6. When should children begin competing in tournaments?
When they ask, or preferably beg to! Tournament play should be treated like a reward, something that is earned by progress in his/her game, satisfactory performance in school, etc.
When you do start competing, it is important that the player begins at a tournament level that matches his/her skill level.
Please consult with a GBGA Staff Member for further details because there are several other variables to be considered. We will be glad to help.
7. What is the student to teacher ratio in the Junior Academy?
Our instructors are trained by educational experts. We use management techniques comparable to those used by physical educators. Our "ratio" varies depending on the type of class or program. Our "target" range is 5 - 7 to 1. Our "actual" ratio turns out to be slightly less than 4 to 1.
Note: Our Master Class, which is our College Prep class, has for the last 12 years had a ratio of 10 to 1. 100% of the students who completed this class have had the opportunity to play college golf. 99% have actually chosen to!!!
We have found that learning takes place when the atmosphere, environment, curriculum, and the instructors are dynamic and in harmony. We take great pride in setting up an optimal environment!
The most important two variables as it pertains to players' skill development in golf are information and communication techniques. Great information must be communicated effectively if the student is to benefit. GBGA and its staff spend a great deal of time learning better ways to manage groups and improve communication skills. Our continuing education campaign is extensive, on-going, and fun!
8. What do we do when it rains?
We have class! We cover putting, course strategy, rules of etiquette, design golf courses, and discuss goals and dreams! We conduct all programs rain or shine!
9. What about facilities?
GBGA operates out of several locations to offer complete programming.
At Lake Murray Golf Center there is a Par 3 golf course, an 18 hole course designed strictly for putting, a driving range, a short game area, and it is all lighted for night time participation! There is also a learning center for all weather training.
Weed Hill has a fantastic short game area with a driving range that features natural turf and great targets, and even a special facility with a complement of technology to assist not only junior players' pursuit of college golf but college players/amateur players' pursuit of professional golf and even professionals chasing their dreams! And it is lighted for night time practice. There is also a complete golf shop at this location with every major equipment manufacturer represented.
Northwoods has a lighted driving range with natural turf and a great short game practice area to go along with an 18 hole P. B. Dye golf course.
Charwood is a 27 hole golf course with 2 great wedge ranges and a driving range.
GBGA also has a private training facility between Irmo and Chapin in the town of White Rock.
By having several locations, a variety of programming can be offered to all ages and skill levels!
10. Do GBGA classes have a Plan or Curriculum?
Absolutely! In September of 1990, George Bryan began putting together a curriculum and format for golf development. It took almost 5 years to get the original format and foundation in place. In December of 1994, GBGA opened formally for business at the Lake Murray Golf Center in Chapin.
Mike Bender was the first contributing expert and he made a half dozen visits or so to Columbia between 1993 and 1996 to train staff and students.
Marie Dawkins, one of the top physical educators in the country, worked closely with George on taking technical information and concepts and developing lesson plans for classes. Then she trained George and his staff during the summers serving as a lead instructor for camps and classes!
Dr. Morris Pickens consulted for GBGA on a monthly basis from December of 1996 until July of 2005 when he and his family moved to Sea Island.
Now, George has to visit "Dr. Mo" for "re-certification"! Dr. Pickens helped develop our new strategical based curriculum.
Mike Bender is most imfluential in the technical information while Dr. Morris Pickens is the strategical influence. Marie Dawkins' role was and is the one who helps get the information into a format that staff members can effectively communicate to the students.
11. What about Equipment & Technology?
GBGA is the only golf program in South Carolina to have a MEGSA, which was invented by Mike Bender. We also have three V-1 Computer Video Training Systems.
(MEGSA)
We have the best available technology so our students have every advantage!
12. What if my player wants to play college golf?
We have several different "tracks" or "paths" that players can use. Our master class is a college prep class and since 1995, every player to complete this program has had an option to play golf. Dozens of our collegiate athletes have used our traditional private lesson format as a route to college golf. Currently we have custom training tracks and annual programs for players to choose from. MOST IMPORTANTLY, these routes are proven! Currently, GBGA has close to 50 collegiate athletes in their program with at least that number in pursuit! In addition, there are over 100 alumni with a few graduates even engaged in professional golf! For more information on college golf, please see the section of the website titled "College."