Lion Golf Academy Junior Development Program
Balboa Park Golf Course, 2600 Golf Course Dr, San Diego, CA 92102
About
Lion Golf Academy Junior Development Program includes a junior development program, seasonal camps, on-course instruction, rules clinics, a tournament program, a Junior Tour, a Junior Tournament Preparation Program, and private lessons. Memberships can include 90-minute on-course sessions and exclusive member-only clinics, seminars, and events. The program uses an exclusive 350-skill, 12-level training app and a structured 350-skill, 12-level system with a complete pathway from first swing to tournament play, including an On-Course Transition Class and an invite-only Junior Tour.
• Ages: 2–18 years old
• Schedule: Memberships include year-round classes and seasonal camps that run 10–12 weeks each year
Since 2016, Lion Golf Academy has operated as a full-time player development academy and has been trusted by thousands of families. The Junior Development Program is part of a broader set of programs that also serve adults and complete beginners. The program uses an American Development Model combined with a PGA-crafted curriculum and offers small group instruction with 4:1 or 2:1 ratios depending on location.
The instructional team includes PGA-certified instructors, PGA-Certified Professionals, ADM Certified and TPI Certified coaches, a Henry Griffitts Certified Clubfitter, PGA Apprentices/Associates, and USGTA TPI certified staff. Leadership and key teaching professionals include Founder Tony Brooks (PGA Legacy Master Professional), Ryan Davis (Glen Ivy Golf Club Teaching Professional and PGA Certified Professional), Bryce Goss, Joseph Plaut, Nate Noblitt, Euna Kim, Lester Lagman, and Eric Tarakjian in various assistant teaching professional roles.
Lion Golf Academy states that it does not just teach golf but also builds leaders in life, provides a supportive community, and delivers a complete player development experience at an affordable price. The academy donates 20% of its profits to support underprivileged youth locally and in South Africa, including equipment, lessons, tee times, and field trips in the Cape Flats region of Cape Town. For every 10 active students enrolled, the academy provides one full scholarship that covers lessons, access to classes, and the full academy experience for a child whose family cannot afford golf.
Recognitions and credentials include Tony Brooks being named a 2025 GRAA Elite Status “Top Growth of the Game Professionals in the U.S.” and a GRAA “Top 100 Growth of the Game Professional in the U.S.” in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2018, as well as being voted “Best Golf Instructor in Palm Desert” in 2022. The Pomona junior program was featured in a year-long GolfTIPS magazine spread on junior golf development and is noted as the only junior program to do this, and Mountain Meadows Golf Course has won Los Angeles County’s best golf course multiple times over the past years.
Parent and student feedback includes comments that the coaches make sure students have fun and not take themselves too seriously, that one parent highly recommends the program and has encouraged friends with children to join, and that an 8-year-old participant enjoyed the summer camp and plans to sign up for weekly lessons. The program’s inquiry form asks whether a participant already has golf equipment, with yes or no options.
Last updated March 31, 2026.
• Ages: 2–18 years old
• Schedule: Memberships include year-round classes and seasonal camps that run 10–12 weeks each year
Since 2016, Lion Golf Academy has operated as a full-time player development academy and has been trusted by thousands of families. The Junior Development Program is part of a broader set of programs that also serve adults and complete beginners. The program uses an American Development Model combined with a PGA-crafted curriculum and offers small group instruction with 4:1 or 2:1 ratios depending on location.
The instructional team includes PGA-certified instructors, PGA-Certified Professionals, ADM Certified and TPI Certified coaches, a Henry Griffitts Certified Clubfitter, PGA Apprentices/Associates, and USGTA TPI certified staff. Leadership and key teaching professionals include Founder Tony Brooks (PGA Legacy Master Professional), Ryan Davis (Glen Ivy Golf Club Teaching Professional and PGA Certified Professional), Bryce Goss, Joseph Plaut, Nate Noblitt, Euna Kim, Lester Lagman, and Eric Tarakjian in various assistant teaching professional roles.
Lion Golf Academy states that it does not just teach golf but also builds leaders in life, provides a supportive community, and delivers a complete player development experience at an affordable price. The academy donates 20% of its profits to support underprivileged youth locally and in South Africa, including equipment, lessons, tee times, and field trips in the Cape Flats region of Cape Town. For every 10 active students enrolled, the academy provides one full scholarship that covers lessons, access to classes, and the full academy experience for a child whose family cannot afford golf.
Recognitions and credentials include Tony Brooks being named a 2025 GRAA Elite Status “Top Growth of the Game Professionals in the U.S.” and a GRAA “Top 100 Growth of the Game Professional in the U.S.” in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2018, as well as being voted “Best Golf Instructor in Palm Desert” in 2022. The Pomona junior program was featured in a year-long GolfTIPS magazine spread on junior golf development and is noted as the only junior program to do this, and Mountain Meadows Golf Course has won Los Angeles County’s best golf course multiple times over the past years.
Parent and student feedback includes comments that the coaches make sure students have fun and not take themselves too seriously, that one parent highly recommends the program and has encouraged friends with children to join, and that an 8-year-old participant enjoyed the summer camp and plans to sign up for weekly lessons. The program’s inquiry form asks whether a participant already has golf equipment, with yes or no options.
Last updated March 31, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.