Three countries lead the world in junior golf development. Here's what we take from each.📄 ICC Athletic Development Plan (PDF)
CANADA
"Golf as physical literacy, not golf as golf. Canada successfully integrated golf into school PE programs by removing the "golf as sport" framing and replacing it with "golf as movement skill.""
What We Take From Canada
Physical literacy first — balance, coordination, and spatial awareness before swing mechanics
The foam ball protocol: indoor skill development creates a parallel pathway that doesn't require a course
Formalized helper/volunteer system — structured training for non-professional helpers
Stage-gate progression: formal checkpoints before advancing to next level (our certification mirrors this)
AUSTRALIA
"Remove every barrier to the first experience. MyGolf created a simplified entry point with modified equipment, non-grass environments, and team-based formats. Participation grew 340% in its first 5 years."
What We Take From Australia
Team formats before individual play — reduces anxiety, increases engagement
Modified rules for beginners: fewer rules, more playing, better experience
Non-traditional venues: gyms, parking lots, school fields — golf happens anywhere
The "no wrong answer" swing philosophy for under-10s: don't correct, just play
ENGLAND
"Fun and competition are not opposites. England Golf developed the GolfSixes format (6-hole, team event) which has driven massive participation growth in young golfers and brought the game to urban audiences."
What We Take From England
Shorter formats first: 3-hole, 6-hole, and 9-hole formats before 18. Attention span reality.
Mixed-ability teams: pairing beginners with advanced players creates natural mentorship
Explicit fun design: sessions rated on enjoyment, not just performance
Instructor certification rigor: England Golf requires 40+ hours before independent instruction — we aspire to this
Can grip the club without help
Can set up to a ball independently
Understands the concept of a target
Can complete 9 holes with parent/helper (pickup rule)
Knows basic rules: out of bounds, picking up, scoring
Nick Dittrick Standard: 55 or better on 9 holes
Can identify and play 3 different shot shapes (low, medium, high)
USGA handicap index established
Basic club selection: knows which club for which distance/situation
Rules: 25 question test, 80% pass
FORGE baseline established across all 4 drills
Handicap at or below 18
Can conduct own warm-up independently
Caddied or marked a card for another player in competition
Demonstrated ability to self-diagnose using Impact Opposites