Coaching
Academy Overview
Our Mission
Create an elite level junior golf program that gives players the pathway and resources to pursue their goals, whether they play college level golf or develop a life long love of the game.
Our Belief
We believe in developing the athlete first followed by developing golf specific skills.
HOW THE ACADEMY WORKS
Assessment
The first step of a new junior is to do an evaluation of where they are to help determine which program level they will best fit into. We assess a junior physical development as well as their golf skill and knowledge. Prior program and tournament participation is also used to help find the best fit.
Academy Goals
The goal for the academy pathway is to have players be able to shoot 45 for 9 holes from appropriate tees when they start high school and be able to break 40 when they graduate high school. There are regular check points during the pathway. Players not meeting the check points will be advised to participate in private coaching program to accelerate their progress.
Long-Term Curriculum
One to three weekly coaching sessions (based on level of program) that focuses on athletic development and building golf skills towards the players end goal.
On-Course Improvement
The goal of golf is to play. Students will play in 9 hole academy events designed for each skill level with the goal of working their way back towards the tee box.
Technology Enhanced Motivation
We utilize the Op 36 technology to motivate students and make getting better feel like a game… because it is a game.
2025 Junior Academy Orientations
Orientations are a great way for families to get more information about the junior academy and to ask questions. In the orientations families will learn about the each level of programming and how to determine which level their junior golfer falls into as well a the requirements of each level. There are up to 4 orientations per year. Please see upcoming dates below.
The Academy Pathway
OP 36ERS
Level 1 & 2 Program
In OP 36ers players will develop movement skills that are important to later development in sports and introduce the foundation of golf basics that will be built upon in later levels of the program.
Class Time(s): Tuesday's 5pm - 6:30pm
Ideal Age of Completion: 6 - 8 yrs of age
Expectations Outside of Class: 1 - 9 holes & 1 - 2 practices per month
Players introduced to golf course with the OP 36 Development Model
Four 90 minute classes per month + two 9 hole events
Trackable progress with the Op 36 app
Create long lasting friendships
Commitment level low
Program Fees
Month - Month
Elev8 GC Member - $200/month
Non-Member - $230/month
Annual Enrollment Fee - $50 per student per year
LEARN TO PLAY
Level 3 & 4 Program
In Learn To Play players will continue to develop function movement skills while adding on speed, mobility, stability and introducing function strength training. Players will be introduced to golf specific skills. Juniors in the Learn To Play that are 9 years of age are eligible for our PGA Junior League Team.
Class Time(s): Wednesday's 5pm - 6:30pm
Ideal Age of Completion: 10 - 11 yrs of age
Expectations Outside of Class: 9 - 18 holes & 3 - 4 practices per month
Players will continue in their Op 36 on course journey playing from level 3 or 4 distances.
Appropriate length golf clubs recommended at this stage
Recommended 2 classes per week during golf season or 1 class & private lesson add-on
Increase in outside practice
Commitment level low/medium
Program Fees
Month - Month
Elev8 GC Member - $200/month
Non-Member - $230/month
Annual Enrollment Fee - $50 per student per year
PLAY TO COMPETE
Level 5 & 6 Program
In the Play To Compete Program players will increase speed and physical training with stamina, 3D integration, strength, stability and recovery. Golf skills will consist of players improving swing technique, increasing shot control, developing course management skills and building a tournament schedule. PGA Junior League is strongly recommended for players in the Play To Compete.
Class Time(s): Thursday's 5pm - 6:30pm
Ideal Age of Completion: 14 yrs of age
Expectations Outside of Class: 36 - 54 holes per month in season & 4 - 5 practices per week
Players will continue in their Op 36 on course journey playing from level 5 or 6 distances
Recommended full bag of fit clubs
Introduction to Tournament Play
Recommended 2 classes per week + PGA Junior League Team
15 – 30 hours of practice per week (including on course) outside of class in season is recommended
Commitment level medium/high
Program Fees
Month - Month
Elev8 GC Member - $200/month
Non-Member - $230/month
Annual Enrollment Fee - $50 per student per year
ELITES
Level 7+ Program
In the Elite program players will increase their development in strength and speed. Pre-round preparation and practice day routines will be established. Nutrition and recovery will be stressed. Players will learn about college preparation. PGA Junior League 17U is strongly recommended for those eligible.
Ideal Age of Completion: 18 yrs of age
Expectations Outside of Class: 36 - 54 holes per week in season & 2 - 3 practices per week
Players will be competing in single and multi-day tournaments on a local and National level. 15 – 25 per year recommended
Full bag or fitted clubs with regular club checks
Advanced biomechanics testing
Recommended 2 classes per week + PGA Junior League if Eligible
35+ hours per week outside of class in season of practice (including on course)
Commitment level high
Program Fees
2026 Schedule TBD
Elev8 GC Member - pricing based on schedule
Non-Member - pricing based on schedule
Annual Enrollment Fee - $50 per student per year
21st
February 2024
Learn about the #1 junior golf development model, Operation 36, from academy coach and Top 50 coach, Dillon Baker
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Pleasant Valley Golf Course
20th
March 2024
Learn about the #1 junior golf development model, Operation 36, from academy coach and Top 50 coach, Dillon Baker
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Pleasant Valley Golf Course
13th
May 2024
Learn about the #1 junior golf development model, Operation 36, from academy coach and Top 50 coach, Dillon Baker
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Pleasant Valley Golf Course
18th
August 2024
Learn about the #1 junior golf development model, Operation 36, from academy coach and Top 50 coach, Dillon Baker