In 2013……the Indian River Golf Foundation introduced the opportunity for members of high school golf teams to assist in After School SNAG Golf (Starting New At Golf) training conducted at area elementary schools during the school year. This was the introduction of the IRGF Player Cadet Program. Within a couple of years, Player Cadets were assisting in After School TRADITIONAL Golf (real golf) training conducted at area golf courses. Individuals serving as Player Cadets set up equipment including IRGF logo tent, table & chairs for player check-in. They also help with various other aspects of our youth golf programs.

Player Cadets are not professional golfers as all activities are within the guidelines of USGA Amateur Status and also meet the approval of the Florida High School Athletic Association. Player Cadets are there to assure the youth players remain focused, play SAFE and conduct FUN challenges.

With the introduction of the Indian River Virtual Golf Academy……the opportunities for Player Cadets have expanded. New opportunities include photography, videography, creating multimedia presentations.

During training sessions…..Player Cadets at this level are called Player Cadet Specialists who capable of pointing out at least 5 talking points of various disciplines including Safety Guidelines, Golf Skills, Rules of Golf, Fitness, Life Skills, and Leadership Skills This is done in a way to remind youth participants what either the golf instructor stated and demonstrated earlier or what they saw earlier on a YOU TUBE video. Younger players are encouraged to recite 5 talking points for each golf term or golf phrase so they too can acquire the status of Player Cadet in the future.

By the year 2020, the IRGF realizes great value in Player Cadet Specialists stepping up to the challenge of assisting in the presentation of the 5 disciplines (curriculum):

Golf Skills      Rules of Golf     Fitness      Life Skills      Leadership Skills

To complete the IRGF education/training program, we added the Titleist Performance Institute Long Term Athlete Development Program (LTAD). This program includes:

Fundamentals of Motion Skills (early ages)

Fundamentals of Sports Skills (advancing ages), resulting in a high level of

Physical Literacy, the pathway to age appropriate Specialization in golf.

All this becomes part of the Indian River Virtual Golf Academy where members of the IRGF Player’s Club, Player Cadets and Player Cadet Specialists can advance in the game at their own pace.

Note:
Player Cadets earn either Community Service Credit Hours, Volunteer Hours, or compensation for their services. It is their choice based upon defined needs.

By 2019, over 40 former Player Cadets have played either collegiate golf, work part-time jobs at area golf facilities or have launched a career in the golf industry.