Much like the USTA and its mission in tennis, the PGA of America is focused on growing the game of golf by supporting players of all ages and abilities. Both organizations subscribe to the American Developmental Model, focused on developing well-rounded, multi-sport athletes in a fun learning environment.
In the video above, we are joined by Don Rea, secretary of the PGA of America. Rea, who is also the owner-operator of a golf course in Mesa, Arizona, shares how ADM is utilized in junior golf, drawing many similarities to tennis. Check out some of the highlights below.
Don Rea on the PGA being receptive to the science of player development and the American Development Model:
"There's ages and stages of where you should be... when you start competitively, when you're just playing for fun, when you can ramp up practice times, when you can cross state lines to play in tournaments. When we looked at PGA Junior League, a successful program for golf, we actually modified it a little bit because it didn't fit into the ADM guidelines. We've embraced it and we believe in it."
On transferable skills between tennis and golf:
"I always think hand-eye coordination. The swinging motion, whether it's a racquet or a club, using your body dynamics. Isn't it amazing how you use the ground? You use the earth to hit a good tennis shot, you use the earth to hit a good golf shot. You use your legs a lot."
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