On August 19, 2024, Today’s Junior Golfer met with Cheyanne Stewart, Director of the Pop's & Jr. Youth Golf Program at Dobson Ranch Golf Course, to deliver the items accumulated during their recent USKids Golf equipment drive.
Pop’s & Jr. coaches provide lessons to 200 junior golfers, ages 3-18, weekly at Dobson Ranch in Mesa, AZ.
TJG: Hi Cheyanne, we are excited to drop off some equipment and see what you have going on here at Dobson Ranch! What specific programs do you offer?
Cheyanne: We offer programs for Tiny Tikes (3- to 6-year-olds), Beginners (7- to 18-year-olds), and Elite Juniors (those who currently play competitively or are on the cusp of starting tournament play).
TJG: That’s a lot of golfers and a wide age range. How do you manage it all?
Cheyanne: We have many coaches for all age levels and plans tailored to their age and skill levels. For instance, our junior program has partnered with “Operation 36,” a mobile app that families can access for free. Operation 36 provides a curriculum that teaches juniors 12 skills throughout a season, which they are tested on to level up in the following season. Operation 36 has helped introduce the game to juniors in a simple and fun way, ultimately preparing them to play from regular tee areas on a full golf course.
TJG: Today, we have collected well over $5,000 worth of clubs, bags, balls, hats, gloves, shoes, and clothing donated by USKids Golf Phoenix families for your program. What will this extra equipment and clothing mean to your juniors?
Cheyanne: When juniors receive clothing and equipment they can take home for an entire season, their sense of responsibility and passion for the game grows. They’re more inclined to practice, be curious, and spend time outdoors. Clothing also plays a role in helping juniors feel confident and express themselves at the facility because it makes them feel like part of the golf community.
TJG: Apart from golf, is there a bigger goal for the youth you work with daily?
Cheyanne: The Pop's & Jr. Youth Golf Program is about more than just introducing the game to kids from all walks of life. We also introduce them to a world of opportunity by hosting Jr. Workshops throughout the year, free of charge. Some of the workshops we've hosted include Earth Day, Sippy Cup & Paint, Yoga & Fairway Flow, Back to School Night, Holiday Parties, Girls Golf Camp, and much more. We don’t want these extraordinary juniors to feel like golf has to be their only identity. We encourage them to explore other hobbies and sports—whatever makes them happy. Providing these workshops allows juniors to discover their likes and dislikes, opportunities they might not have had otherwise.
TJG: It seems like Dobson Ranch is a special place, not only to work but also to help change lives.
Cheyanne: I love my job and feel blessed to be coaching at the place where I originally started playing golf 10 years ago, during my sophomore year of high school. Dobson Ranch is a home away from home, and the people there are an extended family in my life.
TJG: We are honored to partner with Pop's & Jr. to help these young golfers not only start playing golf but also improve their skills while looking great on their journey!
