Junior Teachers Extraordinaire

U.S. Kids Golf announced its “Top 50 Kids Teachers” this week, and three instructors at Colorado-based courses were recognized for the international honor. And another Coloradan was named a Master Kids Teacher by virtue of being recognized three times by the organization.

Among the honorees for 2017 were Alexandra Braga (Denver Country Club), Alexander Fisher (The Glacier Club in Durango) and Scott Wells (CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora). Braga has won the last two Colorado PGA Women’s Championships.

Bryan Heim from Columbine Country Club in Columbine Valley, who previously was honored in 2015 and ’16, was among 21 instructors named 2017 Master Kids Teachers. Since the Top 50 Kids Teacher Award debuted in 2004, 155 instructors have earned Masters Kids Teacher status.

U.S. Kids Golf said the Top 50 Kids Teacher Award “annually recognizes the world’s most outstanding youth golf instructors”. The latest list honors instructors from 26 states, along with Austria, England, Honduras, Italy and Northern Ireland.

Applicants complete an online survey, with winners chosen based on experience, innovation, creativity, communication, parental engagement, organization, devotion and growing the game, among other factors.

“These coaches are honored as much more than instructors of golf,” Dan Van Horn, founder and president of U.S. Kids Golf said in a release. “They create outstanding opportunities for young golfers to learn in a fun and rewarding environment that instills a love for the game and encourages the entire family to enjoy the game. Their ability to connect with students and fully engage them in the learning process sets them apart.”

The Top 50 Kids Teachers and Masters Kids Teachers will be recognized on Jan. 24 during the PGA Show in Orlando, Fla.

For the full list of honorees, CLICK HERE.