⛳ Junior Golf Programs at Wekiva Golf Club

Wekiva Golf Club is proud to host two exceptional junior golf programs that cater to young golfers of all skill levels and aspirations. Whether your child is just beginning their golf journey or is a competitive teen looking to take their game to the next level, our comprehensive offerings provide the perfect foundation for growth, learning, and lifelong enjoyment of the game.

🌟 Little Linksters Golf Academy

The Little Linksters Golf Academy at Wekiva Golf Club represents one of Central Florida’s most celebrated junior golf organizations, bringing nearly two decades of excellence in youth golf development to our facility. Founded in 2008 by PGA Professional Brendon Elliott and his wife Melisa, Little Linksters has grown from a small local program into a nationally recognized, award-winning organization that has touched the lives of thousands of young golfers throughout Central Florida.

🏆 History and Leadership

The Elliott family’s vision was simple yet profound: create an accessible, inclusive environment where children of all backgrounds and abilities could discover the joy and life lessons that golf provides. Over the years, their dedication to this mission earned Little Linksters numerous accolades, including the prestigious PGA of America National Award for Junior Golf Development, cementing its reputation as a leader in youth golf education.

In January 2025, this remarkable legacy transitioned into new hands when Coach Ricky Collado acquired ownership of Little Linksters, bringing his own passion and expertise to continue the organization’s mission of making golf accessible to children ages 3 to 18. Under Coach Collado’s leadership, Little Linksters maintains its commitment to excellence while expanding opportunities for young golfers to learn, grow, and thrive both on and off the course.

🎯 Program Offerings

The Little Linksters Golf Academy at Wekiva Golf Club offers a comprehensive suite of programs designed to meet the diverse needs of young golfers and their families.

🌱 GROW Program

The GROW program serves as the foundation of the academy’s offerings, providing structured golf instruction that emphasizes fundamental skill development, course etiquette, and the values that make golf such a character-building sport. Students in the GROW program learn proper swing mechanics, short game techniques, and course management skills while developing confidence and sportsmanship that extends far beyond the golf course.

🏠 GROW Homeschool Program

Recognizing the unique scheduling needs of homeschooling families, Little Linksters offers the GROW Homeschool program, which provides the same high-quality instruction as the traditional GROW program but is specifically scheduled to accommodate homeschool students. This program has become increasingly popular among families who appreciate the flexibility it offers while ensuring their children receive top-tier golf instruction during traditional school hours.

🎮 PLAY Program

The PLAY program takes a more recreational approach, focusing on fun and engagement while still providing quality instruction. This program is perfect for children who want to learn golf in a less structured environment, emphasizing games, activities, and social interaction alongside skill development. The PLAY program often serves as an excellent introduction to golf for younger children or those who are still deciding how seriously they want to pursue the sport.

🏕️ Little Linksters Camps

During school breaks and summer months, Little Linksters Camps provide intensive, multi-day golf experiences that combine instruction with fun activities and games. These camps are designed to accelerate learning while ensuring participants have an enjoyable, memorable experience. Camp participants often form lasting friendships and develop a deeper appreciation for the game through the immersive nature of these programs.

🏆 PGA Junior League Golf

For young golfers ready to experience competitive team golf, the PGA Junior League Golf program offers an exciting opportunity to represent Little Linksters in organized competition against other junior golf organizations throughout Central Florida. This program introduces participants to the team aspect of golf while maintaining the individual skill development focus that makes golf unique. PGA Junior League participants learn valuable lessons about teamwork, leadership, and handling pressure while competing in a supportive, age-appropriate environment.

🤝 Accessibility and Inclusion

What sets Little Linksters apart is its unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusion. No prior golf experience is required for any program, and golf equipment is provided for students who need it, removing common barriers that might prevent children from discovering their potential in golf. The organization’s philosophy centers on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the benefits that golf provides, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The impact of Little Linksters extends far beyond Central Florida, with recognition from golf industry leaders and professional athletes who understand the importance of youth golf development. The organization’s GOALS program, which focuses on providing golf opportunities for special needs youth, has received support from the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation, highlighting the national significance of Little Linksters’ inclusive approach to junior golf development.

🚀 BE A GOLFER Elite Academy

Following his transition of Little Linksters’ ownership to Coach Ricky Collado in January 2025, PGA Professional Brendon Elliott launched BE A GOLFER Elite Academy, a boutique-style coaching program that represents the pinnacle of personalized golf instruction for competitive teen golfers. This exclusive academy reflects Elliott’s evolution as a coach and his desire to work intimately with a select group of dedicated young athletes who are serious about taking their golf games to the highest levels.

💡 Coaching Philosophy and Approach

BE A GOLFER Elite Academy operates on a fundamentally different model than traditional junior golf programs. Rather than serving large numbers of students, the academy intentionally limits enrollment to ensure that each student receives unprecedented individual attention and customized instruction from Coach Elliott. This boutique approach allows for deep, meaningful relationships between coach and student, fostering an environment where significant improvement and personal growth can flourish.

Coach Elliott brings to BE A GOLFER Elite Academy nearly two decades of experience in junior golf development, combined with his extensive background as a freelance golf writer and industry expert. His partnerships with prestigious golf publications including PGA.com, PGA Magazine, GolfWRX, and RG.org have kept him at the forefront of golf instruction methodology and industry trends, knowledge that directly benefits his academy students.

The academy’s coaching philosophy centers on Elliott’s passionate commitment to nurturing young talent while instilling a lifelong love for competitive golf. He understands that elite junior golfers require more than just technical instruction; they need mentorship, strategic guidance, and emotional support as they navigate the challenges of competitive golf. Elliott’s approach combines traditional in-person coaching with innovative remote online learning techniques, allowing him to support his students’ development even when they’re competing in tournaments or training away from Wekiva Golf Club.

🎯 Comprehensive Training Program

Students in the BE A GOLFER Elite Academy receive comprehensive instruction that covers every aspect of competitive golf. Technical skill development forms the foundation of the program, with Elliott working closely with each student to refine their swing mechanics, short game precision, and putting consistency. However, the academy goes far beyond technical instruction to address the mental game, course management, tournament preparation, and physical conditioning necessary for competitive success.

The personalized nature of BE A GOLFER Elite Academy allows Elliott to tailor his instruction to each student’s unique strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Some students may need intensive work on specific technical aspects of their games, while others might benefit more from mental game coaching or strategic course management instruction. This individualized approach ensures that each student’s time and effort are maximized for optimal improvement.

🌐 Industry Connections and Opportunities

Elliott’s extensive network within the golf industry provides BE A GOLFER Elite Academy students with unique opportunities and insights that extend beyond traditional coaching. His relationships with equipment manufacturers, college coaches, and professional golfers create pathways for students to access resources and opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable. This industry connectivity is particularly valuable for students with collegiate or professional golf aspirations.

The academy’s location at Wekiva Golf Club provides an ideal training environment for competitive junior golfers. The course’s challenging layout and well-maintained facilities offer students the opportunity to practice and play in conditions that mirror tournament golf. Elliott utilizes every aspect of the facility in his instruction, from the driving range and short game areas to on-course playing lessons that teach real-world application of skills and strategies.

🎓 Character Development and Life Skills

BE A GOLFER Elite Academy represents more than just golf instruction; it’s a comprehensive development program that prepares young golfers for success in all aspects of their lives. Elliott emphasizes the importance of academic achievement, character development, and personal responsibility alongside golf skill development. Students learn valuable life skills including time management, goal setting, resilience, and leadership that serve them well beyond their golf careers.

The academy’s small size creates a family-like atmosphere where students support and learn from each other while pushing each other to achieve their best. This environment fosters healthy competition and camaraderie that enhances the overall experience for everyone involved. Students often form lasting friendships and professional networks that continue to benefit them throughout their golf careers and beyond.

For families seeking the highest level of personalized golf instruction for their competitive teen golfers, BE A GOLFER Elite Academy offers an unparalleled opportunity to work with one of Central Florida’s most accomplished and respected golf coaches. The combination of Elliott’s expertise, the academy’s personalized approach, and the excellent facilities at Wekiva Golf Club creates an environment where serious young golfers can reach their full potential while developing the character and life skills that will serve them throughout their lives.