Intro to Desert Tigers
Join the "Desert Tigers" a junior golfer development squad reserved for home schooled golfers, Christian school golfers and any other golfer that is without a golf team or practice quad.
The concern that many families have when they first start home schooling is "will my child develop socially if they are not in a class room, or school ?" This very valid question becomes a non-issue as the family learns more about home schooling and the home school community. Through experience, education and support of others, possible obstacles can turn into opportunities. Golf is similar in the sense that it is unfamiliar territory for the home school community. That is why we decided to stand in the gap. The concern is this "will my child miss out on getting a scholarship to college, by not playing on a high school team?" The answer is simple, NO!.
The reason why this thought process has been the norm is because home school families have not had an alternative option. That is what we are. The following is a list of qualifications held by coach Craig Hocknull. Craig's credentials and experience are second to non at the high school coaches level.
- PGA member with 8 years teaching experience.
- Full golf scholarship recipient. (No high school golf team results needed)
- Assistant coaching experience college level.
- Valuable contacts in the college recruiting business.
- Valuable contacts in the golf equipment business.
- Fundraising experience. (Tournament management, Trick-Shot Show, Auctions)
Many junior golfers rely on their high school coach who has the time but not necessarily the knowledge and contacts, or their club pro who has maybe more knowledge and contacts but less time to invest in scholarship pursuits. We offer the best of both worlds!
"Why join a training squad or team ?"
Here are the reasons that benefit the PLAYER below.
- Social interaction.
- Positive reinforcement by peer interaction.
- Excellent coaching opportunities.
- Positive team spirit.
- Group scholarship fundraising opportunities.
- Competition among peers and other teams in the area. (High school and junior college).
Here are the reasons that benefit the FAMILY below.
- Advantages of quantity discounts on merchandise, green fees etc.
- Guidance regarding scholarships.
- Support from other families.
- An extremely valuable network.
As you can see, you don't have to quit home schooling and join a high school golf team.
I recently saw during the Olympics that many of the top swimmers in the world had formed a swimming club. The best swimmers from around the world trained and competed against each other in Flagstaff. They where not concerned about keeping there speeds under wraps, as if to launch a surprise attack come Olympics time. They saw the value in swimming side by side their greatest competition and using the experience to drive their own personal bests, faster and faster.
It is this same "Iron sharpens Iron" approach that will make this program a fantastic environment for nurturing exceptional golfers.
As a Desert Tiger you are part of the squad and as part of a squad you are required follow a few guidelines. If you are interested in learning more about being a Desert Tiger please click on the links below and continue to learn more.