Communication Guide - Play to Improve

Play to Improve focuses on young athletes ages 12-16 for boys and 11-15 for girls, emphasizing their holistic growth both as individuals and athletes. The primary objective is improvement, achieved through varied practice sessions spanning 5 to 7 hours weekly. As they face growth spurts, parents should watch over their equipment needs. The balance between training and competition is crucial for optimal growth without overburdening the athletes. It's a time to build self-reliance, confidence, and respect, with an emphasis on understanding both winning and losing.

The PGA of America has produced the following materials to help PGA Professionals and Coaches communicate with parents, caregivers, and athletes surrounding Golf's American Development Model.

Stage-Specific and ADM Overview Videos

ADM Overview

Play to Improve - Overview

Play to Improve - Highlights

Play to Improve - Detailed

Email Templates

Utilize the below email templates to help communicate with your parents and athletes. This information is meant to be used as a guide. Feel free to edit content as necessary, and be sure to update your email signature accordingly.

You can highlight the email template directly below to copy and paste into and email.

Email Template - Overview

Subject Line: Elevate Your Child’s Golf Skills

Hi [Parent's Name],

I’m excited to accompany your junior golfer as they enter the "Play to Improve" phase. As a PGA of America Golf Professional, it’s my mission to enhance their skills while fostering personal growth and sportsmanship during this crucial stage.

Preparing for Advanced Participation:
At this age, the focus shifts to improvement, both as a person and an athlete. Our varied practice sessions are designed to build confidence, respect, and a deeper understanding of both winning and losing.

Presenting the blueprint for exceptional golf experiences: The American Development Model

What does it look like?

What can I expect?

Skill Development: Emphasis on advanced techniques, consistent performance under pressure, and holistic athletic skills including agility and coordination.
Competing and Learning: Structured competitions offer real-world challenges that promote self-reliance and strategic thinking.
Equipment Monitoring: Ensuring gear suits their rapidly changing bodies, particularly during growth spurts.

Let’s empower your child to achieve their full potential on the golf course and beyond. Thank you for choosing us to guide them in this exciting phase.

Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Contact Info]

Email Template - Detailed

Subject: Discover the Growth Potential of the "Play to Improve" Stage

Dear [Parent's Name],

It’s a pleasure to welcome your junior golfer to the "Play to Improve" stage. As a PGA of America Golf Professional, I am dedicated to guiding your child through a phase of strategic improvement and personal development that builds on their existing skills and competencies.

Balancing Growth and Performance:
This stage focuses on refining golf skills while supporting overall athletic development. With 5 to 7 hours of varied practice each week, your child will build the confidence and respect necessary to navigate the challenges of competitive play.

Presenting the blueprint for exceptional golf experiences: The American Development Model

What does it look like?

What can you expect?

Advanced Skill Building:
- Technical Proficiency: Mastery of complex skills such as putting, chipping, and full swings with a focus on consistency and pressure management.
- Athletic Enhancement: Integration of agility, balance, and coordination with core strength exercises tailored to individual maturity levels.
- Aerobic and Flexibility Training: Encouraging aerobic work and flexibility to ensure physical readiness and adaptability as children grow.
Competing with Confidence:
- Practice Matches: Competitive practice games to simulate real match conditions, improving strategic thinking and adaptability.
- True Golf Challenges: Mini-rounds encourage self-correction with limited swings, promoting independence and decision-making.
- Structured Competition: Utilizing a 60:40 training-to-competition ratio to maximize skill development while experiencing the dynamics of competitive play.
Social and Psychological Growth:
- Respect and Sportsmanship: Emphasizing personal integrity, respect for others, and learning the value of both victory and defeat.
- Peer Relationships: Strengthening friendships and social skills through collaborative team activities and shared learning.
- Mental Fortitude: Cultivating self-motivation, goal-setting, and emotional resilience in the face of challenges.
Equipment and Safety:
- Tailored Gear: Monitoring equipment suitability for size and skill as they grow.
- Safe Training Environments: Ensuring all practices and competitions are conducted safely and appropriately monitored.

My commitment to you?

Personalized Instruction: Adapting training to suit your child's growth pathway and unique abilities.
Positive Atmosphere: Cultivating a learning environment that encourages risk-taking and creativity.
Ongoing Support: Regular feedback sessions to track your child's progress and adjust their learning plan as needed.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s developmental journey. Together, we will achieve not only golf excellence but the holistic growth of your young athlete.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Contact Info]

Stock Images

Utilize these images as needed for ADM communication and promotion. Sample images are provided below.

Access Full Gallery of Images Here

Explore Other Stages

Active Start

FUNdamentals

Learn to Play

Play to Compete

Play to Win

Play Golf for Life