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.”
Explore our clinics
Featured Products
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.
Turn practice time into family time.
Golf Adventures is a fun, interactive activity book designed for elementary-aged kids and their families to use at the driving range, putting green, or out on the golf course. Packed with playful challenges, mini games, scavenger hunts, and creative prompts, this guide keeps young golfers engaged while helping them build real golf skills.
Inside, families will find:
Range games to improve aim, distance, and swing confidence
Putting challenges that build focus and precision
On-course activities that teach golf etiquette and strategy
Fun scavenger hunts and golf-themed challenges
Scorecards, reflection pages, and creative drawing prompts
Light movement and stretch activities for young golfers
This activity book is designed to help kids stay engaged at the course, build confidence, and create meaningful family memories around the game of golf.
Perfect for:
Elementary-aged golfers
Family golf outings
Practice sessions at the range
Junior golfers just getting started
Whether you're warming up on the range or playing a casual round, Golf Adventures turns every trip to the course into a fun learning experience.
Shipping April 2026
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.
Follow us on social
Contact Us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!