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PGA certified teacher Justin Blazer is looking forward to the opportunity to grow the game of golf in Brevard County.
As the new Director of Instruction at Duran’s Academy of Golf, he will look to establish an array of new junior programs, lead several adult and children clinics, and offer private instruction — all efforts to provide what he refers to as accessibility and affordability for all ages and skill levels.
“I am looking forward to helping folks just play better golf,” said Blazer, whose track record as a certified PGA instructor for the past five years at the acclaimed Faldo Golf Institute in Orlando speaks for itself.
He was a two-time winner of the U.S. Kids Golf’s Top 50 Kids Teachers award, which recognizes golf professionals across North America whose focus is on developing younger golfers throughout their communities.
Many of the juniors he has worked with, including Melbourne 7-year-old Asher Joseph, have had tremendous success under his instruction and compete in many elite levels. Joseph, who has worked with Blazer just more than a year, recently qualified to play in both the 2014 US Kids World Championships for a second time this summer, as well as the European Kids Championships in Scotland.
One of just 14 Aim point Certified Level II instructors in the world, Blazer’s specialized training enables him to teach students the finer points of putting, including how to read greens and accurately predict point break.
“I plan to offer junior golfers a consistent program where they can meet two days a week and work toward a ‘hat program,’ ” Blazer said. “This will be comparable to belt levels similar to those in martial arts.
“For me, it’s about teaching these kids not only golf, but life skills. I hope to do this by including discipline and conduct on the course as part of my instruction. I am passionate about golf, and it is truly rewarding for me to make an impact and observe the progress of those I teach.”
Blazer, who earned a degree in Recreation and Leisure with a focus in Recreational Programming and Coaching from Virginia Wesleyan College, said his philosophy is to make the game fun.
“We are thrilled to have Justin here at Duran,” general manager Dave Tomzack said.
Blazer, who has appeared in instructional videos on Golfweek.com and FoxSports.com, as well as other popular publications and blogs, also has worked with many LPGA and Senior players as their short game instructor. He currently caddies for Senior PGA Tour icon Nick Faldo.
http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20140323/SPORTS05/303230030/New-Duran-golf-instructor-targets-all-ages
