When Jeff Overholt, PGA of Canada, launched Beyond the Swing at The Harvest Golf Club in West Kelowna, BC, he knew he wanted to do more than just teach golf skills—he wanted to build a culture. Today, as a successful Operation 36 Coach and Ambassador, Jeff has created a thriving program that not only develops golfers, but strengthens families, connects facilities, and drives real business growth.

So what’s been the game-changer?

““Parent and child events—hands down.”

For Jeff, the most impactful decision he’s made is building intentional moments into the junior golf journey. Every season kicks off with a Parent/Child Opening Event and ends with a banquet-style celebration. These aren’t just calendar fillers—they’re powerful tools to:

• Align parents with the long-term development process
• Foster a sense of shared commitment and accountability
• Celebrate growth and create lasting memories

“These events set the tone for the year. Parents see the structure, the community, and the purpose behind every session. That’s when buy-in happens.”

Best Practice: Education is Marketing

Jeff doesn’t just rely on events to create connection—he sees ongoing education as the lifeblood of long-term success.

“You have to constantly market and educate parents. It’s the key to retention and growth.”

Whether it’s a casual sideline conversation or a more formal parent orientation, Jeff makes it a priority to help families understand why the program is structured the way it is. That trust translates into referrals, retention, and a steady flow of new golfers each season.

A Vision for the Section: Collaboration Over Competition

Jeff is eager to see Operation 36 grow across British Columbia—and he knows the next step is getting more coaches involved. His vision includes:

• Junior Interclub Events: Jeff is building competitive, yet developmentally appropriate, opportunities to test their skills beyond their home club.
• Open-Classroom Coaching: He’s inviting fellow coaches to observe his Operation 36 classes and matches—not as a showcase, but as a catalyst for idea-sharing and collaboration.

“We all get better when we share what’s working. If coaches want to grow, the opportunity is here.”

Jeff's Advice for Fellow Coaches

If you’re looking to strengthen your junior program, deepen relationships with families, and grow your business, Jeff’s playbook is simple but powerful:

• Host parent-child events to build community and kickstart seasons
• Educate parents consistently to create buy-in and retention
• Collaborate with other coaches to raise the bar for junior golf

“The success of a junior program doesn’t just come from great instruction—it comes from creating shared experiences that families want to be part of year after year.” – Jeff Overholt

Connect with Jeff here!

About Jeff Overholt:
Jeff Overholt, PGA of Canada, is the Owner and Lead Coach of Beyond the Swing at The Harvest Golf Club in Kelowna, BC, where he leads one of the region’s most successful junior golf programs. With over 19 years of coaching experience, he is known for his holistic, relationship-driven approach that supports player growth both on and off the course. His commitment to structured development pathways and parent engagement has made him a recognized leader in junior golf education. Jeff’s work continues to inspire golfers of all ages while leaving a lasting impact on the Kelowna golf community.

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?

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