Stages of development
A road map to mastering the game as we see it.
Chicago school of golf junior program overview
From the beginning, Chicago School of Golf “CSOG” had a desire to have PGA & LPGA Professionals share in their vision by introducing kids as early as possible to golf in a streamlined, uniform and most importantly, FUN format. “Kids are starting golf far too late in life because parent and instructors say it takes a lot of focus. Golf programs should be fun, engaging and exciting to the kids so much that they want to come back. At CSOG we are so confident your child will like the lesson we offer free evaluations. If you child thinks golf is boring it is because the class they are in is boring.” explains David Maslen, owner of CSOG.
Golf is much more than a game. It offers lessons on values and self discovery, accomplishment and individuality. We need to get kids into the game sooner, much, much sooner.
See our Junior Golf Development ladder below
(Age 4-6) Golf's Foundational Skills Stage 1
(Age 7-9) Golf's Foundational Skills Stage 2
(Age 10-12) Golf's Foundational Skills Stage 3
(Age 12-14) Golf's Foundational Skills Stage 4
New Competitive Golfer Stage 1 (US Kids Golf / PGA Junior League)
New Competitive Golfer Stage 2 (YDP - 9 - Hole / Travel League)
New Competitive Golfer Stage 3 (IJGA 9 Hole/ IJGA 18 Hole)
Competitive Development Stage 1 (IJGA 18 Holes/36 Hole Events)
Competitive Development Stage 2 (MAJGT/Hurricane Tour)
Competitive Development Stage 3 (AJGA/Qualifiers)
College Scholarship or LPGA/PGA Tour
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.