When you mention San Antonio Junior Golf, the name Brit Gentry, PGA simultaneously comes to mind. He is currently the area director for the South Texas PGA (STPGA) Academy Sports and Outdoors Junior Golf. Gentry graduated from Clovis High School and then went on to graduate from the San Diego Golf Academy. He is a Professional PGA member and is also a certified Ping Club Fitter, teaching professional, K-Vest instructor, and a graduate of the Titleist Performance Institute and of the Golf Professional Training Program.

The STPGA Junior Golf Tournament programs are housed out of the Joe Caruso Golf Academy (JCGA) located on Blanco Road. Gentry manages the STPGA Little Linksters, Junior Links Tour and previously managed the Junior Tour and has done so for over two years. All three tours operate tournaments year round and are supported by a full staff of STPGA professionals who are located at the home office of the STPGA at Cypresswood Golf Club in Spring Texas. Joe Caruso Golf Academy offers clinics and private instruction for adults and children including memberships, afterschool programs for children and after work programs for adults.

The STPGA Little Linksters program is for junior golfer’s ages 7 through 12 of any skill level. Little Linksters is an instructional based program targeting the Rules of Golf, golf etiquette, the basic fundamentals of putting, chipping, the full swing and on-course play. Each Little Linkster is required to complete an instructional program. These instructional programs are available at the Joe Caruso Golf Academy.

After completion of an instructional program, Little Linksters are given the opportunity to play in professionally organized tournaments. However, there are not only tournaments for the kids, but also parent/child tournaments. This past June, an Academy STPGA Parent/Child Tournament was held at the Quarry Golf Club and sponsored by Bridgestone. Awards were given for Gross and Net winners for each age group.

The Junior Links Tour is a 9-hole tournament program that is designed to give junior golfers ages 12 through 18 of any skill level an opportunity to improve and develop their game in preparation of playing in an 18-hole tournament. The Junior Tour provides tournaments for players between the ages of 12 and 18. Juniors who have never participated in any STPGA program are required to pass a Rules & Etiquette test to become eligible for tournament play. The events provide junior golfers the opportunity to participate in 18-hole tournaments against other golfers in the South Texas region and participating juniors will also be provided a GHIN handicap issued by the Texas Golf Association.

Each of these tournaments is backed by the experienced golf professionals at the Joe Caruso Golf Academy. Gentry organizes the STPGA instructional golf clinics. His teaching philosophy is simple — keep the game simple and build on player’s strengths. Brit is not only the Area Director of STPGA Junior Golf, but also a mentor to many junior golfers.

Chase White, one of Gentry’s students, has been taking private lessons from his for over four years. Gentry will often caddie for Chase in state tournaments where they focus on strategies and implement skills learned during lessons.

“I started golf when I was about three when my dad would take me to the driving range,” 9-year-old Chase says. “I like Brit because he teaches me how to be a champion. He not only shows me how to golf, but also teaches me how to be mentally tough. I want Brit to help me be like Tiger Woods.”

Chase’s father, Eric, also thinks highly of Gentry

“Brit is phenomenal. He is not only a fabulous coach, but a mentor to my son as well,” says Eric. “The relationship that Brit has built with my son and our family is priceless. Sure, anyone can learn to play golf, but having the right instructor who is passionate about making a difference in a junior golfer’s life is so important. Chase has improved his game dramatically due to Brit’s unique ability at establishing strong communication links with his students.”

Les Tilley, golf coach at Health Careers and a STPGA staff member, enjoys helping to advance junior golf in San Antonio. Gentry is also the instructor for Tilley’s two sons: John, age 12, and Carson, age 9.

“Brit teaches my pride and joys because I trust his knowledge on the golf swing and my sons’ improvement with their golf game is unbelievable,” Tilley says. “The technology and up-to-date equipment available at Joe Caruso Golf Academy is what has helped to improve my boys’ game. Their usage of the Explanar, a golf swing training system, has given John and Carson a feel for the optimum swing plane. They have become much more accurate and powerful.”

Joe Caruso Golf Academy is also the home of Motion Golf, a full body 3-D golf swing analysis, instruction and fitness training program. To find out more about the Joe Caruso Golf Academy, STPGA Junior Golf, or to book a lesson with Brit Gentry, PGA, call (210) 492-7888.