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From First Lesson to Confident Golfer: How Progression Works at CSOG
Anurag Dasandhi - Tue, 13 Jan 2026

From First Lesson to Confident Golfer: How Progression Works at CSOG

Every confident golfer starts somewhere.

At Chicago School of Golf, that starting point may be a child holding a club for the first time, or a junior preparing to sharpen competitive skills. No matter where a golfer begins, one thing stays consistent: progression at CSOG is intentional, structured, and measurable.

That’s how confidence is built.
Not overnight, but step by step.

Here’s how progression works at CSOG, from the very first lesson to a confident, capable golfer.

 

Step 1: A Clear Starting Point

Progress begins with understanding where a golfer is today.

Every junior starts with:

  • Skill-appropriate placement

  • Age-appropriate expectations

  • A clear understanding of what they’ll be working on

Rather than grouping kids by age alone, CSOG places juniors where they can succeed, stay engaged, and build confidence early.

A strong start prevents frustration, and sets the tone for long-term growth.

 

Step 2: Structured Lessons With Purpose

At CSOG, every lesson has a reason.

Our junior curriculum is built around:

  • Core fundamentals

  • Athletic movement and coordination

  • Swing development and short-game skills

  • Course awareness and etiquette

Skills are introduced progressively, reinforced through repetition, and revisited as juniors grow. Nothing is rushed, and nothing is left to chance.

Structure creates clarity.
Clarity builds confidence.

 

Step 3: Small Groups, Meaningful Progress

Progress doesn’t happen in crowded environments.

CSOG junior programs are intentionally built around small groups, allowing coaches to:

  • Provide individualized feedback

  • Correct habits early

  • Adjust drills by skill level

  • Keep juniors accountable

Small-group instruction ensures every junior is seen, coached, and supported, creating steady improvement instead of uneven results.

 

Step 4: Progress You Can See

Confidence grows when improvement is visible.

At CSOG, progress is tracked through:

  • Skill benchmarks

  • Clear advancement levels

  • Ongoing coach feedback

  • Skill-based challenges and evaluations

Parents don’t have to guess how their child is doing. Juniors know what they’ve accomplished and what comes next.

Progress isn’t just felt. It’s understood.

 

Step 5: Confidence Through Application

Practice matters, but confidence is built when skills are applied.

CSOG programs include:

  • On-course simulations

  • Friendly competitions

  • Game-based challenges

These experiences help juniors:

  • Trust their preparation

  • Perform under pressure

  • Develop resilience and focus

Confidence comes from knowing you can rely on your training.

 

Step 6: A Clear Development Pathway

As juniors grow, so do their opportunities.

CSOG offers a defined pathway for:

  • Recreational golfers building fundamentals

  • Juniors ready for increased challenge

  • Competitive players pursuing higher-level goals

Progression means juniors aren’t repeating the same lessons year after year; they’re moving forward with purpose.

 

Step 7: Confidence Beyond the Lesson

The ultimate goal at CSOG isn’t just better swings, it’s better golfers.

By the time juniors reach advanced levels, they’ve developed:

  • Strong fundamentals

  • Effective practice habits

  • Confidence in their abilities

  • A positive relationship with the game

That confidence carries into tournaments, school teams, and lifelong play.

 

Why Parents Trust the CSOG Approach

Parents choose CSOG because progression is:

  • Structured

  • Measurable

  • Age-appropriate

  • Proven over time

There’s a plan, a pathway, and a purpose behind every lesson.

From first lesson to confident golfer, progression at CSOG is never accidental.

It’s built through structure, coaching, and care, so juniors don’t just learn golf; they grow with it.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US

  • Craig Rosenberg
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    I met David about 4 years ago when he was at Green To Tee up at Glencoe Golf Club. I hired him to work with my son who wanted to try and be on the high school golf team. My son did make the team and then I decided to start taking lessons from David. In the last 2 years David has taken my handicap from 23 to 14.

  • Kathy Mignin
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    My 14-year old son has worked with David for several years. David has helped him develop a very solid golf game; learning all the fundamentals as well as developing the confidence to compete. In addition, David has provided a great example of how to conduct oneself both on the course and in life.

  • Cathy McCulloch
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    In eighth grade my daughter decided to give up her other sports and start a completely new sport- that being golf. She started with David Maslen who taught her the basics from the ground up. She had never held a golf club before and David patiently and methodically taught her everything she needed to know about the game of golf.

  • Barry McGregor
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    I started to practice golf 5 years ago. Everything seemed difficult till I found David. Since then, my skills improved by a huge margin. I cannot recommend David enough; I send my two boys to the golf camps and it's so rewarding to see the progress.

  • Marving Drake
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    Playing golf is one of the things I like the most but I never thought I can progress in this sport. David was the only instructor who proved be otherwise; golf is for everyone and we should all trust ourselves.

  • Claudia Earman
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    It's difficult to chose a sport from so many options when you have children. Luckily David's gold camps turned out to be the best solution for my family: I send them every year to the camps and my kids enjoy golf more than any other sport.

  • Crofton Kendall
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    By age 15, Sophomore year, my daughter played on the varsity high school golf team. David would come to tournaments and support her during the golf season. He would review her play and focus lessons on her areas of greatest need. He is an encouraging, positive, and an incredibly knowledgeable coach. David sets his standards high and expects his students to put in the time to improve.

  • Alton Raymond
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    David is always kind, professional and encouraging.
    My wife and I also appreciate the outstanding communication David has with us and his insights into ways our son can continue to develop and improve.
    It has been a pleasure both to watch my son's golf game become very good and to see all the success David is having!

  • Lex Charley
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    I asked David if he would work with me and my friends and start a group clinic a few days a week during the winter. That was extremely successful and every clinic sold out each week. David is a great teacher.

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