they need to be shown how to build a swing that will last a long time. At GOLFTEC, we have the tools to help them do that.” Housed in indoor teaching bays, these tools include a bevy of motion capture devices, launch monitors and video analysis software. While highly advanced, they are not designed solely for those seeking that elusive scratch handicap. In fact, Boyd, the 2015 GOLFTEC Coach of the Year, works with golfers possessing the full range of abilities and experience. “I’ve taught juniors who’ve never played before,” says Boyd. “In some cases, we’ve had kids who played oth- er sports and wanted to make their golf team, which fits our very goal-oriented coaching style. What really matters in all of these situations is how much effort they want to put into it.” Playing college golf is another common goal. This fall, one of Boyd’s students achieved this difficult target as she signed a National Letter of Intent to play at Boise State. This is just one of many success stories 2 | June 2017 #juniorgolfmag Visit us at juniorgolfmag.net GOLFTEC offers all the resources for developing good swing habits J unior golfers have incredibly moldable swings, which is both a blessing and a curse. While they haven’t had a chance to form bad habits yet, learning proper form is essential. Recognized as an industry leader in golf lesson instruction, GOLFTEC strives to give juniors peace of mind that they are practicing a “good” swing. Thecompanyteachesmorelessonsthananyoneinthe world and is a major employer of PGA Professionals. It reached this lofty status by developing a fact-based approach to instruction. All lessons revolve around the company’s “Five Factors,” which include Fact- Based Diagnosis, Sequential Lessons, Video-Based Practice, Advanced Retention Tools and TECFIT® Club Fitting. This method has led to an exceptional success rate, as GOLFTEC students drop an average of seven strokes per 18-hole round. The potential for juniors through this program can be limitless. “Juniors have all this physical ability and youthful energy, but if they’re not led down the right path, they can develop bad swing habits,” explains Paul Boyd, Director of Instruction at GOLFTEC South Bay, in Torrance, California. “As juniors, they’re very easily taught how to do something. They’re adaptable, but TECH UNIVERSITY GOLFTEC Succeedswith Teachingand Technology Junior Rising Star Miles Sadovich 7 years old – Shelley, Idaho • Tour champion for the U.S. Kids 2016 Fall Tour in Utah • 8 consecutive 1st place finishes in U.S. Kids tournaments • U.S. Kids Player of the Year for 7-year-old division • Idaho Falls Junior League Most Improved Player 2016 • Beginning only his second year of competitive golf BY BEN TYLER for this certified personal coach. In addition to lessons, practice is another key compo- nent to developing an effective swing. “For the most part, the juniors I work with have week- ly lessons and then they’re in here practicing two to three times a week,” says Boyd. “So video feedback is really important. If I show them something in a les- son, they can come back and practice it. They need to make sure that when they’re practicing, it’s the right practice. When you hit balls on the range, you can only see ball flight. But here, we focus on making better swing habits.” Since 1995, more than 6 million lessons have been taught by GOLFTEC instructors. There are over 200 GOLFTEC Centers available throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as in China, Japan and South Korea. For more, visit www.golftec.com. Ben Tyler is a freelance golf journalist and former teaching professional. Miles is a multi-sport star who also ranks as the leading scorer on his basketball team and can play every position on his soccer squad, including goalie. You’re amazing, Miles!