Rising Stars: Meet Kelly Hodge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Hodge.

Kelly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started assisting with golf teaching at 15 years old in Ft. Collins with junior programs. I went on to play on the boy’s team in high school and then played college golf at CSU in Ft. Collins. I earned my degree in English and a teaching certificate at CSU then moved to Colorado Springs. Soon after, I went through the LPGA Teaching program to earn my credentials to teach golf and have been a Class A Teaching Professional since 1994. I earned the Central Section Teacher of The Year Award in 1991. I have coached high school and middle school golf since 1994 in Colorado Springs earning three 4A Regional Titles and 16 top 30 individual places at state. Two top-five finishes for a team at state as well.

Along with my LPGA career, I just retired from Colorado Springs School District 11 as an English Teacher for 30 years. I taught at Mitchell High School, Holmes Middle School, and Coronado High School. I always taught golf on the weekends and in the summer, and then school during the rest of the year. Now, I can focus on coaching and teaching golf as much as I want all year long.

I have two boys–21 and 26, one at CSU and one is a graduate of CSU who both grew up around golf and I was fortunate to be their coach as well at Homes Middle School and Coronado High School. We also hike, bike, and ski.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The teaching business in golf is very challenging to start. I advertised and found my own clientele. As an individual contractor, I am in charge of my own schedule and lessons–that can be very rewarding as I built my client base, but the first five years were difficult. When I worked in the pro shop one day a week, it was difficult to spread the word about my lessons. However, over time, my client base spread the word, and now I publish my clinics and offerings one time/year. The other struggle was balancing my English Teacher career with golf. People want lessons starting in March, and that’s when coaching season starts for the high school teams. So, I coached during the week and graded papers and planned at night and then would teach a full day on Saturday or Sunday. I had to be very organized to keep on top of all three jobs I had going.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an LPGA Class A Teaching Professional– I teach lessons to people age 5-90 generally April through October. I specialize in ladies and girls lessons as well as building your short game. I am most proud of The LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Club in Colorado Springs–I joined on the national level in 1994 and have anywhere from 25-55 girls/summer. Girls ages 5-17. I also started over 15 years ago–WWW-Women, Wine and Wedges on Wednesday evenings all summer. Myself and our head pro, Todd Laxson teach 20–30 ladies in a clinic fashion from 5:30-6:30 pm and then ladies head out to the par 3 to play as many holes as they want and I float around giving tips and handing out prizes!

Because I am the only woman at a public course in Colorado Springs, I have a huge clientele! I am grateful for the opportunities golf has provided in my life and working at Cherokee Ridge Golf Course for over 20 years where I have the freedom to run my own schedule and lessons.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I started playing golf with my parents at 4 years old along with my sister. I played golf at CSU and my sister played for University of Wyoming. We played against each other in Collegiate play. My sister is also an LPGA Teaching Pro in Ft. Collins, Colorado.

Pricing:

• $75–One private lesson
• $175-Three private lessons
• $300-Five private lessons
• WWW-$35
• Group Lessons-$100 for 5 or more/4 lessons

Contact Info:

• Website: kellyhodgelpga.com
• Instagram: @kellyhodgegolf
• Facebook: Kelly Hodge LPGA Golf Professional