The Welcome Mat To Golf for Beginners: Operation 36! with Founder Ryan Dailey

#976 Summary Our guest is Ryan Dailey, PGA, who discusses the innovative junior golf program, Operation 36, which he co-founded to engage beginning golfers, no matter their age. The conversation covers the program's evolution, its adaptation during the pandemic, and its collaboration with other golf initiatives. Ryan also discusses branding challenges, the importance of community involvement, and strategies for making golf accessible to beginners. The program emphasizes a collaborative approach to learning, where participants work together to improve their skills and enjoy the game without the pressure of competition. Dailey also highlights the role of the PGA and the growing interest in golf among different demographics, including adults and seniors. Book: How To Create a Junior Golfer
Takeaways

• Operation 36 started with a goal to engage kids in golf.
• The program evolved from traditional summer camps to a year-round curriculum.
• Adapting the teaching approach was crucial for engaging young golfers.
• Rory McElroy's endorsement highlights the program's appeal to families.
• The name Operation 36 Golf was narrowed down through trial and error.
• It's not about competition; it's about enjoying the game together.
• The program has expanded to include adults who want to learn golf.
• Participants progress through levels by beating a score of 36.
• We have 10 total levels in the program, similar to karate belts.
• The PGA of America has been very supportive of our initiative.
• Parents should get involved to help their kids enjoy golf.

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Please welcome our new host of Golf Smarter, Josh Karp! Fred has retired from his work life, including the podcast, and will be working on his game with more intention than ever. If you have a question for either Josh or Fred, or if you’d like to share a comment about what you’ve heard in this or any other episode, please write to Josh at [email protected] or Fred at [email protected].