Mentorship plays a critical role in guiding the next generation of PGA of America Golf Professionals, helping them learn the nuances of the industry and develop their unique talents. As the owner and founder of the Little Linksters Golf Academy since 2008, my mission has been to provide this kind of guidance to budding golfers of all ages and abilities. The academy started with the goal of exposing the youngest kids to the game and has since expanded into offering programs for children with various abilities, including those with special needs.
My journey of mentorship includes Ricky Collado, a dedicated individual who has grown immensely with Little Linksters and has emerged as a prominent figure in our success in recent years.
Ricky Collado's involvement with Little Linksters began in a unique and personal way. Initially, he joined our community as the enthusiastic parent of two young program participants, Emil and Kaileen. His passion for helping his kids excel in the game was infectious, and it quickly captured my interest. Observing Ricky's dedication to nurturing his children's skills and his seamless interaction with other parents and coaches, I saw the potential in him to contribute beyond just a parent's role.
"My son was the one who started my interest in the game,” he explains. “At 10 years old, he bugged me to get him signed up for a golf camp. I thought I might as well get lessons so I could learn the game as well, and wouldn't you know, I got bit by the bug. My son loves the game and is interested in being a tour pro. While I am not discouraging him from chasing that dream, I am aware that, statistically, it is difficult to go pro in any sport. Getting into the golf business has been my way of showing him there are many ways to connect to the sport you love and generate income without being a tour pro."
Ricky's commitment to his children's growth in golf was a clear indicator of his potential to become a valuable asset to our coaching and management team. This began Ricky's journey from being a dedicated "Golf Dad" to becoming an integral player within Little Linksters.
Once Ricky officially joined the Little Linksters team, his journey took off in earnest. His educational and entrepreneurial background provided a solid foundation for him to adapt quickly to the nuances of coaching. He exhibited a natural talent for connecting with kids, understanding their needs, and designing programs that catered to varying skill levels. His transition from a passionate parent to a seasoned coach was marked by his ability to inspire young golfers and instill in them a love for the game.
But Ricky's journey didn't stop at coaching. As part of my mentorship, I aimed to integrate him deeply within the golf industry circles. From attending PGA events to understanding the business side of the sport, Ricky eagerly absorbed the multi-faceted nature of golf. This hands-on experience, coupled with our regular discussions, gave him a well-rounded perspective of the industry, making him not just a coach but an insider who knows the ropes.
"Brendon was the one who took a chance on me,” Collado says. “I have an education and business background. I think he saw that what I brought to the table as a teacher would help propel the group clinic classes with Little Linksters. Aside from that, Brendon has been supportive of the role golf plays in my relationship with my son. That has been huge for me to continue pursuing a profession in golf. He has a wealth of industry knowledge, and I pick his brain all the time about teaching and the golf swing itself. Through his sharing his experiences, I've learned what has worked and what hasn't worked for Little Linksters in the past."
A testament to Ricky's growth in the industry is the launch of his Latino-inspired golf clothing line, Taino Golf. Inspired by his heritage, Taino Golf celebrates cultural identity while offering stylish and quality golf apparel. This entrepreneurial venture highlights Ricky's innovative spirit and commitment to merging his cultural background with his professional pursuits, breaking new ground in the golf apparel market. It's exciting to see how Ricky's passion for golf and business acumen have combined to create something truly unique in the industry.
Throughout our journey together, one of the most rewarding experiences has been watching and guiding Ricky as a coach and as a "Golf Dad." His son Emil, now 18, represents the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. With promising talent, Emil is poised to sign soon with a Division II school for golf. Helping Ricky navigate the nuances of supporting his son at a competitive level has been incredibly fulfilling, seeing Emil grow as a player and young adult under his father's dedicated mentorship.
As we transition into 2025, a new chapter begins for both Little Linksters and myself. After 16 years of nurturing the academy and seeing it grow beyond what I originally envisioned, I am stepping away from my full-time ownership role. However, my passion for guiding young golfers remains steadfast. I will focus on working with competitive teen players through my new venture, BE A GOLFER Academy. This initiative will allow me to specialize in developing high-level talent and continue making a difference in the lives of aspiring young golfers.
In addition, I will continue my work as a freelance golf writer, podcaster and golf media influencer - a path I've pursued over the past few years and grown increasingly busy with. These roles will enable me to connect with a broader audience, share insights and promote the game I love from different platforms.
Although my primary focus will shift, I will maintain a small role with Little Linksters, ready to assist Coach Ricky as needed. His journey from a novice to an industry insider, one interested in pursuing his PGA Membership, has been nothing short of inspiring. I am confident in his ability to advance Little Linksters' mission while expanding its horizons.
Mentoring Ricky Collado has been a profoundly rewarding experience. From his beginnings as a supportive parent to his entrepreneurial ventures, Ricky's growth is a testament to the power of mentorship and the extraordinary potential it can unlock. As he takes the helm at Little Linksters, I am excited to see how he will continue to inspire young golfers and their families while setting new benchmarks in this ever-evolving sport. In contrast, I continue my journey in the golf world through new and exciting avenues.