Every Academy interaction has four elements: Main theme/Objective, Practical Application, Academic Vocabulary and Big Questions. These elements apply to four revolving themes: Self-awareness, Strategy, Culture and Fun. As you may have heard before, golf is hard. We keep things simple.
Golf course sessions are crucial. Though sandlot golf and other off-course activities are productive, to get hooked on the game you have to spend time on the course.
The following is a sample timeline for an off-course session:
- Setup
We need to be completely set up 15 minutes before session start time. We have to setup a productive atmosphere, set a climate for learning. Include any students who arrive early. - Free practice
Students show up sporadically. The first 30 minutes is spent welcoming them, checking them in and getting them started. We play golf from the hole backwards. Get them working on chipping and putting. Make sure they have a goal, but keep it fun. - Group huddle
The huddle is used to review the weekly focus and other topics. All students should be taking a knee or sitting. All ICTM staff members need to be part of conversation. - Focused practice
During 30 – 45 minute period we will be working on a common goal together or playing a group game. Pay attention to group sizes. No more than 3-4 kids should have to share a stall. Whether on the range or the chipping green, if we have room, use it. - Golf holes
Having kids of all ages play together is powerful. But, be vigilant. We can’t squash development. There is a balance we need to achieve. Students putting in the work get on the course first and the most often. - Pace of play
When we are on the course we must be conscious of other golfers. Players who can keep up should be encouraged to do so. Beginners should be taught to let faster players play through. We will not be guilty of holding up the pace of play. - Break down
The last 15 minutes should be spent reorganizing & store equipment, finding owners for stray items and leaving the course better than we found it. Often, we use this time to celebrate, have some fun and have a closing group chat.
Off-course sessions can happen before or after school. We reach out from the course and play golf right on school campuses. These sessions require flexibility. Every site is different. They vary on their attitudes about golf. They vary on how students enter and exit the sessions. They even vary on facilities. Some sites have a lot of space. Others have very little. Programming must fit the site. As an ICTM member, it is your responsibility to understand the circumstances. Evaluate each site, build relationships and navigate the obstacles they present. Your job is to offer students the best opportunity to learn the game.
The following is a sample timeline for an off-course session:
- 2:00 p.m.
Arrive on campus and sign-in at the school’s office. - 2:10 p.m. – 2:20 p.m.
Students check-in to the golf session. - 2:20 p.m. – 3:20 p.m.
Set up golf session. All sessions have have a “session plan” and games that tie into the weekly focus. - 3:20 p.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Clean-up, check-out students and return to CAPS - 3:40 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Data entry. Complete ICTM journal input.
