Thursday, October 16, 2008

Introducing Junior Golf Scoring Lessons at Torrey Pines

Until now the junior golf program was focused almost entirely on developing the fundamental skills needed to “play” the game of golf at fun and fairly informal clinics and private lessons. We’re excited to introduce a new offering called “scoring lessons” to address the competitive side of the game for members who are looking towards competing in tournaments.

Scoring lessons are either private or semi-private outings on the golf course with a staff instructor. These lessons are dedicated to giving junior golfers the experience of playing the game under the rules of golf for three consecutive holes, and recording accurately their scores and a variety of important statistics. The results from scoring lessons will be tracked over the period of one month and participants can earn free spots into group clinics and private lessons as they meet or exceed a variety of performance goals. Participants will also have additional chances to win free spots as their results are compared head-to-head against their peers.

Anticipated questions about scoring lessons follow:

· Simply put, what is a scoring lesson?
A scoring lesson is a supervised outing over three holes of golf including a staff instructor and either one or two junior golf program members. Each hole is played under the rules of golf. In addition to the score, a variety of important performance statistics will be recorded by the instructor.

· How does a “scoring lesson” differ from a “group playing lesson”?

Scoring Lesson

Group Playing Lesson

Limited to members who have reached the Red or Gold skill level.

Open to all skill levels.

Held on Tuesday and Thursday and members make appointments to participate directly with their coach.

Held on Monday and Wednesday and members join group on-line using smarterlessons.com.

Have a maximum of two members per instructor during the lesson.

Have up to four members in the group, plus the instructor.

Members use spots on their Private Range & Scoring Lessons cards to participate.

Members use spots on their Group Clinic cards to participate.

· Why are scoring lessons limited to only the Red and Gold skill levels, and how can I find out what skill level is my child currently at?
Torrey Pines is a full-length, championship quality facility that demands a lot from even adult golfers. Junior golfers at the Red and Gold skill levels will be significantly challenged; juniors in the Green and Yellow skill levels are not yet ready for the difficult conditions presented by the golf course.

To check on a member’s skill level, your membership roster is available at: www.torreypinesgolfcourse.com/juniorgolf/pgm_roster.htm .

Members at the Green or Yellow levels may test to enter the Red level by scheduling private lessons with their coaches specifically for that purpose. Alternatively, you can contact me at (858) 452-3226 ext. 224, or at mark@torreypinesgolfcourse.com, to schedule a free assessment of your child’s ability to participate in scoring lessons.

· When are scoring lessons held?
Scoring lessons are held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons during twilight hours. Members must check-in at the starter’s booth with a valid resident I.D. card and 30-day junior golf pass before teeing off.

Exceptions:

  • If a scoring lesson is held on the weekend (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) green fees must also be purchased.
  • Scoring lessons may not be conducted on holidays recognized by the City of San Diego unless greens fees are purchased.
  • Scoring lessons may held on Monday or Wednesday only if a sufficient number of coaches are available to conduct the regularly scheduled group playing lessons.

· Who can book a scoring lesson?
Scoring lessons can be booked by current members of the junior golf program who have reached either the Red or Gold achievement levels.

Other requirements:

  • Monday through Thursday members must have a current resident I.D. card and valid 30-day Junior Play Pass issued by the city starter.
  • If the scoring lesson is scheduled on the weekend (Friday through Sunday) greens fees will be charged.

· Where are scoring lessons held?
Scoring lessons will be conducted on holes 1 thru 3 of the North Course. Red level members will tee-off from the forward tees. Gold level members will tee-off from the middle tees.

· Is there a limit on the number of scoring lessons that can be booked?
There is no limit on the number of scoring lessons that can be booked by a member of the junior program.

The more scoring lessons a member participates in, the more chances he/she has to earn free clinics and private lessons (details follow.)

· How do I pay for a scoring lesson?
Members use an available spot on their pre-paid Range & Scoring Lesson Card (formerly known as the Private Lesson Card) to pay for the lesson. Range & Scoring Lesson Cards are available in the golf shop for $175 and are good for any combination of five, 30 minute private lessons at the range or scoring lessons on the course.

· Which coaches will be available for scoring lessons?
The following coaches have indicated that they will be available for scoring lessons:

Allen Merryman, (760) 889-1516
allen@torreypinesgolfcourse.com

Jordan Cassel, (858) 663-4201
jordan@torreypinesgolfcourse.com

Chris Lempa, (619) 892-9178
chris@torreypinesgolfcourse.com

Jason Rudolph, (760) 213-3511
Jason@torreypinesgolfcourse.com

Brett Wycoff, (480) 650-6783
brett@torreypinesgolfcourse.com

Jason Hoth, (435) 757-0384
jasonhoth@torreypinesgolfcourse.com

Jenny Liu, (760) 500-0400
jenny@torreypinesgolfcourse.com

· What are the responsibilities of the coach before and during the scoring lesson?
The instructor’s primary responsibilities will be:

  • Ensure the scoring lesson is conducted under the rules of golf.
  • Ensure the score for each hole played is accurately tabulated, including any penalty strokes incurred during play.
  • Record additional performance statistics during play.
  • Make sure the correct tee boxes are utilized.
  • Provide guidance in rules applications (options, drops, etc.)

Other responsibilities:

  • Be a positive supporter, including providing advice on playing strategy, penalty avoidance, and club selection.
  • Be available at least 15 minutes prior to teeing off to help the member prepare for the scoring lesson.
  • If necessary, provide help with check-in at the starter’s booth.

· How do I book a scoring lesson with a coach?
Scoring lessons are booked directly with one of the coaches identified above using the contact information provided.

Additional help in scheduling a scoring lesson is available by contacting your program coordinator, Mark Degnan, at (858) 452-3226, ext. 224, or emailing me at mark@torreypinesgolfcourse.com .

· What statistics will be recorded during play?
Coaches will record the following statistics during the scoring lessons.

  • Individual strokes taken for each hole played
  • Individual putts taken for each hole played
  • Total strokes taken for the three holes played
  • Total putts taken for the three holes played
  • Total fairways hit
  • Total greens hit in regulation

· What can be won by participating in the scoring lessons?
Each month full and partial Group Clinic Cards and Range & Scoring Lesson Cards will be awarded to participants based on their performance during their scoring lessons.

· How are winners determined?
Winners will be determined by meeting predetermined goals for statistical categories and by head-to-head comparisons with each member who has completed a minimum number of scoring lessons during the month.

Examples of predetermined statistical category goals:

  • Total strokes taken (maximum limit)
  • Total putts taken (maximum limit)
  • Total fairways hit (minimum limit)
  • Total greens hit in regulation (minimum limit)

Examples of head-to-head comparisons between members:

  • Most birdies scored
  • Most pars scored
  • Lowest total strokes taken

· Where can I see scoring lessons results and competition winnings?
Results for each member’s scoring lesson, as well as tabulated statistics used to determine winnings, will be available on our web site.