2019 Youth Golf Parent Handbook

Dear Valued Parent,

Thank you in advance for your interest in the Youth Golf program at Overbrook Golf
Club. At Overbrook GC, we make it our mission to impact the lives of Overbrook Youth
in a Positive, Fun, and Safe environment by developing young athletes through
character development and activity-based learning to become future members and
players for life. We strive to enrich the lives of Overbrook Youth by providing essential
life-skills training and character education through introduction and continuous learning
of the game of golf.
As a valued Parent with the program, you will be looked upon as a role model to our
youth. You are an essential part of the youth program, and your time is greatly valued.
Please be aware that this commitment is not only to the operation of the program, but
also to the youth we serve at Overbrook Golf Club.
The program has many facets to offer, and we have the need for various volunteer
services at all age and playing levels (all of which we will cover in this handbook). The
success and growth of our program rests on the shoulders of those parents willing to
give back.
Again, we thank you in advance for your participation in our program and look forward
to working with as a valued member of the team!

Sincerely,

David “Coach Z” Zimmaro, PGA
Director of Youth Golf
Assistant PGA Professional

THE MISSION

To impact the lives of Overbrook Youth in a Positive, Fun, and Safe environment by
developing young athletes through character development and activity-based
learning to become future members and players for life.

THE STAFF Eric Kennedy, PGA
David Zimmaro, PGA
Head Golf Professional - Ashley Grier, PGA
Director of Youth Golf - Steve Frederick, PGA
Assistant Professionals -

THE PROGRAM

The Overbrook Youth Golf Program runs during the summer months at the club. There
are 5 different age/playing-ability levels of students. The students range in age from 7
to 18 and are grouped into levels according to age and playing ability. The levels are:

1. Range Roamers
2. 1 Holers
3. 4 Holers
4. 9 Holers
5. 18 Holers

Each lesson creates a youth-centered, mastery driven environment in which
juniors are empowered to explore options and make decisions (two elements that
are critical to the development of a child’s value system). Each lesson plan will be
age, ability, and cognitive-level appropriate, and class will incorporate a seamless blend
of Golf Instruction, Life Skills training, Golf Fitness, Science of Golf, and Rules/Etiquette.

MY COACHING PHILOSOPHY

Activity Based

 Doing vs Telling
o Engage students in activities
o Do the activity first, then discuss the activity, and finally review
 Get students active right away!!!

 Self-Discovery Approach
o Fun environment where students explore various topics through activities
and games (Failure is a learning tool!)

Mastery Driven

 Intention equals Attention
o The intention and objective of the day is most important
o Students’ attention should be focused on the intention
 Objective is proper grip, not hitting the ball high and far

 Balance Process and Outcome (“Trust the Process”)
o Focus is on the Process (good grip) not the Outcome (good shot)
o Focus on process to overcome challenges
 What steps need to be done to reach my end goal

Empower Youth

 Youth Centered
o Ask open-ended questions and listen to students’ needs and concerns
o Encourage positive relationships with coaches, parents, and peers
o Get to know each student’s goals for golf and life
o Kids do not care what you know, until they know you care!

Continuous Learning

 Good – Better – How
o Ask what was good, what he/she/we can do better, how are we going to
do it

 Coachable Moments
 Relate conflicts on the course to conflicts in real life

VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTIONS

The overarching quality that any good volunteer has is a great attitude and a genuine
want to be involved. Additionally, a good volunteer is someone who recognizes that
they are part of a team that helps to build good character in youth through the game of
golf. An exemplary volunteer is one who displays consistency in their behavior and
demeanor with all students, coaches, and fellow parents.

Currently, there are 5 different roles a parent volunteer can fulfill.

Range Roamers – Approx. Ages 7-9
1) Safety Monitor – Ensure all students follow safety procedures
Ensure all students stand in designated safety areas
Ensure all students are swinging only when instructed
Ensure all students remain in learning areas

2) Runner - Transport students to bathroom, clubhouse, etc
Transport students in case of injury or emergency

3) Assistant Coach - Aid in reinforcement of day’s objectives
Walk up/down learning area to attend to students’ needs
**As Needed**
Get attention of coach for urgent individual help

1 Holers – Approx Ages 9-11

1) Spotter - Lead group on the course to play hole(s)

Maintain order and speed of play

Maintain safety

Mark down shots for each player

Record score given by student (make them count)

If student gets stuck in woods/bunker move them out
No coaching help (it’s their time to learn)!

4 Holers – Approx Ages 11-13

1) Spotter - Lead group on the course to play hole(s)

Maintain order and speed of play

Maintain safety

Mark down shots for each player

Record score given by student (make them responsible)

If student gets stuck in woods/bunker move them out
No coaching help (it’s their time to learn)!

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Range Roamer (suggested ages 7-9)
In order to advance to Practice Holer you must:

□ Putting: Complete One 9-Hole Round
o Fast, Safe, and Courteous
o Record Score Properly (No Max Score)

□ Big Swing: Hit Fairway
o Must hit ball in designated fairway 3 out of 6 attempts
o Ball must fly in air
o Fairway: Length 30yds Min by Width 20 yds

□ Golf Knowledge/Life Skill Application
o Verbal questions
o Observed life skill behavior

1 - Holer (suggested ages 9-11)
In order to advance to 4 Holer you must:

□ Putting: Complete One 9-Hole Round
o Maximum Score of 27

□ Short Game: 3 Holes (up & down)
o Maximum score 12

□ Playing
o Maximum Score (5) three times on Practice Hole

□ Golf Knowledge/Life Skill Application
o Verbal questions
o Observed life skill behavior

4-Holer (BIRDIE) (suggested ages 11-13)
In order to advance to 9 Holer (Eagle) you must:

□ Putting: Complete One 9-Hole Round
o Maximum Score of 20

□ Short Game: 6 Holes (up & down)
o Maximum score 20

□ Swing
o Hit green 3 out of 6 tries
o Required distance 55 to 75 yards

□ Playing
o Average (22) on at least 5 Friday rounds from Family Tees

□ Golf Knowledge/Life Skill Application
o Written Rules and Golf Knowledge questions
o Observed life skill behavior

9-Holer (EAGLE) (suggested ages 13-15)
In order to advance to 18 Holer (Ace) you must:

□ Putting: Complete One 9-Hole Round
o Maximum Score of 18

□ Short Game: 6 Holes (up & down)
o Maximum score 15

□ Swing
o Hit green 3 out of 6 tries
o Required distance 80 to 110 yards

□ Playing
o Average (50) on at least 5 Friday rounds from Red Tees

□ Golf Knowledge/Life Skill Application
o Written Rules and Golf Knowledge questions
o Observed life skill behavior

*Evaluations will be ongoing throughout the course of the program

**All students must complete each requirement to move to the next level.

*** ALL REQUIREMENTS MUST BE COMPLETED DURING YOUTH GOLF FRIDAYS!

** Schedule is subject to change **

David P. Zimmaro, PGA

Director of Youth Golf
Overbrook Golf Club
[email protected]

(610) 687-6135