What's New in Spring 2021

We’ve finally made it.

The agonizingly painful series of unfortunate events that encapsulated 2020 is no longer, and the turn of the calendar gives everyone a chance to start fresh. This past year brought great challenges to all of our extended family here at Gator Junior Golf, but the year is now over and we must keep our eyes focused towards the future.

At Gator Junior Golf, the ringing of the new year means that we are officially launching full speed ahead towards the start of our Spring 2021 season, set to begin Feb. 20th. As with each of our seasons, the goal is to make each better than the last, to provide the best continual experience for our students to build upon their skills and grow a love for the game of golf. This upcoming spring is no different, with new offerings across all ages and skills.

One of our primary focal points for the upcoming season was to create a more structured system of skills development for the juniors in our program. We want our young golfers to develop the proper fundamentals to succeed while simultaneously building upon previous lessons and activities.

As a result, we have modified our classes to reflect a 5-Level Player Development Program. Essentially, what was previously known as our Beginner introductory class will now be referred to as Level 1, Intermediate as Level 2, Playing as Level 3, and Advanced as Levels 4-5. The Advanced class will be expanded into two divisions based on skill level, with Level 4 being an introduction to competition in an on-course scramble format and Level 5 including a stroke-play format. Both divisions will be taught by Bob Geambazi, PGA and Bobby Estrada, Assistant Professional at Orange County National.

Spring 2021 also means more classes at more locations.

The newest course we are proud to be partnering with, Juliette Falls, is our first expansion into neighboring Marion County and it will host a Pee-Wee and Beginner class on Sundays, taught by Lon Kinney, PGA. Located in Dunnellon, the sprawling course is consistently ranked among the best in the state.

Back here in Alachua County, more classes will be added at two familiar courses. Mark Bostick Golf Course will once serve as host to a Level 1 class on Tuesdays from 4-5pm, taught by Scott Hampton, PGA.

Nearby Turkey Creek Golf Course will now host three classes of ours, adding two more from previous seasons. The course just recently opened all 18 holes for play and have a brand-new full-service restaurant as well. The Pee-Wee, Beginner, and Intermediate classes will be instructed by John Stevens, Steve Sauls and Vicki Glass.

Enthusiasm for a season has never been higher than it is for our upcoming one, and the reasons are plentiful. Despite the obstacles we were forced to overcome last year, we will enter the new one with arms wide open, embracing any new adversity.

Happy New Year!

Gator Junior Golf