What do all parents and guardians have in common? They want the very best for their children – the best education, supportive friends and certainly the best experiences in sports. We share that same desire for our students, wanting them to develop a love for the game that lasts a lifetime.
This common goal, giving young athletes the best possible experience, unites parents and PGA of America Professionals. However, despite these shared intentions, many of us have encountered well-meaning parents who, while wanting the best for their child, may not fully understand the process. Some believe that frequent lessons, year-round play, early specialization and constant competition are the keys to success.
But, as PGA Coaches, we know this approach can lead to burnout, overuse injuries and a loss of passion for the sport. Instead of fostering long-term enjoyment and growth, this “more is better” mentality can push young athletes away from the game.
We’ve all seen it happen. Unfortunately, the one who suffers most is the child, the very person we are all striving to support.
This is exactly why the American Development Model (ADM) for golf is so impactful. ADM provides PGA Coaches with a structured framework designed to create the best possible experiences for all golfers, ensuring they develop skills and a love for the game in an age-appropriate, sustainable way. However, where many coaches run into challenges is in bridging the gap between their expertise and the expectations of parents and guardians.
A parent may believe they’re making the right choices for their child’s athletic development, while the coach – who has spent years studying player development – knows a more balanced, long-term approach is best. So how do we, as coaches and mentors, best communicate to parents on why ADM is the optimal path? How do we equip them with the knowledge and resources to understand why this approach works?
If you’re looking for a way to help parents grasp the importance of ADM, look no further than PGA.com/ADM. This all new online resource is an invaluable tool for informing parents, the seven stages of development, the five core principles of ADM and the philosophy behind this athlete-centered approach.
Through engaging videos, interactive content and clear explanations, parents will gain a better understanding of what truly supports their child’s long-term success in golf. More importantly, they will develop a deeper appreciation for you, the PGA Coach, who is dedicated to providing their child with the best possible experience.
In addition to direct conversations you have with parents, you also have access to resources that make it easier to share the “why” behind ADM. The Coaches Communication Guide, accessible by scanning the QR code (below right), includes:
• Pre-written email templates for each of the seven ADM stages
• Shareable videos explaining key ADM concepts
• Stock images for use in your own communication materials.
Additionally, PGA.Coach offers training resources designed specifically for PGA Professionals. Whether you’re looking to expand your own knowledge through professional development courses, use of the ADM Activity Plans or explore the all new Fundamental Movement Skills section and Digital Playbook, these tools will help you communicate ADM’s benefits.
Parents and guardians play a crucial role in their child’s athletic development, but the responsibility of guiding them in the right direction for golf falls on the PGA Coach. You are the expert and the leader who understands what’s truly at stake, creating an environment where youngsters develop a lifelong love for the game.
If we can get parents to believe in what we believe, to align their approach with ours and to trust the process, we will all be rowing in the same direction. The result? Future generations of athletes who play golf at various levels, but eventually fall in love with the game for a lifetime. Remember the guiding principle of Golf’s ADM: “As many as possible, for as long as possible, with the best experience possible.”
As PGA of America Professionals, we stand at the center of the parent-athlete-coach triad, ensuring that the game’s future is bright and that the next generation of players experiences golf in the most positive, rewarding way possible. Now, let’s equip parents with the knowledge they need and work together.
