Junior Golf Lessons and Programs

Our goal at Oneka Ridge Golf Lessons is to create early positive experiences for all of our students so they stay engaged in golf throughout their entire lives. We focus on developing skills through fun activities, age-appropriate instruction with golf fundamentals and etiquette as the focus.  Our Frequently Asked Question section provides additional information about what to expect, but if you have any questions regarding which program you should enroll in, please reach out to [email protected] so we can start your student at the appropriate level.

This year there are five different levels in which to enroll your junior golfer for lessons. TOTS (Ages 3-5 with an adult), SNAG (Starting New At Golf), FUNdamentals (Beginner), Learn to Play (Intermediate) and Learn to Improve (Advanced). TOTS sessions are $75/student for 3, 45 minute lessons. SNAG, FUNdamentals and Learn To Play sessions are $100/student for four, one hour lessons. Learn to Improve sessions are $175/student for four, one and half hour lessons with on-course instruction. 

If your junior golfer is ready to get on the course and play more competitively, check out our PGA Junior League which is a hybrid of instruction and competition. We also have a thriving Junior League on Monday afternoons in the summer. Check out our Junior League page for more information. 

Junior Golf Lesson Program

TOTS 

Our Tots Program is designed for students ages 3-5 with no golf experience. Students will be using our SNAG golf equipment designed to make learning golf safer, easier and more fun for small children. Parents (or a responsible adult) MUST attend each class with their child. The adult is expected to teach alongside their child for the entire lesson which gives each parent the chance to learn how to teach their child alongside instructors. We will be covering the basics of grip, posture and aim while including basic movement and coordination skills like running, twisting and jumping. The class is made up of 3, 45 minute lessons. A minimum of 4 students must be signed up for us to hold a session. Lesson fees are $75/student. 

No lessons planned for 2024 

SNAG (Starting New At Golf)

Our SNAG Program uses specific SNAG golf equipment designed to make learning golf safer, easier and more fun for beginners. This class is for students who have never played before and have very little experience. We focus on proper grip, set-up, safety and general golf swing technique. By the end of the program, the students will be ready to try real golf equipment. Students MUST be 5 by the time the session starts and we recommend they have some school experience. A minimum of 4 students must be signed up for us to hold a session. Lesson fees are $100/ student, each session consists of 4 lessons and all lessons will be 60 minutes in length.

SNAG Lessons Sign-up Here

 

Fundamentals (Beginner)

Our Fundamentals Program is for ages 5-13 and designed for students who have already completed our SNAG Program or who have some experience with using real golf equipment.  We will be using real golf equipment and focusing on the fundamentals of grip, posture, aim and covering all parts of golf including putting, chipping and full swing. By the end of the program the goal will be for students to consistently hit the golf ball whether they are putting or driving the ball.

We will assess their skills at the end of the session and be able to recommend next steps. Some students will enroll in multiple fundamentals sessions to ensure their skills are ready for our Learn To Play program. A minimum of 4 students must be signed up for us to hold a session. Lesson fees are $100/ student, each session consists of 4 lessons and all lessons will be 60 minutes in length.

FUNdamentals Lesson Sign-up Here

Learn To Play (Intermediate)

Our Learn To Play Program is for ages 7-14 and designed for students who have completed our Fundamentals program or who understand golf fundamentals, can consistently hit the golf ball and are able to go out and play on the golf course. We will be using real golf equipment and focusing on consistent ball striking, continue progress in proficiency of putting, chipping and full swing. We will introduce bunker play, expand on green reading and introduce some on course play. By the end of the program the goal will be for students to be able to have the tools they need to effectively practice and play on the golf course with an adult. A minimum of 4 students must be signed up for us to hold a session. Lesson fees are $100/ student, each session consists of 4 lessons and all lessons will be 60 minutes in length.

Learn to Play Lesson Sign-up Here

Learn To Improve (Advanced)

Our Learn To Improve Program is for ages 10-17 and designed for students who have completed our Learn To Play program or who have been playing golf consistently for four years and who are looking to advance their skills and play competitively. The focus in this program is for students to independently play golf and focus on course management and mental game skills. Students will spend the majority of the time playing on the golf course with instructors.  Lesson fees are $175/ student, each session consists of 4 lessons and all lessons will be 90 minutes in length. Lessons have an 8 student capacity.

Learn To Improve Lesson Sign-up Here

If your student is looking to play more competitively, we would encourage them to check out our Junior PGA League teams  https://www.pgajrleague.com/  or the MN PGA Junior Golf Programs like the Sota Series and Drive Chip and Putt. https://www.minnesotajuniorgolf.com/

PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE

 

The PGA Junior Golf League is an innovative and proven way to provide juniors with the opportunity to learn the game of golf through competition and fun. Boys and girls compete in a two-person scramble format to reinforce the team concept and create an environment beneficial to learning the game. Juniors should have fundamental golf experience and must be able to walk 9 holes.

This year, Oneka Ridge’s Junior PGA League will have 3, 13U teams (ages 6-13)  and 1, 17U (ages 14-17) team. Teams have between 10-14 players and will compete at least 5 times against other PGA Junior Leagues in the area (Dellwood, Forest Hills, etc.) Matches will be scheduled for Sunday afternoons and run from June 23rd until August 4th. Our season starts with a kickoff meeting on Sunday, May 19th and ends on August 10th.

Registration for the PGA Junior League must be done online at: https://www.pgajrleague.com/

You must register by May 1st.

Cost for the program is $499

Included:

  • 1-2 practices per week with coaches (usually Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 3-5PM)
  • Six matches on Sunday afternoons (mid June until first weekend in August)
  • Semi-Private lesson with a coach during the season (availability varies)
  • Food and beverage for participants after matches
  • Unlimited range balls during the season
  • On course golf during set times during the season (note: availability to get on the course will vary)
  • Two polo shirts, a cap or visor and bag tag

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Q: Where is the pick-up/drop-off area?
A: Please arrive 5 minutes before your lesson time starts and come to the practice putting green located on the north side of the course parking lot. Instructors will be there to greet you. When we are done with the lesson, we will bring the students back to the putting green to be picked up by a parent/guardian.
Q: Does my child need to bring their own clubs?
A: If your child is enrolled in TOTS or SNAG, we will be using specific golf equipment we use to teach beginners that Oneka Ridge instructors will provide. TOTS and SNAG participants do not need to bring clubs. For all other lessons: if you have clubs that fit your child, absolutely bring them along. If not, we have plenty of clubs for your child to borrow during their lesson time. A putter, pitching wedge or 9 iron, one hybrid or wood and driver (4-5 clubs) is plenty.
Q: What should my child wear?

A: Athletic, closed toed shoes for their feet. Wear comfortable clothes (t-shirt, athletic pants or leggings or shorts/skorts) that allow your child to swing freely. Please dress for the weather. Send extra layers if the weather is windy or cooler. It can also get very hot in the summer, so make sure your child has sunscreen, a water bottle and head protection like a hat or visor.

Q: What if there is bad weather (thunderstorms, snow, etc)? How will I know if lessons are cancelled?

A: If we have to cancel golf lessons because of bad weather, we will post cancellations by 8:00AM for morning lessons or 1PM for our afternoon lessons on the homepage of our website: onekaridgegc.com. Check there first and if you still are not sure, give us a call at the Pro Shop 651-429-2390. If we have to cancel a class due to bad weather, we will discuss a make-up date as a class. 
Q: Should parent(s)/guardian(s) stay for the lesson?
A: You are always welcome to stay and watch the lesson if you would prefer. Or feel free to drop your student off and leave until the end of their lesson. You are required to include a phone number in your registration, so if we need to get a hold of you, we will use the phone number we have on file. If you are signed up for TOTS, an adult must be present and participate in the lesson.
Q: Our plans have changed and we need to cancel our session. What should I do?
A: A full refund is given if student cancels fourteen days prior to the start of the first class. A 50% refund is given if student cancels seven days prior to the start of the first class. No refund if you cancel less than seven days prior to the start of the first class. To cancel registrations or get a refund, please e-mail us at [email protected] or call 651-429-2390. Cancellations cannot be processed online.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to send us an e-mail at [email protected].
Thank you,

Oneka Ridge Golf Staff