U.S. Kids Golf: Game Changers

Supporting the military community has always been a significant priority for the golf world. Dozens, if not hundreds, of organizations, exist that use golf as a primary platform to bring awareness, raise funds, and show appreciation for the men and women who stand up to serve and protect us all. So this Veterans Day, U.S. Kids Golf is joined by our friends at the Veteran Golfers Association so we can say "Thank You" and talk about a special new event for the military community. 

The most important part of playing golf - is to actually play. (For example, You wouldn't provide kids bats, balls, and gloves and not let them play baseball.) Thus, we have U.S. Kids Golf Local Tours. Thousands of families worldwide take part - with just as many wanting to know if it's right for them. So for this episode, we bring in Greg Hubbard, Senior Director of U.S. Kids Golf Tournaments, to explain what Local Tours are, how they are organized, and why they are right for your family. 

Steve Scott has had a storied golf career, but no matter what he accomplishes (including being the No. 1 ranked amateur in the world), he may never have a bigger impact when he made a small gesture that had huge implications. Steve simply made sure Tiger Woods didn't receive a penalty during their famous showdown at the U.S. Amateur. It was a remark that changed golf history. But he didn't do it to become famous or to help his chances to win - he did it because it was the right thing to do. 

Mike Nichols, the Chief Business Officer of LPGA Qualifying Tours, has seen hundreds of the most talented players in the world as they chased their dreams of playing professional golf. What has he learned from observing them and what can he share with young players who aspire to play on golf's biggest stages? 

Donnie Solesbee was looking for an activity close to the house to introduce his soon-to-be-daughter to other family members. They chose golf. What has happened since has changed the trajectory of their lives as well as hundreds of others who have been following their journey, and golf has continued to play a major part in their lives. How has it impacted them and what can we all learn from their story? 

Beth Ann Nichols has been one of the most respected voices in golf, especially women's golf, for nearly two decades. A recent feature she wrote on the benefits of allowing players at all levels more opportunities to score, while playing appropriate yardages for their distances, really struck a chord with players at all levels. She joined our podcast to discuss the feedback on the article, her career in golf, and her outlook for the game. 

In a year full of incredible challenges and unprecedented demand, golf is at a crossroads. The question is, are we smart and intentional about truly growing the game, or are we too focused on each day’s bottom line? Dan Van Horn, the president and founder of U.S. Kids Golf, joins “Game Changers” to talk about the year it's been, and how golf has to learn from it to prepare for the future.

Nicole Weller has, in her own way, changed the world of kids golf. But her ambitions for what can be done continue to grow. So this highly awarded kids golf coach has joined the world's leading kids golf organization to really make a significant impact on kids and families around the world. What is now possible and what will that mean for golf? Nicole shares her thoughts on this episode of "Game Changers."

Who better to hear from regarding getting your kid into golf than one of the best junior coaches in the world? Mike Fay, Director of Player Performance at Boyne Golf Academy, joins the "Game Changers" podcast to talk about what he's learned as a coach, his philosophy on getting kids into the game, and what he would tell other coaches about how to develop their programs. 

You could make a good argument that between tv, radio, the internet, and social media; Michael Breed has taught more players around the world than any other golf instructor. But what has he learned in his life in golf? And even more, what does he see for the future of golf and golf instruction? The famed coach/media personality joins us to about that as well as his start in golf, working at Augusta National, how Bernie Madoff made The Golf Fix possible, dealing with online trolls, his best golf moments, and the current and future state of the game - all in this episode of Game Changers. 

Though Pinehurst has hosted the top players in the world for over a century (including the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship), it never stops trying to be better for you - the amateur player. But how do you take one of the best, and make it better? How does the new No 4. tie in to the classic No. 2? (It's more than you think!) Most of all, what do all the changes mean for all of us when we visit? Matt Massei, the Executive Vice President of Pinehurst, shares his thoughts on why Pinehurst is so special - and why it's getting even better. 

Fred Palmer knows golf, as a sport and as an industry, better than most. From growing up in a golf family to now serving as Vice President of Golf Business Development and Industry Relations for Club Car, he has seen golf's growth, and its challenges, from a unique perspective. Palmer takes some time to share his views on how golf stands today and what it might look like in the future; and how Club Car is helping the game, from major organizations to individual facilities to the families that play, enjoy the game more now while preparing for what lies ahead. 

There are few names in golf creating the buzz and excitement as young Alexa Pano. From 5-time U.S. Kids Golf World Champion and star of The Short Game documentary to having just qualified to play in the U.S. Womens Open at the age of 14, there aren't many players of any age that have dealt with, and met, the expectations placed on her young shoulders. Even more, her story and success has inspired thousands of young players around the world to take up the game. But off the golf course, she's a fairly typical young teenager. So how does she pull that off? Hear from one of the brightest stars in the game in this edition of "Game Changers." 

How do the most talented young players continue to develop once they leave U.S. Kids Golf tournaments? Many do by joining the American Junior Golf Association. This organization leads the way in preparing players for college (and even professional) golf. Find out more about this great group in our latest “Game Changers” podcast. 

What does it take to become a world-class junior golf coach? Canada's Doug Lawrie, a Master Top 50 Kids Coach and one of the world's leading voices in junior golf development, shares his story and insight on what makes a coach succeed and valuable to young players. 

Suzy Whaley has made a career out of breaking new ground and creating unchartered trails in the golf world. Her election as President of the PGA of America - the first female president of the association - made worldwide headlines and changed the face of the golf industry forever. But it's her family and her devotion to teaching that drives her love of golf. Whaley shares her special insight into chasing your golf dreams and the secrets to her success with us in this special edition of "Game Changers."

If you have a junior player with aspirations to play at the collegiate level, Brandi Jackson can help. With her background as a standout junior, All-American collegian and years on the LPGA Tour, as well as her work in the recruitment world - Jackson provides a special insight and advice for players and families needing to navigate the often confusing world of college recruitment and selection. 

Michelle Holmes has parlayed a love of golf, a passion for teaching, an astute eye for marketing and a great connection with kids - into a flourishing nationally renowned junior golf program. In this podcast, she shares her background, why a junior coach matters, and what parents and coaches need to know about finding the best fit for kids who want to learn golf.  

After 3 deployments and 2 years at Walter Reed, Josh Peyton knew he needed help moving on with his life. He found it through the game of golf. The game helped his recovery so much that established the Veteran Golfers Association, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of those who served, and their families, through fun camaraderie and competition in golf. 

As a writer/producer for one of the world's most prominent golf publications & websites, Ryan Asselta has an inside look at virtually every aspect of golf. But his favorite golf memories are the ones he's creating now with his sons, two world-class players at the junior level. Ryan shares his thoughts on caddying for them, the joys and challenges that come with the role, and the state of the game in general in this edition of "Game Changers."