• Andrew Frakes is the Director of PGA Junior Golf Camps at Plantation Golf Club. He is also the founder of The Frakes Method Golf Academy. As a member of the Callaway Kings of Distance Long Drive Team and Guinness Book of World Records, Andrew Frakes has proven himself on the course and shown his passion as a competitor of the sport. Andrew is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Professional Golf Management (PGM) program. As a driven golf instructor, Coach Frakes has developed a system that focuses on individual players progressing at their own pace. It is about the experience that the students are able to enjoy while on the course, which will result in returning to the course excited to play. Results of the Frakes Method can be seen in the players of all ages that have gone through any number of classes. From junior golfers, building skills and fixing habits as they progress; to adult golfers that are now competitive in the rounds they are sharing with friends and co-workers.

 

Persimmon Ridge Golf Club

Louisville, KY

One of the biggest changes that we have made to our teaching programs is that we have created more distance between stations. We also have added coaches so that our player to coach ratio is lower. We are doing a lot more instruction on the golf course where it is easier and more natural to distance as opposed to the practice facility. In response to these changes, we have had nothing but great feedback. Everyone enjoys being on the golf course more and it has been great to get our students out on the course more. We have been fortunate enough to be able to stay open throughout this time and as a result we have seen the best improvement in our students compared to any other spring that The Golf Academy has been running during the past six years. 

The biggest challenge in teaching has been sanitizing non-golf related things, whereas keeping the golf items clean is not a challenge. This has been a challenge because it is something that, as a golf coach, I have never had to worry about before, like cleaning door handles and bathrooms. 

My advice for parents is that if you have any concerns, reach out to the camp directors ahead of time. Voice your concerns and see what the director is doing to address those concerns. If we don’t know that you have a question or concern, we can’t answer or address it. So my advice is to be proactive in your communication and reach out before the start of camp.

I have a few takeaways from this. The increased time spent doing short game and on-course training has positively impacted the students. Also, the biggest thing that I have learned is how to use technology and virtual tools in a better way. I have done a five-week virtual mental game bootcamp and a five-week virtual course management bootcamp during this time. Now that I know how to use this technology to benefit my students I would like to continue to do so in the future.

I am most looking forward to seeing everyone back out on the golf course having a good time this summer!

Silverado Resort

Napa, CA

What changes have you made to teaching programs as a result of our current circumstances? 

In past summers, we have done full day camps and half day camps. However, this year, we have gotten rid of the full day camps and instead will have two separate half day sessions each week: one from 9 am to 12 pm and the other from 1 to 4. These changes have been made to help parents feel more comfortable about having their kid in a camp setting. We are not only limiting the duration of camp, but we are also reducing the size of camps. Other changes that I plan to make are that lessons are going to be strictly verbal and any touching of clubs or physical adjusting of a student’s form will not take place. While the guidelines for social distancing are that people need to keep 6 feet apart, I am going to try to have students and coaches maintain a distance of 8 feet, just to be even more cautious about it. I am also using mats that are spaced 10 feet apart so every kid knows exactly where they are supposed to swing their clubs and we will have clear walking plans mapped out to maintain this distance. Another thing that I am going to do is that even though the mask requirement is not mandatory outdoors, I am going to be wearing a mask to set an example and be extra safe during my junior instruction right now. My students are not required to bring a mask, but they are welcome to do so if that makes them feel more comfortable. 

Personally I think fear has been a challenge and might be a little bit of a hurdle. As instructors, coaches and directors of camps, I think it is our responsibility to reassure the parents that we are taking the necessary precautions to keep their kids safe. I am treating their health and safety as if they were my own kids. 

I just want parents to know the precautions we are taking. Now at Silverado, junior classes are required to wash and sanitize their hands every thirty minutes. Very strict social distancing guidelines are going to be adhered to. We are really emphasizing no shared equipment. Everyone has to have their own set of clubs; we are not even loaning clubs right now. All of the precautions we are taking are for the kids. Other places might not be taking these steps, but we are doing this in our atmosphere for the protection of your kids. 

From a personal standpoint, a lesson that I have learned from our current circumstances is don’t take anything for granted. We are in uncharted waters right now, and as time goes on over the next weeks and months the industry is going to take a different look and we are going to change the way we interact with our students, and that is okay. Enjoy each day as you have it. 

I am just excited about seeing the kids. I want to get back and be out there and see the kids. I am a 49-year-old, who is 13-year-old at heart. I just love hanging out with the kids and having a good time. I am looking forward to seeing progression during the week of camp, but I am mostly excited to have fun with the kids.