Doug Strawbridge - Member Spotlight
Doug Strawbridge, PGA
Houston Regional Manager | Director of Instruction | GOLFTEC - Upper Kirby
Certified Professional in Coaching & Teaching and ADM Certified
How have you implemented the American Developmental Model (ADM) at your facility?
It's important to recognize what phase your athlete is in regarding the ADM. Often, we want to over teach the technique thinking if one plays better, they will enjoy it more. Although some of this might be true, young athletes will remember the fun games or positive coaching you bring way more than the great change you brought to their swing.
What differences have you seen at your facility and/or with your students since utilizing the ADM model?
By bringing in more props such as noodles, hula hoops, and impact bags, students can learn more by obstacles verses audio cues. This makes the learning fun.
Why would you encourage someone to obtain ADM certification through the PGA of America?
The course is well done and does not just pertain to golf, it is great for all sports. Knowing where to focus in each stage of the development model is vital to creating lifetime athletes.
How do you see ADM affecting the future of sports?
We all know athletes who achieved great success early but through over-coaching and too much exposure leave the game before reaching their potential as young adults. Knowing the goal is to help a player hit their peak in potential in their late teens is simple but many times overlooked. Parents want their kid to win the latest junior tournament or hit it further than another kid they played against. There is also a growing trend to specialize in American sports at a much younger age. This can be harmful to the athlete and even lead to becoming injury prone. Helping young athletes learn to use their body in different ways through multiple sports will grow well-rounded, stronger athletes in the long term.
What benefits have you seen from setting up your PGA.Coach profile?
The PGA.Coach site is a great way to gain exposure and possible leads for new business. I have experienced 2-3 leads a month who found me on the website. I appreciate the effort the PGA has put behind the site to generate Member business.
How was your experience completing the PGA of America continuing education program and becoming a Specialized Professional?
The Specialized program allowed for a nice blend of instructional training and electives. Professionals can choose electives that would better suit their work experiences.
How was your experience completing the PGA of America continuing education program and becoming a Certified Professional?
The Certified Program was a great opportunity to take the Golf Biomechanics course at Penn State online. The Certified Program was a nice blend of working experiences and online classroom training.
What aspects of this program did you find interesting?
Since I coach everyday at GOLFTEC with motion measurement technology, it was great to reaffirm through a secondary study the movements and forces the body creates throughout the swing.
What is one thing that sticks out that you learned while going through the process?
I believe sharing many of the finding through the ADM program with the parents of your athletes is important. At times, training the parent is just as important as training the player. Both the coach and the parent being on the same page allows for the greatest opportunity for success.
How have you implemented what you learned in your day-to-day?
Continuing to learn as a coach is vital to your student’s success. It brings new ideas and concepts to keep the message fresh and not stunt the development of your athlete.
How do you feel that being Certified in Coaching & Teaching has strengthened you as a PGA professional?
It's important to never stop learning. In this age, students have access to information and technology more than ever. You are either adapting and growing or you are being left behind.
Why would you encourage others to complete the continuing education program?
Growing in your knowledge base and increasing your education can only open more opportunities for you. If those opportunities come through a student coach interaction or an advancement in you career. Never in your life will you come across a situation in which you wish you knew less.
In what ways has completing the continuing education program benefited you as a PGA Professional?
Going through the Specialized and Certified Program is one way to differentiate yourself in our industry. These days I do a lot of recruiting and interviewing. Although I might not always think a candidate is more knowledgeable for PGA education than one who has not, I know the work ethic and desire to accomplish a task is there with that candidate. Showing your willingness to put forth the effort and achieve something is a separator.
Do you plan to further your continuing education by becoming a Master Professional?
I do! I have already started my Master Professional training.
What is your favorite part about being with the Southern Texas PGA?
The people. We have a lot of professionals who are willing to offer advice or lend a hand. I encourage our Members to seek that from their fellow Professionals. There is no doubt we can all make each other stronger.
What/where is the coolest golf course you’ve played at?
There are so many fantastic golf courses and destinations. With that said, Pebble Beach has to be at the top of my list. From the conditions, beauty, and history, it is the best walk in golf!
What are five words that best describe you?
Faith, family, friend, diligent, caring.
What is your favorite golf memory?
When I was 10, I played in an STPGA Parent Junior at the Tournament Course at The Woodlands. My father and I won the event. To this day, that trophy still sits on my desk as a reminder. It trumps any college or professional win I have achieved.
If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Get to know and learn from your fellow Professionals. I was always hesitant to ask as I thought I would be bothering. Knowing these Professionals in our Section now, many would love to mentor the next generation.
