Golf & Life Skills
Since 1994, we’ve been using golf to inspire kids and build the character they need to thrive. Our programs pair golf lessons with First Tee’s life skills curriculum—teaching everything from how to meet someone new to handling frustration—with core values like honesty and respect. PGA members and apprentices lead classes after school and on weekends at our par-3, 6-hole Honors Course (Oceanside) and 18-hole Colina Park Golf Course (City Heights).
By blending golf with character-building, we help kids discover confidence, resilience, and inner strength that extends beyond the course. Our coaches not only teach golf skills but also foster a safe, supportive environment to prepare kids for school, friendships, college, and even their future careers. With us, your child gains skills that last a lifetime.
You must be a member to join our golf & life skill classes!
Class Structure & Rules
- Golf classes are offered monthly and based on a participant’s age grouping.
- The registration for next month’s class will open on the 15th of the current month and will remain open till the 25th of every month.
- By signing up your participant, you’re securing their spot in the designated class and time for the selected day throughout the month. (except Saturdays & Holidays). Please make sure to check the calendar every week to ensure there is class being held.
- Each class will cover a different Game Changing Behavior, Key Commitment, Golf Fundamental, and a Core Value
- The registration for next month’s class will open on the 15th of the current month and will remain open till the 25th of every month.
Class Rules
- Participants are required to sign up every month in order to attend class.
- Participants may only sign up for one class day & time for the month.
- Reservation cancellations are only allowed once per month and must be requested by responding to your reservation email.
- To attend Golf & Life Skills classes, you must be an active Pro Kids member.
What does a class lesson consist of?
Each class will cover a different Game Changing Behavior, Key Commitment, Golf Fundamental, and Core Value.
Core Lessons
Game Changing Behaviors
- Understanding and Managing Emotions
- Resolving Conflicts
- Setting Up Step-by-Step Goals
- Planning for the Future
- Appreciating Diversity
- Golf Fundamentals & Advanced Techniques
Key Commitments
- Pursuing Goals
- Growing Through Challenges
- Collaborating with Others
- Building Positive Self-Identity
- Using Good Judgement
Golf Fundamentals
- Target Awareness/Target Selection
- Developing a Routine for Getting Ready to Swing
- Chipping Techniques
- Pitching Techniques
- Distance Response/Awareness
- Size or Length of Motion
- Club Face and Ball Contact
- Direction at Contact
- Club Selection
- Swing Rhythm/Tempo
- Body Balance
- Ball Flight/Trajectory/Curvature
- Post-Shot Routine
Core Values
Honesty
Quality or state of being truthful; not deceptive. Golf is unique from other sports in that players regularly call penalties on themselves and report their own scores.
Sportsmanship
Observing the rules of play and winning or losing with grace. Players must know and abide by the rules of golf and be able to conduct themselves in a kind and respectful manner towards others even in a competitive game.
Confidence
Reliance or trust. A feeling of self-assurance. Confidence plays a key role in the level of play that one achieves. Players can increase confidence in their abilities by being positive and focusing on something they are doing well regardless of the outcome.
Perseverance
To persist in an idea, purpose, or task despite obstacles. To succeed in golf, players must continue through bad breaks and their own mistakes, while learning from past experiences.
Judgement
The ability to plan or form an opinion; a decision reached after consideration. Using good judgment is very important in golf. It comes into play when deciding on strategy, club selection, when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot players consider executing, as well as making healthy choices on and off the golf course.
Integrity
Strict adherence to a standard of value or conduct; personal honesty and independence. Golf is a game of etiquette and composure. Players are responsible for their actions and personal conduct on the golf course even at times when others may not be looking.
Respect
To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem. In golf, it is important to show respect for oneself, playing partners, fellow competitors, the golf course, and for the honor and traditions of the game.
Responsibility
Accounting for one’s actions; dependable. Players are responsible for their actions on the golf course. It is up to them to keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green, and keep up with the pace of play.
Courtesy
Considerate behavior toward others; a polite remark or gesture A round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow
competitors. Players also should be still and quiet while others are preparing and performing a shot.
Ages 7-9
- Be active and have fun with peers in a safe and encouraging manner
- Build inner strength and self-confidence
- Learn to play golf
- Focus on building relationships with other players while exploring the game of golf
Ages 10-11
- Explore character concepts in active and collaborative ways that are valuable on and off the course
- Develop golf skills and enthusiasm for the game
- Support positive Game Changing behaviors in fun and meaningful ways
Ages 12-13
- Explore both golf skills and characters commitments while having fun with peers
- Provide opportunities to demonstrate mastery and growth in golf skills and abilities
- Support growth and development of early adolescents
Ages 14+
- Build character and support personal development
- Develop additional golf skills and abilities
- Look toward their future and plan their own paths
- Evaluate, reflect, and apply their understanding of life and golf skills to new situations on and off the course