The Ages 12–13 program is where things get more personal. At this stage, kids are actively exploring who they are, what they stand for, and how they relate to the people around them. The program meets them right there, blending more advanced golf skill development with meaningful opportunities to build confidence, discover their identity, and develop the kind of character that lasts a lifetime.
What a Typical Session Looks Like
Sessions at this level run 60 minutes, reflecting the deeper and more layered content kids are ready to engage with. The same proven three-part structure continues, but with greater depth and independence built in.
Golf Fitness Warm-Up (first ~10 minutes) Kids continue building fundamental movement skills through active, energetic warm-ups — with activities scaled to their age and development level.
Games & Activities (bulk of class) The heart of the session. Participants sharpen their golf skills through games and challenges while exploring more complex life skill concepts like identity, goal planning, resilience, and what it means to be someone others can count on. Coaches create space for kids to make decisions, take ownership, and lead.
Wrap-Up (last 5–10 minutes) Coaches guide the group through open-ended reflection, helping kids connect their experiences on the course to the bigger picture of who they are becoming.
Golf Skills Your Child Will Build
At this level, kids are beginning to think about golf as their sport. Movements become more fluid and intentional, and participants start developing their own processes and preferences on the course. All four golf skills continue to be practiced and refined:
- Putting
- Chipping
- Pitching
- Full Swing
Coaches work with kids on a more advanced set of fundamentals at this level, building on everything learned in previous years:
- Get Ready to Swing — reinforcing grip, stance, aim, alignment, and balanced start position
- Distance Response & Club Selection — choosing the right club for the right situation and distance
- Target Awareness — continuing to develop target selection and distance judgment
- Clubface Awareness — understanding how the angle of the clubface at contact shapes the ball’s direction
- Body Balance — developing a balanced start and finish on every swing
- Swing Rhythm — learning that the timing and tempo of a swing matters just as much as the mechanics
- Pre-Shot Routine — building a consistent mental and physical process before each shot
- Post-Shot Routine — learning how to respond to both good and bad shots with emotional balance and focus
Life Skills & Character Development
The Ages 12–13 program dives into the deeper work of self-discovery and personal growth. Every lesson is connected to one of the five Key Commitments while introducing life skill concepts that are especially relevant for early adolescents.
- Setting Goals with Purpose — Kids don’t just learn to set goals — they learn to set goals that actually mean something to them. Participants explore the difference between a goal and a wish, and they build real plans for how to get from where they are to where they want to be, in golf and in life.
- Working Toward Your Goals — Having a goal is one thing. Working toward it is another. Kids develop concrete strategies for making progress, staying accountable, and adjusting their approach when things don’t go as planned.
- Dealing with Challenges — Participants explore what it really means to grow through adversity. They develop tools for handling setbacks on and off the course — including how to manage their emotions, stay focused under pressure, and come back stronger after a tough moment.
- Embracing Your Identity & Building Confidence — This is one of the most powerful areas of focus at this age. Kids are given the space to explore who they are, what makes them unique, and how to feel confident in that — even when peer pressure or self-doubt gets in the way. Coaches create a safe, encouraging environment where every participant feels seen and valued.
- Respecting & Valuing Diversity — Participants take a deeper look at what it means to truly respect and appreciate people who are different from them. Through meaningful conversations and shared experiences on the course, kids learn that diversity isn’t just something to tolerate — it’s something to celebrate, because it makes every team, classroom, and community stronger.
- Being Someone Others Can Count On — Kids explore what it means to be a “go-to person” — someone who is dependable, trustworthy, and brings out the best in the people around them. They also learn what it takes to build a go-to team, where everyone contributes and no one is left behind.
- Self-Discovery & Confidence — A central theme at this level is helping kids figure out who they are and feel good about it. Through golf challenges, group activities, and guided reflection, participants build a stronger sense of self that carries well beyond the course.
- Goal Setting & Follow-Through — Kids don’t just talk about goals — they practice building real plans, tracking progress, and learning from both their successes and setbacks. This is some of the most practical life skill work in the entire program.
- Resilience & Emotional Intelligence — Participants learn how to handle difficult emotions — frustration, disappointment, pressure — in healthy and productive ways. These skills show up in how they respond to a bad shot, a tough day at school, or a conflict with a friend.
- Leadership & Teamwork — At this age, kids are ready to start thinking about the kind of leader and teammate they want to be. The program gives them language and experience for what it looks and feels like to lift others up, collaborate well, and take responsibility for their role in a group.
- Integrity & Good Judgment — With more independence comes more responsibility. Participants continue to practice making honest, thoughtful decisions — including in rules situations on the course — and they develop greater confidence in their own judgment.
Safety First, Always
Every session is structured with clear safety expectations so kids can focus on growing and having fun in a secure environment:
- Coaches use consistent signals so kids always know when to stop, look, and listen
- Designated safety zones keep kids completely separate from hitting areas at all times
- A minimum of 10–12 feet is maintained between each hitting station
- A maximum of 2–3 players per station ensures individual attention
- A clear behavior policy is in place with consistent expectations and fair consequences
- All coaches are trained in Safe Sport policies and chapter incident reporting procedures
