NB3 Foundation continues to expand high quality opportunities for Native youth through its growing junior golf program. Recently, NB3FIT Golf Specialist Demitrius Payne traveled to Ridgefield, Conn., for hands-on training in the Player Development Index (PDI) an assessment tool that measures and tracks an athlete’s physical, golf and mental skills. With the certification complete, NB3 Foundation now has one of only two certified PDI coaches in the state of New Mexico, further strengthening support for junior golfers in program.
“Becoming one of only two certified PDI coaches in New Mexico positions us to bring even stronger, data-informed support to the youth we serve,” Payne said. “I believe this will help set our golf program apart. PDI gives us a better way to evaluate not only what youth are learning, but how their overall experience improves over time.”
The PDI can be used with golfers of all levels, making it a strong addition to the NB3FIT junior golf program, which serves local youth ages 6 to 18. The opportunity came through Notah Begay III’s relationship with the Golf Performance Academy, the group that developed PDI. After learning more about the system and its potential impact, Payne was invited to participate in the certification training.
“It was a great experience getting to train with the team that developed PDI and to hear directly why they assess skills the way they do,” Payne said. “One of the key highlights of the trip was being able to share more about the foundation and everything we do, including the Native Youth Golf Championship.”
Since the academy already conducts assessments at the NB3 Junior Golf National Championship, the connection may help further elevate the Native Youth Golf Championship experience for Native youth golfers who travel to New Mexico to compete each summer.
Payne said he is excited to put what he learned to practice this spring as NB3FIT Jr Golf is slated to start practices in early March.
