Parents often ask about what programs are best for their kids. Here’s a quick primer:
OPEN TO ANYONE
Our after-school classes and summer camps are great for beginners and more advanced players. There is lots of individual attention, so coaches tailor their instruction to each person’s skill level.
— We have six-week enrichment sessions throughout the school year (fall, winter, spring). Most of these classes are right after school on school campuses, but we also have classes in later afternoon, evening and Saturday mornings at community centers, parks and golf courses. Students who have taken many sessions at schools or community centers might want to try a class at a golf course this spring. These are four-week sessions, 90 minutes per class — a mini-version of the afternoon at summer camp. Kids play 4-5 holes, with an instructor accompanying each foursome.
— All-day summer camps (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) feature station-based instruction all morning, then lunch, then 9 holes of golf every afternoon. We also have morning camps (8:30-11:30 a.m.) in Plymouth, Troy and Detroit.
— We have parent-child tournaments every spring and fall, with Saturday events at Oak Ridge in New Haven and Sunday events at Links of Novi. These are great opportunities to spend a fun afternoon and evening with your child. We start with a brief clinic, then 9 holes with cart, then picnic dinner and awards.
FOR INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED PLAYERS
Advanced camp, leagues and tournaments are for golfers with significant on-course experience and a desire to compete.
— We have two sessions of advanced summer camp, designed for players ages 11-15 who hope to play high school golf. Our 2022 sessions are July 11-15 at Coyote in New Hudson and Aug. 1-5 at Glacier Club in Washington Township.
— We have four competitive leagues every spring and fall (Saturdays at Maples in Novi and Somerset Park in Troy; Sundays at Somerset Park and Rammler in Sterling Heights). Kids play on four-person teams with a parent volunteer coach. The 8-10 division plays a scramble format, while the 11-15 division is like a high school match. All golfers play their own ball, and the top three of four scores count toward the team total.
— We have a series of four individual summer tournaments. All are 9 holes on short courses. Parents are encouraged to caddy for their children. A TGA coach accompanies each foursome as a scorer/rules official.
AFTER TGA
— Compete in junior tournaments sponsored by Top 50 Junior Tour, Golf Association of Michigan, Meijer-Callaway Tour, U.S. Kids Golf and many others.
— Compete on high school junior varsity and varsity boys and girls teams (girls play in fall, boys in spring).
— High school golfers can apply to be TGA assistant coaches.
ONE GREAT EXAMPLE
Sabel Imesch is currently a senior at Grosse Pointe South High School. Here is her pathway:
— After-school enrichment class at Kerby Elementary
— TGA summer camp
— Several TGA parent-child events
— Many TGA leagues and tournaments
— Many other prestigious junior tournaments
— Became a TGA assistant coach in 2019
— Tied for fourth in 2021 State High School Division 2 Tournament
— Received golf scholarship to Wayne State for fall 2022.
Register here for TGA spring and summer programs
