholders know their roles and are pulling in the same direction. Parents are provided with parent education training opportunities and regular athlete/coach feedback sessions.
Recommendations For Parents
- Provide your child with unconditional love regardless of their performance in golf or academics
- Communicate openly and candidly with all BMGA coaches
- Have a discussion with your child to find out exactly how they want you to support them
- Interact with your child recognizing that golf is not who they are, but rather an activity they enjoy and participate in
- Be educated on how to best help your child with the challenges that they face
- Be aware of the common pitfalls into which many parents inadvertently fall
What Are The Specific Activities And Training Opportunities Available For Our Athletes?
Participating athletes receive regularly scheduled group and individual coaching and training sessions. The training is designed to facilitate their improved performance as golfers, students and people. There is a conscious plan to ramp up activities and decrease programming appropriately at different times of the year. This training strategy will give each player the best opportunity to optimally perform in the classroom and in the most important golf tournaments. As well, it minimizes the risk of burn out and injury. Key areas of coaching and training for athletes lies in making academics priority number one – proactively working ahead with assignments and studying so that golf does not get in the way of school or vice-versa.
Key Areas Of Focus
- Ensuring core fundamentals
- Grip, stance, ball position, alignment, and posture
- Devising a written Performance Plan that clearly outlines goals and planned action for golf and personal development
- Getting the body into top physical condition for golf performance to withstand the rigors of competitive golf
- Adopting excellent nutrition and hydration habits
- Playing with equipment that is best suited to the individual's game
- Training the mind to be quiet and focused on the target before each shot by following a mental pre-shot and post-shot routine
- Developing and maintaining a positive attitude and body posture
- Implementing effective course management strategies
- Learning the rules, history, and traditions of the game
Short Game... Major Emphasis!
Athletes will receive extensive ongoing coaching and training to develop short game skills. A short game skills test will be utilized to measure short game proficiency. Learning and implementing sound short game techniques will be a key area of focus for our athletes.
Overall Emphasis on: Fundamentals and Golf Swing Technique: Driver and Wedge, Putter Control and The Physical Game: Fitness, Nutrition, and Strength Training and Course Management!
The Mental Game
There is considerable emphasis in The Honourable Company on developing mental skills, adopting high-level practice and event preparation habits, and post–round journaling and analysis. All players will learn mental game techniques and use techniques and tools perfected by the top professionals.
Optimizing Equipment
The United States Junior Golf Academy members will have their equipment evaluated and appropriately fitted. We are fortunate to have state-of-the-art test equipment and tools at our disposal. Players are encouraged to consult with the Academy Director Team coaching staff before making any equipment changes. Equipment from all major manufacturers is available for purchase thru the BMGA at member discounted rates.
Private Lessons, Supervised Practice Sessions And Golf Improvement Initiatives
- This phase begins immediately after the 1 or 2 Hour Initial Assessment Lesson.
- Supervised practice sessions will be scheduled on weekday afternoons and weekends during the school year. Summer schedules may vary.
- Private lessons are by appointment only with the Director of Instruction (Bill Madonna). It is advised that you set this up as far in advance as possible, to assure yourself of convenient times. Our schedules will fill up very quickly.
- Each member will be required to take evaluation testing which includes:
- Short Game Exam (SGE)
- R.A.G. Competition (Rotten, Acceptable, Great)
- Driving, Wedge, Putt Exam (DIWIPI)
- All members are strongly encouraged to keep a journal of their supervised practice session notes and lesson history.
Recording Of Practice Statistics
Measuring PROGRESS is the #1 goal of the USJGA and "The Honourable Company" for each member. Keeping stats, enjoying game exams, and recording golf scores is an integral part of this PROGRESS. Each student will have access to a web-based game analysis program entitled Shot-by-Shot. You simply go to the BMGA website and connect to the Shot-by-Shot icon and maintain your records. This record creates a "picture" your instructors can see and therefore determine your practice and lesson schedule.
Tuition For The Honourable Company
"New to the Game" ...Green color code only. Regularly…$150
COST: $95/month - Introduction to the Game. (2) 90 minute clinics each month.
"Tee to Green" ...Red, White, and Blue color codes. Regularly…$425
COST: $250/month – Private lessons monthly and weekly supervised practice. 5 hours monthly.
"Complete Golfer" ...Bronze, Silver, and Gold color codes. Regularly…$750
COST: $395/month – Private lessons monthly and weekly supervised practice plus on course instruction. 7 hours monthly.
