Iron and Elm Golf
“Where character meets the course.”
The Course Is A Classroom
I believe the golf course is one of the best classrooms a child can have.
Every round presents real-world learning opportunities — patience after a tough shot, integrity when no one is watching, perseverance when things feel challenging, the confidence that comes from sticking with something difficult, understanding velocity when hitting the ball, diving into the rich history of the game’s roots…
Golf naturally teaches lessons that extend far beyond the course. Kids practice focus, emotional regulation, decision-making, and resilience in real time. Those are the same skills that help them succeed in school, relationships, and life.
Thoughtful, high-quality instruction
Our academy is built on the belief that young golfers deserve instruction that is both technically sound and thoughtfully delivered.
Players are guided through the fundamentals of the game — grip, stance, posture, alignment, and swing mechanics — while also learning the strategic elements that make golf such a rewarding lifelong sport.
Instruction is structured, encouraging, and designed to help each golfer progress at their own pace. Players receive personalized feedback and practical coaching that builds both skill and confidence.
By combining strong technical instruction with a positive learning environment, we help young golfers develop the tools they need to succeed both on the course and beyond it.
Mindset Matters
One thing young golfers who excel understand is that the best players aren't the ones who never struggle — they're the ones who learn how to reset after a tough shot.
In our academy, kids practice simple mindset tools like:
• Taking a reset breath
• Reframing mistakes as feedback
• Focusing on the next shot instead of the last one
A small mindset shift can change everything for a young golfer.
Instead of saying “I’m bad at this,” we teach kids to say “I’m still learning this.”
Join us for a thoughtfully designed Homeschool Enrichment Series at Lake of Isles—where learning meets play in a skill and confidence-building environment.
This 4-week Wednesday program (June 3–24, 10:00–11:00 AM) blends academic skill-building, social-emotional development, and professional golf instruction into one experience. No prior golf experience is required—students ages 8–16 of all levels are welcome.
Rooted in a growth mindset approach, each session is intentionally structured to strengthen focus, confidence, communication, and perseverance while introducing and developing golf skills with a professional instructor.
Participants receive a custom workbook and signature program polo, and will engage in interactive enrichment activities that reinforce executive functioning, problem-solving, and peer collaboration. Our workbook-based framework promotes mental performance and real-life skill academic application in a supportive, engaging environment.
This program is ideal for homeschool families seeking a well-rounded enrichment opportunity that supports both academic and personal growth in a unique and inspiring setting.
Spots are limited to maintain a high-quality, personalized experience.
Explore our clinics
This 4-week enrichment academy is designed for all students ages 8–16 and blends golf instruction (Coach Sadie) and social-emotional development in a supportive small-group environment.
Students will receive professional golf instruction for all skill levels, focusing on swing fundamentals, short game skills, course etiquette, and confidence on the course. Alongside golf training, participants will engage in golf-themed social emotion enrichment, focusing on stress management skills, growth mindset, and leadership.
The program also incorporates social learning and real-world life skills, helping students build teamwork, focus, sportsmanship, and resilience through the game of golf.
Instruction includes: • Professional small group golf coaching • Golf-themed small group social emotional enrichment lessons
Ages: 8–16 Format: Small group learning Location: Norwich Golf Course; Malerba's Driving Range Duration: 4-week session (5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30) Time: 2:00-3:45pm
All skill levels welcome
Limited spots available.
New members receive uniform polo, workbook, and materials.
Featured Products
Scorekeeping and Addition is a thoughtfully designed academic mini lesson that introduces young golfers to one of the most important fundamentals of the game—tracking their score with accuracy and integrity.
Inside this lesson, golfers learn that every stroke matters. Through guided practice and real golf scenarios, they build foundational addition skills while developing a deeper understanding of how math connects directly to their performance on the course.
⛳ What Makes This Different
This is more than a worksheet—it’s a learning experience.
Your child will not only practice math, but also:
Build confidence with numbers
Learn the importance of honesty and responsibility
Begin thinking like a strategic golfer
📚 What’s Included
✔ Scorekeeping + addition mini lesson
✔ Vocabulary building (stroke, par, total, over/under)
✔ Helpful tips & terms for success
✔ Guided practice problems
✔ Independent work
✔ Critical thinking questions
✔ Life skill connections woven throughout
🌱 Life Skills Your Golfer Builds
Through this lesson, children develop:
Accuracy – recording scores correctly
Honesty – counting every stroke, even when it’s hard
Responsibility – owning their performance
Focus – staying present and organized
🎯 Perfect For
Beginner golfers
Homeschool enrichment
Families who value both academics and character development
💡 Why Families Love Iron & Elm Golf
Designed by a mom, therapist, and school psychologist, this lesson blends:
Academic skill-building
Golf fundamentals and junior golf education
Social-emotional growth
The Connection Deck is designed to bring families closer through meaningful conversations and simple social-emotional skill building.
Each card in the deck includes two sides:
• A thoughtful connection question to spark meaningful conversations between parents and kids
• A practical coping skill to help children build emotional awareness, resilience, and self-regulation
Whether you're sitting at the dinner table, driving to practice, or winding down before bed, these cards make it easy to turn everyday moments into opportunities for connection and growth.
This deck is perfect for families, homeschoolers, educators, and counselors who want simple tools that strengthen communication and emotional skills.
Includes:
• 30 connection conversation prompts
• 30 coping strategies for kids and families
• Durable, easy-to-use cards
• Designed for ages 6+
Use them during:
• Family dinner
• Car rides
• Bedtime conversations
• Classroom morning meetings
• Counseling sessions
• Homeschool SEL time
Created by a licensed school psychologist and therapist, this deck blends evidence-based emotional skills with real family connection.
Why Families Love It:
• Encourages deeper conversations
• Builds emotional vocabulary
• Teaches coping skills in a natural way
• Helps families connect in just a few minutes a day
A simple deck. A powerful habit of connection.
Get to know us
About the Program
Our Connecticut based golf academy offers a unique approach to youth instruction by combining high-quality golf coaching with principles from psychology, education, and social-emotional development.
Students learn foundational golf skills in a structured but supportive environment where the emphasis is on progress, confidence, and enjoyment of the game. Lessons are designed to help children develop coordination, patience, focus, and sportsmanship while learning the fundamentals of golf.
Our team includes experienced golf instructors and assistants who are passionate about creating a welcoming and encouraging environment for young golfers.
Programs are intentionally designed to support families and active learners by offering opportunities for movement, skill development, and social connection. Children of all experience levels are welcome, and the goal is always to help each student grow at their own pace while developing a lifelong love for the game.
About the Instructor
Sadie Martinez is a PGA Associate, business owner, and creative who brings a unique blend of expertise to Iron & Elm. With a Master’s degree in Education and experience teaching in special education, she is deeply passionate about creating inclusive and impactful learning environments.
While golf is her lifelong passion, Sadie believes that youth are our future and deserve every opportunity to lead successful, fulfilling lives. The chance to combine social and emotional learning with the game of golf is truly a dream come true. She looks forward to meeting the families and students and supporting them both on and off the course. Follow her on Instagram @martinez.golf
About the Founder, Maura
The academy is owned and operated by a licensed school psychologist and therapist with extensive experience supporting children and families in both educational and developmental settings. With over a decade of experience in the school choice and homeschool community, she understands the importance of providing learning opportunities that support the whole child.
In addition to her professional background, she is also a mom raising a child in an active golf family. This personal connection to the game inspired her to create a program that blends quality golf instruction with social-emotional learning, confidence building, and real-world skill development.
Her goal is simple: to help kids develop not only their golf skills, but also the focus, resilience, and positive mindset that benefit them in sports, academics, and life.
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Contact Us
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