BIG PICTURE
I’ve always felt a responsibility to pay forward what this game has given me. Golf has opened doors in my life because of the people who invested in me, believed in me, and gave me opportunities when I needed them most. Volunteering and helping young players chase their goals is something I genuinely love doing.
When this opportunity came along, it felt aligned with everything I care about: working with motivated juniors, giving back to the game, and being part of something that could influence the future of player development. The idea of contributing to a USGA-backed program that’s trying to rethink and improve the junior development model was compelling. It felt like a natural extension of the work I’m already deeply invested in.
More than anything, I’m looking forward to coaching the kids. Being on the course with them. Watching them compete. Taking notes. Seeing how they respond under pressure. Getting to know who they are beyond the scorecard. I’m a teacher and coach at heart, and building relationships with athletes is the foundation of everything I do.
I’m also excited about the “gap support” aspect of this role, identifying what each athlete needs and helping fill that space. For some it may be course management, for others mindset, structure, or simply another set of experienced eyes. Long-term player development is complex, and I’m energized by being part of a collaborative effort to shape what that can look like when done intentionally.
Year one is about building the foundation. If we can provide meaningful resources, structure, and accountability for these athletes, and refine how we serve them along the way, that’s a win. I’d love for each player to finish the year feeling more supported, more self-aware, and more confident in their development plan than when they started.
This first season is about learning, listening, and sharpening how we can best be of service. If we do that well, performance outcomes will follow.
There was a real sense of pride in the room, even through Zoom.
For many of these juniors, this was the first time they’ve been selected to something bigger than themselves. In golf, earning an invitation or making a team is a big deal. Being connected to a state team that ties into the USGA pipeline makes that even more meaningful.
There was nervous energy, excitement, and a shared understanding that this was earned. We wanted to reinforce that, that they’ve worked hard, that they deserve to be there, and that we’re here to help them continue moving forward. It felt like the beginning of a journey, together.
Watching them grow as people. The golf is great. The wins are fun. The scholarships are special. But what fulfills me most is seeing them develop resilience, discipline, and a growth mindset.
I love watching a junior commit to a process, push through adversity, and start to believe in themselves in ways they didn’t before. Seeing them “blossom,” whether that’s on the course, in the classroom, or in life, is incredibly rewarding. If I can play even a small role in helping them spread their wings, that means everything to me.
I think the impact can be profound. When you combine structure, access, coaching, accountability, and support around an athlete who is already committed and driven, the ceiling becomes very high. Many talented juniors plateau not because they lack ability, but because they lack proper resources.
If we approach this with the proper mission: putting the junior first, understanding their goals, and genuinely asking, “How can we help you reach your dreams?”, then the long-term implications are powerful.
If we do this right, we won’t just develop better golfers. We’ll help develop stronger, more prepared young adults.
Nick Novak, the director of instruction at The Apawamis Club in Rye, will be an assistant coach for the program, aiding in player engagement and program delivery. Novak was included on Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers list for 2025-26 and in 2022 earned the Player Development Award from the Met PGA.