ACADEMYPROFILE BY JUNIOR GOLF STAFF MikeBenderGolfAcademy PutsJuniorsonSuccessfulPath T he Mike Bender Golf Academy, located near Orlando, in Lake Mary, Florida, of- fers junior golfers all of the key components to take their game to a much higher level. Mike has spent 25 years building a world-class train- ing facility. Having been a former PGA Tour competitor, he understands the importance of creating an environment that allows a student to work on his or her technical and competi- tive skills, while receiving physical fitness and course management training, collegiate and career guidance, as well as valuable work on the mental game. The Academy’s 5,000-square foot state-of- the-art building and 12 acres of outdoor train- ing space attract juniors from all around the world. To nicely complement the cutting-edge training facility, Mike has assembled a top- notch coaching staff. Mike himself is ranked by Golf Digest as one of the “Top 50 Teachers in America,” as is his Director of Instruction, Cheryl Anderson. In addition to two of the nation's leading teachers in one location, three more full-time instructors round out the staff, known for its commitment to personal attention. According to Academy information, multiple juniors have risen to the number one-ranked spot in the country under the staff’s guidance and nearly 150 more stu- dents have earned collegiate scholarships. A full-time Co-ed Elite program is available for those who want Olympic-style training under the on-site guidance of Mike Bender. Also pop- ular is the Junior Champions program, filled every year with local competitive juniors look- ing to take that next big step. In fact, the 2016 Florida Boys Junior Champion graduated from the program. Staff members also coach begin- ning juniors through the U.S. Kids curriculum and the USGA/LPGA Girls Golf program. The Mike Bender Golf Academy is not a one- size-fits-all program. Coaches seek to under- stand each junior’s goals and to develop a road- map that is tailored to their unique journey. Mastery of the game is a long process, and Mike and his coaches teach students that playing golf is a marathon, not a sprint. They look beyond short-term concerns and stay focused on the long-term goals. Success comes from doing the small stuff well. Recognizing that, Mike and his staff train their juniors similarly to how Mike trains his touring professionals, including Masters and British Open Champion Zach Johnson. This means focusing on mastering the details that others don’t take the time or make the effort to learn. No wonder the sign at the facility reads, “Home of Champions.” For more informa- tion about Mike Bender Golf Academy, visit www.mikebender.com. December 2017 | 29 Subscribe today at juniorgolfmag.net Instructors teach proper footwork, among other things Students learn that golf improvement is a steady process Training space is allotted for many different facets of the game Kids from many different countries visit the Academy