Total Golf Game and Swing Education with Supervised Practice and Improvement Initiatives

Question: How can I improve? / Why am I not improving? 

Answer: You are not sure of what must be done, you do not allow sufficient time for practice and your practice effort lacks quality.

Solution: The Complete Golfer Junior Lesson Plan with Supervised Practice and Improvement Initiatives

No player needs to be reminded that golf is a difficult game. We demonstrate that fact to ourselves and our partners every weekend.

Even the professionals, with their apparently immaculate swings, are constantly reported
to be seeking help from their own particular gurus, and even they can go from a 64 to a 74 on two
successive days on the same course. That this difficulty is an essential part of the fascination of
the game is clear. The old joke that hell is where you hit a perfect shot every time has its truth -
though all of us would settle for a weekend pass from time to time.
- Alec Morrison, The Impossible Art of Golf

The Complete Golfer (TCG) Junior Program

A personalized approach to improvement for the serious junior golfer.

Who is this program for?

Juniors: Ages 8 - 12 and 13 - 17

• This program is for parents wanting their sons or daughters to become proficient in golf for scholarship opportunities.
• There are two categories of junior golfers in the TCG Program: Beginner and Advanced.
• Beginners will participate in introductory clinics. 
• Advanced are juniors with at least an 85 or better scoring average. 
• These programs are designed to take the junior golfer to a single or plus digit handicap, while paying special attention to their development as young men and women. BMGA believes these golfers eventually become contributing citizens and pillars of their communities. Parental support, aligned with the goals of the program, promote student success.

I have assisted over 300+ junior golfers in their pursuit of golfing excellence. Many have succeeded in AJGA events and gone on to college play. My advanced junior program is conducted by PGA golf professionals and is designed to further the abilities of junior golfers interested in competition at the local, state and national level.

Dear Parents and Junior Golfers,

After 30 years of teaching golf, I am totally convinced that proper diagnostics, (identifying not just the problems, but the student's worst problem) coupled with a video analysis, (so the student can also recognize the flaw) will lead to an experience on the lesson tee that truly makes the student better by the end of that lesson. This is all the vast majority of golfers want.

However there are other golfers who want to be “complete” in their efforts to know and play the game at the highest level possible and wish to excel beyond the norms of others. They want to make the high school golf team and then hope to get a college scholarship or play professionally. They want to play in state and regional events. They want to qualify for national USGA amateur tournaments. The BMGA TCG Program coupled with Supervised Practice and Improvement Initiatives will allow you to play at your highest level and achieve your personal goals, whatever they may be.

What must be done to make you practice properly?

I have studied the problem of not practicing properly or sufficiently. My findings are quite simple. Our basic human nature dictates that we are “driven by personal gain” or be given “perks” for our efforts. What motivates most of us are... payoffs! Certificates of achievement, free park passes, free movies, rewards, and on and on.

I propose you practice for prizes and golf products!

That's right; I will give you products of your choice if you practice and improve your scores! Don't be ashamed. Facts are facts. If you achieve your personal golfing goals because you like perks, so be it! You may find this somewhat amusing, but I am totally serious about affecting your improvement and assisting you in your desire to reach your goals.

Learning correct swing technique through the TCG sessions coupled with
“supervised” practice is the total answer!

This cannot be looked at as though you were joining a health club. You and I both know these conditions are very profitable for the health club owners because you pay up front and then don't go. Everyone is well intended at the onset, but motivation and desire soon wane.

By joining the BMGA Supervised Practice and Improvement Initiatives Program, you will be awarded for your efforts. You will be with like-minded individuals who will drive your motivation beyond what you thought possible. Rewards will increase as your percentage of improvement increases and as your short and long game handicaps lower. You can even get products for attendance!

Bill Madonna
PGA Master Teaching Professional

Bill this sounds great! I want my son/daughter to enroll. How do I get started and what will it cost?

Phase One: Sign up for the TCG Lesson Plan. This requires you book fifteen (15) lessons over a twelve month period. (Don't worry if your schedule requires more time. We will adjust your sessions.) The first four lessons will be scheduled in the first two months. The remaining eleven lessons are then spread over the following ten months. (A copy of every lesson in the series is available). Your initial personal training will be with Bill Madonna, Terry Reed or Rafael Floriani and you will continue your sessions with BMGA Lead Staff Instructors. Mr. Madonna will oversee all training and play an active part of your continuing education and development.

Phase Two: Supervised Practice and Improvement Initiatives. This phase begins immediately after Lesson Two. This is the part that truly completes Phase One and solves the problem of not achieving our goals. This is also the phase that lasts as long as you like. Continuing a supervised practice plan will only help to raise your ability to even higher levels.

Payment Plans
Student agrees to 10 month term.*
Payments to be paid quarterly.

Beginner Juniors:
10 Month Program: Two 60 minute Saturday clinics per month covering introduction to the game with swing development and on course awareness: $85 per month  (three month min.)

Advanced Junior Students:
10 Month Program: TCG lesson series and three hours of supervised practice plus two 9 hole rounds weekly: $395 per month

Payment Schedule: Five payments - Pre-paid every two months

*Adv. Junior Student Prepaid:10 months $3,550 (save $395 -one month free)
Additional hours of supervised practice: $30 per hour payable only in quarterly sessions.
Additional private 45 minute sessions: $70 per session.

All Advanced Juniors will need the TCG Student Kit: $350

Kit contents: TCG Course Manual ($45), ImmelBar™ Training Aid ($69), Flexor Pak ($159), annual Shot-by-Shot online game Analysis and Online SCHEDULING service ($77).

Scheduling and Recording of Practice Statistics

Each student will have access to a web-based game analysis program
entitled Shot-by-Shot and a web-based scheduling and appointment program.
Click on eithericon to get started.

Improvement Initiatives

Each month every student will take a supervised Short Game Exam (SGE). They will record their Supervised Practice Hours (SPH). They will compete in a monthly *RAG Competition. They will record a monthly Driving, Wedge and Putting (DIWIPI) exam. They will also record their nine-hole scores for the month.

• Each student will be tested only within their Starting HDCP Group.
• Percentages of improvement in specific contests and percentage of lowering of HDCP will determine level of product rewards.
• Every student who improves at least 10% will receive rewards.
• A percentage of the collected fees will go into the reward pool.

*RAG Competition – Shot result evaluation. Rotten, Acceptable or Great

The Complete Golfer Program (TCG) was established in 1995 to provide select high-performance golfers with a comprehensive and systematic approach to training, competing, skill improvement and personal development. Both young men and women are welcome to participate.

The Complete Golfer Coaching Philosophy

• Each athlete is a unique individual.
• High performance athletes develop at different rates.
• Developing the complete individual will enable the finest athlete and person possible to emerge.
• Parental support and a professional coaching influence are key components in the development of top golfers.
• The commitment to excellence develops champions.
• The player's score and who he is as an individual are not related.
• Optimum growth comes from clear intentions and strong commitments by the athlete, coaches and parents.

Maturing into a champion both on and off the course is an exciting challenge for aspiring young athletes and their families. It takes considerable commitment, support, feedback and training. A professional coaching influence combined with effective training and practice is paramount in this process. TCG is a holistic approach to developing and nurturing adolescents so that they will mature into the finest golfers and most outstanding people possible. This specialized program presents committed athletes with an opportunity to realize their goals in both sport and life.

At BMGA, our focus is making sure that youngsters are exposed to the fun of the game and that they enjoy their experience and want to continue to play for the rest of their lives. In all of our junior programs, students learn the game's fundamentals and how to ingrain positive swing habits which will serve as a foundation for them the rest of their golfing career. We also coach all of our juniors in golf's basic etiquette and rules, the mental portion of the game, on-course strategies and keys for effective practice.

Participating athletes experience tremendous growth as young adults and achieve outstanding feats as competitive golfers. TCG prepares participants for life as student-athletes at the university level.

What can participating athletes expect?

• To have fun, support and a full commitment from all BMGA teacher/coaches.
• To improve as golfers, students and people.
• A professional coaching and training program that is adapted to meet their specific needs.
• Honest and open two-way communication and feedback.
• Structured coaching, practice and training with a focus on swing technique, fitness, nutrition, short game proficiency, course management and mental skills.
• Preparation and guidance for life as a collegiate student-athlete and beyond.
• Personal telephone and e-mail access to all BMGA golf coaches.

Do you have what it takes?

This program is suitable for individuals who are:

• Outstanding golf athletes motivated to improve to collegiate level golf and beyond
• Committed to being the best that they can be on and off the course
• Responsible for their actions and “coachable”
• Positive about the game and its challenges
• Respectful and honor the game and
• Give scholastics top priority

Athletes selected to participate in TCG are expected to:

• Be committed to developing into all that they can be in all areas of life.
• Conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. 
• Respect the efforts of parents, coaches, golf officials, facility staff and sponsors at all times.
• Approach all relevant tasks (academics, practice, play, fitness, nutrition and training) like a champion. 
• Be a role model.
• Continually learn and discover.
• Be honest with themselves and others at all times.
• Have fun and enjoy the journey.

Registering for TCG Supervised Practices

It is the responsibility of each athlete to register for all supervised practices and other activities utilizing the BMGA website “SCHEDULING” icon. It is imperative that all athletes be prepared for each activity promptly at their scheduled time. Please cancel your session online as far in advance as possible if you are unable to participate in a scheduled activity.

What roles do parents play in TCG?

Parents play a pivotal role in the development of high performance people. It is crucial that each athlete and his/her parents are aware of individual and collective roles and responsibilities of the athlete, parents and coaches. Greatest gains are made when all stakeholders know their roles and are pulling in the same direction. TCG parents are provided with parent education training opportunities and regular athlete/coach feedback sessions.

The recommended roles for parents are to:

• Provide each child with unconditional love regardless of their performance in golf or academics.
• Communicate openly and candidly with all TCG coaches.
• Have a discussion with their child to find out exactly how they want parents to support them.
• Interact with each child recognizing that golf is not who they are but rather an activity they enjoy and participate in.
• Be educated on how to best help their child with the challenges that they face.
• Be aware of the common pitfalls into which many parents inadvertently fall.

What are the specific activities and training opportunities available to TCG athletes?

Participating athletes receive regularly scheduled group and individual coaching and training sessions. The training is designed to facilitate their improved performance as golfers, students and people. There is a conscious plan to ramp up activities and decrease programming appropriately at different times of the year. This training strategy will give each player the best opportunity to optimally perform in the classroom and in the most important golf tournaments. As well, it minimizes the risk of burn out and injury. Key areas of coaching and training for athletes lies in making academics priority number one – proactively working ahead with assignments and studying so that golf does not get in the way of school or vice-versa.

Keys Areas of Focus:

• Ensuring core fundamentals  
• Grip, stance, ball position, alignment, and posture
• Devising a written “Performance Plan” that clearly outlines goals and planned action for golf and personal development
• Getting the body into top physical condition for golf performance to withstand the rigors of competitive golf
• Adopting excellent nutrition and hydration habits
• Playing with equipment that is best suited to the individual's game
• Training the mind to be quiet and focused on the target before each shot by following a mental pre-shot and post-shot routine
• Developing and maintaining a positive attitude and body posture
• Implementing effective course management strategies
• Learning the Rules of Golf and being able to effectively implement them in competitive situations

Short Game…Major emphasis!

Athletes will receive extensive ongoing coaching and training to develop short game skills. A short game skills test will be utilized to measure short game proficiency. Learning and implementing sound short game techniques will be a key area of focus for our athletes.

Overall Emphasis on: Course Management; Fundamentals and Golf Swing Technique:

Driver and Wedge Control; The Physical Game: Fitness, Nutrition, and Strength Training

The Mental Game

There is considerable emphasis in TCG on developing mental skills, adopting high-level practice and event preparation habits, and post–round journaling and analysis. All players will learn mental game techniques and use techniques and tools perfected by the top professionals. The Eight Traits of Champion Golfers by Dr. Deborah Graham and Jon Stabler will be used as a text. Athletes will be learning and applying the key concepts and skills outlined in the book and all participants need to secure a copy of this book. They will be available through BMGA website.

In addition, BMGA Golf has invested in GolfPsych “Mind Meters”. The GolfPsych “Mind Meter” is a fantastic bio feedback training tool that makes athletes aware of their inner-tension levels and helps quiet the mind to perform “in the zone”.

Optimizing Equipment

TCG players will have their equipment evaluated and appropriately fitted. We are fortunate to have state-of-the-art test equipment and tools at our disposal. Players are encouraged to consult with the TCG coaching staff before making any equipment changes.

Administrative Assistance

The Academy Coordinator is responsible for all financial concerns and questions regarding scheduling, equipment, tournaments, tee times, etc. He/She apprises participants of upcoming events and activities by e-mail. The Academy Coordinator can be reached by telephone at 407-238-8870. The fax number is 407-238-8675.

How Do You Enroll?

All athletes and parents must first personally meet with Academy Staff to discuss the possibility of enrolling in TCG. The Academy Coordinator can be reached by telephone at 407-238-8870 or 888-305-9236 or e-mail at greg@bmgaorlando.com. Space is limited.