JUNIOR GOLF PROGRAMS
Kay has enjoyed teaching & coaching junior golfers of all ages since 1996, when she became affiliated with the LPGA/USGA Girls’ Golf Program of Phoenix. Since then, her ‘stable’ of junior golfers continues to grow. Players taught by Kay have gone on to play collegiate golf at the following universities: Boston College, Northern Arizona University, University of Minnesota, Columbia University, Penn State University, University of Arizona, University of New Orleans, Oregon State University, University of Oregon, University of New Mexico, Indiana University, Colorado State University, Colorado Mesa University, Adams State University, University of Richmond, Scottsdale Community College, St. Cloud State University, New Mexico State University, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, University of Montana, Montana State University, Texas A&M International University, & Western Illinois University.
Purpose: To assist and support the junior golfer (and their parents) of any age and/or skill level in developing a complete golf game, adding to his/her enjoyment of the game of golf, learning life lessons in and through golf, and striving for excellence both on and off the course. Coaching varies by age and individual but fundamental objectives remain constant whether the young golfer intends to play recreationally or with the goal of playing at the high school and/or collegiate level. Since 1996 when Kay first started coaching juniors, she has created a practice and learning environment that breeds enjoyment and success. Since 2000, Kay has been involved in teaching and coaching approximately 25 players who have gone on to compete at the NCAA Division I level.
Coaching formats designed with juniors in mind include: Group practice, complete game private instruction for all ages and skill levels, on-course instruction, and training and insights on the mental side of the game and unique physical fitness requirements of the game.
Ages: 5-8 and 9-12
School Year Junior Golf Program: Classes meet on Saturdays, 2-3 times per month.
Ratio: 8:1 Player to teacher. Taught and coached by Kay
Cost: $35/per golfer/per class
Location: Mesa Country Club
Program schedule:
• Winter (November, December, January, February)
• Spring (March, April, May)
Junior Golf Camps: TBA the first two weeks of June
Instruction and coaching for juniors on the practice facilities and on the golf course. Open to girls and boys ages 6-14 (all levels). Juniors may enroll for one or both sessions.
Dates: June 2024 — Shalimar GC, Tempe
Instructor: Kay Cornelius and Dr. Debbie Crews
Ratio 8:1 Player to teacher.
Fee: $195
Custom Group Coaching for Juniors: Parents/friends may create their own semi-private and small groups — Kay will customize curriculum according to juniors’ age, experience level, and goals. Fee: $30-50/per golfer per hour.
Girl Golfers / LPGA/USGA Girls’ Golf Mini Hub: Girls are unique and often enjoy a small group learning environment that includes other girls. These sessions are a fun way to introduce golf to your daughter and foster a special love for the game at a young age. Girls who develop their games may want to play in LPGA/USGA Girls’ Golf of Phoenix events. See www.girlsgolfofphoenix.org for more details. ‘Girl Golfers’ sessions scheduled TBA. Ratio 6:1 Player to teacher. See ‘upcoming events’ page for next event.
Private coaching with Kay at Mesa Country Club and Gainey Ranch Golf Club: By appointment, 12-months/year. Group sessions are ‘on hold’ from June 30th until September 1st. ‘Custom small groups’ are welcome year round. Private coaching fee: $95 to $120, depending on length of session - competitive players of all ages and new golfers age 12 to 17. New and developing golfers age 11 and under - 45 minute lesson - $75.
Junior Golf Academy: Select group of juniors who aspire to take their game to the ‘next level.’ If you are interested in joining the JGA, see Kay Cornelius, LPGA for more details. JGA junior golfers have access to unlimited practice privileges and golf course playing privileges (space available ‘walking’ only – no carts). — N/A
Kay’s Group Programs & Private Teaching / Coaching Philosophy:
• Focus on solid basic fundamentals — hand position (grip), set-up position, balanced and athletic posture, proficiency in aim and alignment
• Full swing technique — Facilitating the creation of a fundamentally sound golf swing that is repeatable. Efficient and effective movement of club and body with the goal of achieving consistent solid contact, shot direction, and low point control.
• Prescribing practice exercises and drills specific to player’s unique needs
• Video playback / video analysis / use of still photos used in teaching juniors when deemed appropriate
• Developing putting technique, distance control, aim and alignment skills, green reading skills, and practice drills.
• Short game skill building and practice — chipping, pitching, and bunker Play.
• Shot choices, creativity, and club selection throughout the short game (on-course).
• Specialty shots and ‘trouble shots’
• Course management / decision-making in ‘game situations’
• Visualization and the mental side of the game.
• The Rules of Golf
• Preparing for tournament play – supporting both the junior athlete and parents
• Physical fitness and nutrition for the junior athlete
• Equipment recommendations and guidance for parents and juniors.
• Physical fitness and nutrition recommendations for juniors looking to take their game to the ‘next level’
• Golf training aids specific to individual player and his/her unique needs
Expectations of Junior Golfers:
• Honoring the Game. Parent resource: www.positivecoach.org Respect for facility (Gainey Ranch Golf Club and Mesa Country Club), staff members, club members, fellow players, and coaches.
• Commitment to improving game through instruction, practice, playing, and mental/emotional approach.
• Compete in both school and non-school organized tournaments, if preparing for high school golf team. There are several options throughout the Valley: US Kids’ Golf Phoenix Tour (www.uskidsgolf.com), Junior Golf Association of Arizona (www.jgaa.org), LPGA/USGA Girls’ Golf (www.girlsgolfofphoenix.org), The First Tee of Phoenix, and the Southwest Section of the PGA.