The Academy

About Junior Golf Academy

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Our award winning year-round program is recognized in the top 50 in the world! This unique curriculum combines golf skills with character development. The program is year-round and is designed for young golfers of all abilities ages 6 to 18. The golfer is placed in his/her appropriate skill level and are able to advance through the 6 levels of comprehensive instruction at their own pace. After passing each level test, students will receive a bag tag and a certificate of achievement. The program is intertwined with “play days” and “skill challenges” where the students play on the course with their parents or adult supervision.

  • Professional golf instruction
  • Mental performance & life skills coaching
  • Skill challenges
  • Individual award certificates
  • Golf balls included at class time
  • Course play
  • Riverlakes discount card

Liability insurance included.

Our Unique Curriculum Combines Golf Skills With Character Development

Coaches

JGA Coach Michael Moore

Program Director & Teaching Professional

Michael K. Moore has been studying the game of golf for over 30 years. He received his certified licensed pro card through USGTF (United States Golf Teachers Federation). He has served as head professional at Zaca Creek Golf Course in Buellton, CA, received his formal training as a teaching professional at Twin Oaks Golf Learning Center in Goleta, CA, and had a monthly article called "Simple Golf" in the Golden Empire Golf Magazine. Not only does Michael combines his love of the game, experience, professional training and fun into the JGA curriculum... he also teaches life lessons that prepare students for the future.

JGA Coach Shelly Moore

Mental Performance Coach & JGA Coordinator

Shelly Moore has 30 years experience in personality profiling, is certified in DISC management, life coaching and leadership coaching. Shelly is also a golf psychologist certified by the IGPA, recognized by the PGA and LPGA. As the Assistant Director of the Junior Golf Academy, she creates an atmosphere in which golfers can discover their natural ability by understanding their mental and emotional power and limitations. Mental Performance Coaching is the key to the golfer’s realistic goals and disciplines. The desired result is a lower handicap and an enjoyable round of golf.

JGA Coach Chad Harmon

Assistant Coach & RiverLakes Ranch Head Golf Pro

Chad Harmon, a former student of the Junior Golf Academy, is well equipped and has first hand knowledge of how the JGA curriculum is successful, not only in producing a knowledge of sound fundamental golf play, but also the ability to raise up students of character and discipline. Chad brings the love of the game and the desire to teach young students in the manner in which he has been taught. Chad presently plays on the Pepsi Tour/Golden State Tour, working toward his PGA membership and tour play.

Get In The Summer Swing!

The Junior Golf Academy Summer Camp is a great way to introduce your child to the game of golf, at RiverLakes Ranch, the #1 golf training facility in Bakersfield, CA.

Six Levels of Achievement

Introductory Classes - Beginner to Intermediate Levels

Blue

  • Introduction to the game of golf with basic swing fundamentals
  • Character Pillars:
    Caring & Respect

White

  • Putting, Chipping and Full Swing Basics
  • Character Pillars:
    Responsibility & Trustworthiness

Red

  • Tournament Prep: Full swing, chipping & putting
  • Character Pillars:
    Sportsmanship & Integrity

Tournament Preparatory Classes - Advanced Levels

Bronze

  • Short game review, course conduct and swing review, rules & etiquette

Silver

  • Advanced shot making, rules curriculum, playing instruction, golf etiquette

Gold

  • All Aspects Of Tournament Play