"My goal is to have them leave the course with positive thoughts and a plan moving forward.”
— Evan Lambert, PGA
For PGA Professional Evan Lambert, building a successful golf program is about more than just skills—it's about creating an experience that makes players feel seen, valued, and supported.
At Tumble Brook Country Club, Evan has leveraged Operation 36 to transform how players and families engage with the game. From the moment they step onto the tee to the final match, every step is built around connection, structure, and fun.
Here’s how he’s doing it—and what other coaches can learn from his approach.
One of the most important shifts Evan made was building a culture of communication and accountability between parents and coaches. He’s found that when information flows freely and early, the experience becomes far more seamless for everyone involved.
“The sooner information is given to coaches, the more effective and seamless the experience. If parents and coaches are in constant contact, there are no surprises!”
To keep things running smoothly, Evan sends consistent reminders about enrollment deadlines, tee times, pairings, and weather contingencies—often leveraging the Operation 36 app as a central hub for communication. By streamlining updates through the app, parents always know where to look, which reduces confusion, builds trust, and sets the tone for a professional and well-organized program..
For Evan, every class starts with a question: What do I want my players to learn today—and how can I turn that into a game?
Whether he’s working with juniors or adults, gamifying each session has become a cornerstone of his coaching strategy. It’s not just about fun—it’s about creating memorable learning experiences that lead to better retention and long-term improvement.
“If players are immersed in a challenge and get creative with how they overcome it, their learning becomes deeper and more meaningful.”
Each drill or challenge is directly tied to a core concept, so players aren’t just playing—they’re learning while playing. The Operation 36 app makes this even easier by providing hundreds of ready-to-use games and activities, giving coaches a deep well of ideas to draw from. And by letting players explore the challenge before jumping in with technical advice, Evan gives them space to problem-solve, adapt, and build confidence.
This approach keeps players engaged, encourages curiosity, and results in more ‘aha’ moments on the course
One of Evan’s boldest decisions was to remove the option for class-only enrollment in his Operation 36 programs. Now, every student plays in on course 9-hole events. His rational:
“If you join a baseball team, you play in the games as well as practice.”
While some families initially hesitated, the shift led to stronger results and more confident players. It also helped parents see the value of the program firsthand.
Of all the strategies Evan has implemented, one stands above the rest: care.
He takes time for one-on-one conversations. He asks players how they feel, not just what they scored. And he never lets a player leave without naming something they did well that day.
“If you take extra time and truly demonstrate to your players and families that you care, it will return to you exponentially in player retention, referrals, and ultimately revenue.”
This personalized approach fosters long-term relationships that fuel program growth—and make every student feel like they matter.
For coaches considering adding structure to their player development programs, Evan has a clear message:
“Don’t think of it as replacing what you already do. Consider the implications of what it can contribute and strengthen!”
He also sees a huge opportunity for head professionals to delegate beginner programs to younger staff—without sacrificing quality. With the right framework and tools in place, you can maintain consistency, streamline communication, and help your team confidently deliver a top-notch experience.
About Evan Lambert:
Evan J. Lambert, PGA, is the Director of Instruction and owner of the EJL Golf Academy at Tumble Brook Country Club in Bloomfield, CT. A passionate advocate for junior player development, he has been recognized as a Operation 26 Top 50 Coach, CT PGA Youth Player Development Award winner, and Operation 36 Master Coach. With a background in education and years of experience leading junior programs, Evan brings structure, care, and creativity to every coaching session. He uses Operation 36 as the foundation for helping players of all ages learn the game and achieve long-term success.
Behind the scenes, Operation 36 is the only company in golf tracking a beginner’s journey from their first 9 holes to shooting par from the full tee box.
With over 200,000 golfers introduced to the game, it is clear that there is a large time gap between day one and when a golfer is ready for a Handicap. Operation 36 is committed to creating more lifelong golfers by closing the gap in beginner retention, providing the tools and programs that make learning fun and motivating at every step.
Interested in bringing Operation 36 to your Facility?
Share This Article
