A Model High School Golf Program

Having known the HHS program since 2012 when Jack (my son) played there, then and now again coach Brian Dobak created something special which Jack stewarded as head coach for the past 3 years while Brian undertook other pursuits. I wish my HS golf program would’ve been like this.

HS golf is the future of our game. Today’s kids are tomorrow’s golfers, members, pros and golf industry leaders. Brian went above and beyond and created a program so special, and I’m proud to say enhanced by Jack, and assistant Coach Colby Yaller, that can be a model for these student-athletes early exposure to the game we love. Brian’s a former golf professional now a pastor who believes that “Instead of always trying to make an old model better, make old models obsolete by creating a new model, create a new path, not just duplicating an old path.”  He’s most definitely done that. Building and cultivating culture in the program is a priority and enhancing both the competitive and learning experiences of the kids is Job One.

When Jack played, Coach Brian first established outstanding communications with players, coaches and parents with regular emails which continued well past Jack’s time and established an ever-growing community, much like a college alumni group. Additionally, conceiving and scheduling team trips to the USGA Golf House, golf events and “special” courses and clubs for outings helped team building in a way unique to HS golf. With the ever growing pressure on golf course tee times, both Jack and Brian have mandated thank you notes for access to the golf courses our team is privileged to play – certainly a lifetime learning experience.

There have been guest speakers ranging from golf pros to course/club owners who share thoughts with our players on leadership and swing & short game clinics offered by local PGA instructors. We’ve had off-season simulator sessions and arranged golf specific fitness programs with trainers and physical therapists. We’ve also assisted our players in acquiring equipment and being properly fitted by professional club fitters and invited college golf coaches to address the team. Coach Brian even sends out evaluation forms at the conclusion of the season to each player asking about everything from how much fun was the program to the player’s goals, strengths and weaknesses and an honest evaluation of their performance.

This coming year, Coach Brian has even created a team mascot (Slammin’ Stanley) which will be a featured logo on team apparel. Pretty cool stuff!

While golf has most certainly evolved since my HS golf days with the advent of simulators, golf fitness, electronic communication and more I encourage all coaches to expand their program in the interest of preserving and growing the culture of golf.

Being privileged to be a small part of this program I hope these words encourage other HS golf programs to think “outside the box”, strive to make the program better and clubs and course owners to welcome high school golf programs to use their facilities. These kids are the game’s future and we all have an obligation to help grow the game and make it better.