Justin Klemballa, PGA,Director of Instruction,Paradise Valley (Arizona) Country Club
Developing beginner golfers requires more than just traditional one-on-one instruc tion. Many new players of all ages associate golf primarily with the full swing, often overlooking short game and course management skills.
To provide a more complete learning experience, Justin Klemballa, PGA, Director of Instruction at Paradise Valley (Arizona) Country Club, has implemented a structured group learning approach using the popular Operation 36 method.
The program focuses on helping golfers develop all aspects of their game with the goal of shooting 36 for nine holes. Instead of starting from the tee box, players begin from 25 yards out and must shoot 36 before progressing to greater distances.
“Teaching beginner golfers was a challenge for me early in my career,” says Klemballa (pictured). “The lightbulb went off when I discovered Operation 36. It makes them build up their chipping, putting and other fundamentals before tackling full swings.”
Covering seven key technical areas – posture, power, grip, ball flight, alignment, putting and green reading – the structured curriculum allows beginners to develop a well-rounded game that translates effectively onto the course.
“Since I introduced the program three years ago, I’ve grown to teach between 100 and 120 beginner golfers annually,” he says. “I run it in semesters, each consisting of an eight-week session with weekly classes and four nine-hole events.”
With 12 players per session, two coaches leading instruction and a cost of $360 per participant (plus a $50 annual registration fee), the program has proven to be both impactful for students and profitable. Beyond its financial success, the group learning model offers a more engaging and social introduction to the game that helps these new golfers develop confidence from tee to green.
The PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable organization of the PGA of America, will once again join forces with Folds of Honor to support Veteran and First Responder families throughout May with Patriot Golf Days, culminating Memorial Day Weekend (May 24-26).
Patriot Golf Days events have raised more than $106 million and funded 21,000-plus academic scholarships, helping Veterans and First Responders’ spouses and children.
“The PGA of America and Folds of Honor share an intense desire to serve our Veterans, Active Duty Military and First Responders,” says PGA of America President and Master Professional Don Rea Jr. “Our more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals know first-hand the healing powers of golf. We are truly honored to support Patriot Golf Days this year and appreciate the support Folds of Honor provides to our PGA HOPE Veterans and programming.”
To support Patriot Golf Days, log onto PGA.org.