High numbers in golf are something most of us would rather avoid, but Haymaker Golf Course is liking the dramatic increases in the numbers of junior and women golfers participating in its programs.
“We’ve seen double digit increased in both categories over the past three to four years,” said Andrew Donner, Director of Instruction & Junior Golf for Haymaker Golf Course. “We’ve made a concerted effort to improve and expand programs so Haymaker is at the forefront of growth in the community. After all, we’re the community’s course, so everyone who wants to play should be able to do so and in a fun way.”
Haymaker’s junior programs have seen 25% to 40% growth over the past four years with the addition of programs like Monday Morning Play Day, Girls on the Green and Little S.N.A.G.s. These efforts are consistently seeing a larger number of boys and girls turning out for the programs and have resulted in producing good junior golfers year-in and year-out over the past several seasons. This was made evidently clear last year when the high school team, which Donner is the head coach, placed second in the state.
Junior Programs have expanded over the years and their popularity continues to grow in a non-intimidating atmosphere that makes learning fun. Since its junior programs initially teed off, Haymaker has expanded to offer junior golfers programs five days a week that include:
Junior Programs | Ages | Cost/Session | Day | Dates |
Monday Morning Play Days | 9+ | $10 | Monday | Starts June 10 |
Girls on the Green | 11+ | $20 | Wednesday | June 12-Aug 7 |
Junior Practice w/Pros | 9+ | $10 | Monday | June 10-Aug 12 |
S.N.A.G. (Starting New at Golf) | 4-8 | $15 | Saturday | June 8-Aug 24 |
Never-Ever (New to the Game) | 9+ | $20 | Tuesday | June 11-Aug 6 |
Beyond the Basics | 9+ | $25 | Tuesday & Friday | June 7-August 8 |
Advance Players | 13+ | $300 | Three-days | 6/20,21,22 or 7/25, 26, 27 |
Design Own Class | 6-18 | Varies | Flexible | Season long |
Junior programs are not the only area seeing increases. Women’s golf programs at Haymaker have experienced overwhelming interest with strong numbers across its lineups especially for Ladies Night Monday, consistently hosting 20 to 30 players of all abilities.
With Get Golf Ready, Practice with the Pros, Demo Days, Design Own Class and Leagues that span 9-Hole & 18-Hole options, Haymaker provides four nights a week of programs designed specifically for women as well as daily options for group and private lessons.
Women’s Golf Programs | Women’s Golf Leagues |
- Ladies Night Monday (clinic & golf round)
- Get Golf Ready
- Group Instruction (2-4 players)
- Golf School (2-6 players)
- Design Your Own Golf Class (2-8 player)
- FREE Practice with the Pros
| - Tuesday League (9-Holes)
- Wednesday League (18-Holes)
|
“As seen from our junior and women’s programs success, we’re always looking to implement new instructional concepts and ideas that expand the game,” commented Donner. “All of us at Haymaker want to make golf more attractive and easier for individuals to learn so that it becomes a life-long passion shared with friends, family and professionals.”
All programs get going the week of June 3 and run throughout summer. In addition, juniors and women have the opportunity to participate in a number of tournaments during the season including a new look for the Junior Golf Championship that takes juniors to Steamboat Golf Club, Rollingstone Ranch and Haymaker for three consecutive days of competition.
Haymaker Professionals
Returning for his 14th consecutive season, Andrew Donner, Director of Instruction & Junior Golf, manages the instruction programs at Haymaker. In his role, he is focused on player development for young golfers and is a key mentor of the Steamboat Springs Junior Golf League. Donner has instructed golf at the Reserve Club in Palm Desert, CA and at the Desert Mountain Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ; as well as participated in mini-tours in FL, CA and AZ, regional and state opens and international competitions. He worked in Bogota, Colombia for six years and is fluent in Spanish.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, Tim Dever’s passion flourished at an early age when he was introduced to the game at Callaway Gardens, one of Georgia’s premier golf resorts. Dever understands that each player has their own unique swing and will work with you to improve your game based on that fundamental principal. A current PGA Apprentice Level 1 in the PGA/PGM program, this year will be his 5th season at Haymaker.
Cody Hasten's path in the industry lies in both spreading a love for the game through his encouraging instructional programs, as well as creating memorable customer experiences that inspire guests to spend more time at the course enjoying the game. As a PGA, TPI (Titleist Performance Institute), U.S. Kids, and First Tee Certified Instructor with 9 years of teaching experience and 16 years in the industry, Hasten has excelled in teaching all levels of golfer with a strong belief in creating simple, repeatable golf swings based on each individual’s physical characteristics and goals. He joined Haymaker in 2018 after extensive experience at Bear Dance Golf Club in Larkspur, CO and Columbine Country Club in Littleton, CO.
Owned and operated by the City of Steamboat Springs, the 233-acre Haymaker Golf Course boasts a large, family friendly practice facility with driving range, sand trap, chipping and putting green as well as a retail pro shop, Patio Grill restaurant and clubhouse. The course lends itself to golfers of all abilities from the novice to the professional. To learn about Haymaker, its programs and to book lessons or a tee time, visit Haymakergolf.com or call the Pro Shop at 970.870.1846, x1, which is open daily from 8am to 7pm.
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Contact
Andrew Donner, Director of Instruction & Junior Golf, 970.870.1846 or email
Cody Hasten, PGA Head Golf Professional, 970.870.1846 or email