Golf Mentoring Program?

[GolfSpy Barbajo]

The guys behind the Hack to Jack Reality program here in Minnesota are always thinking.   

 

The major theme behind the entire Hack to Jack program is about fun.  This is a game, it's supposed to be fun!

 

Every event we've had so far has been, as we say in Minnesota, a "hoot!"  

 

And now here's a slick idea to grow the game - the Golf Mentor program.

 

What if a golfer introduced 1 new person to the game per year, and served as that person's golf mentor?

 

Kevin Unterreiner - the brains behind Hack to Jack, posted his idea on TMag's "Hack

Golf" website.  Here are the highlights...

 

The goals of this program would be to:
a) Provide mentors for new golfers interested in taking up the game (both youth & adults).
Provide basic instruction, rules and etiquette for new golfers via the clinics.
c) Provide starter equipment to beginners so they can try it.
d) Attract media attention to the courses offering this program.
e) Provide a great 2nd life for used sets of clubs.
f) Provide beginner friendly, fun events for them to participate in and meet other local golfers.

 

Click here to check out Kevin's proposal on Hack Golf.  I think it's worthy of discussion if we care about growing the game...

[GolfSpy WD]

Great idea. And this here is the way to do it:

 

http://www.hirekogolf.com/golf-components/clubheads/golf-drivers/power-play-juggernaut-titanium-driver-clubhead.html

 

I still need to order one, but I'm going to build it with a 45" shaft that's stiff, but plays a little soft (helps with the ego thing). Couple that with a few extra wedges lying around, a putter, and a couple of irons and we're good to go! All can be had fairly inexpensively at Play It Again Sports.

 

I'm trying to get some of my son's friends into the game as well as their dad's. Would be great if we could get these kids started early so we have a decently high school team later on.

[GolfSpy WD]

Just to add a bit:

* Make sure someone is comfortable hitting balls on the range before going on a course.

* When on the course, don't keep score for yourself or them. The first few times are stressful as hell and don't need added pressure or competition.

* Have rules ahead of time where if the new guy can't get to your ball in two hits, then pick it up and move forward. 

* The round is probably going to last 5 hours. Pick a slow time on a slow course.

[Mr_Theoo]

That sounds like a great idea. If courses could find a few experienced players to go out with some first timers so they feel less pressure and be able to fully enjoy the experience and get them hooked.

[GolfSpy WD]

I'm not great, but I'd happily volunteer if a course wanted to group up kids or beginners and wanted an experienced player in the group.

[The Dansome]

This whole Hack to Jack thing really has peaked my interest. I'm loving all the hype so far and would love to see this latest idea come to fruition.

[Mr_Theoo]

I'm not great, but I'd happily volunteer if a course wanted to group up kids or beginners and wanted an experienced player in the group.

Same here

[JBones]

This is an excellent idea.  My daughter is getting her first set of clubs this spring, so that will be my mentoring project.  My youngest is only 2, but she already shows interest when I have my clubs out.

[GolfSpy Barbajo]

They're climbing up the ladder on the Hackgolf website with the Mentor Program idea -- if you think it has merit give it a "Like."  Click here to check it out...

[Kevin Unterreiner]

Thanks everyone for your positive feedback. We are having a blast with the Hack to Jack stuff here in Minnesota (even though there is still 2 feet of snow on the ground).

 

This is Kevin Unterreiner and I've created and am producing the Hack to Jack Golf Reality Show.

 

We are definitely going to be expanding this in to other markets so if you are interested in helping us bring this to your neck of the woods, go to www.HackToJack.com and click on Contact. Fill out the Contact Form and I'll stay in touch.

 

It has been an absolute riot so far, check out www.HackToJackShow.com for how things have evolved over the first 6 weeks...

 

Thank you MyGolfSpy writer John Barba for helping spread the word!!

[Mr_Theoo]

Welcome Kevin

[GolfSpy WD]

Welcome Kevin, cannot wait to see John on your show!

[GolfSpy Barbajo]

Thanks everyone for your positive feedback. We are having a blast with the Hack to Jack stuff here in Minnesota (even though there is still 2 feet of snow on the ground).

 

This is Kevin Unterreiner and I've created and am producing the Hack to Jack Golf Reality Show.

 

We are definitely going to be expanding this in to other markets so if you are interested in helping us bring this to your neck of the woods, go to www.HackToJack.com and click on Contact. Fill out the Contact Form and I'll stay in touch.

 

It has been an absolute riot so far, check out www.HackToJackShow.com for how things have evolved over the first 6 weeks...

 

Thank you MyGolfSpy writer John Barba for helping spread the word!!

 

Welcome Kevin - glad to help, although I'm only a mere forum member here.  Hope we can get the gang here excited about the program and help you take it to other markets!

[GolfSpy Barbajo]

Latest from Hack To Jack -- 

 

Part 1 of the Mentoring Program got underway today - with a used club donation.  Volunteered to help collect donations - (there was more than enough help so we wound up having putting contests, but that's besides the point) - lots of people brought by used clubs to donate for new and/or underpriviledged golfers.  A good 20 to 25 sets with bags were donated.  People donated pretty good brand name stuff - not just old junk that's been sitting in the garage forever.  

 

Not sure where the next step is - but from what I've come to know of Kevin, he's thinking and planning!

 

Here are some pics:

 

 

 

 

That's Kevin doing the grinning!  

[Mr_Theoo]

Awesome, glad to hear it was a success!

[GolfSpy Barbajo]

Awesome, glad to hear it was a success!

 

Was amazed at some of the generous donations! Practically new set of Taylormade Burner lefty irons, lots of name brand stuff, a Cleveland Classic driver, recent vintage Nike stuff.  My guess is a lot of guys have been given orders by the Mrs. to clear out the club collection or else….that's why my stuff was donated 

[GolfSpy Barbajo]

Kevin just posted a bunch of pics from the event on Facebook - click here to check out some of the donated clubs, including my driver with the Red Sox head cover!

 

And I won a buck in the Putting Contest!!!!