Building Strong Character on and off the Course
At the International Junior Golf Academy (IJGA), golf development goes far beyond the driving range. Throughout the year, students attend weekly Character Sessions led by Mrs. Mindy Hopman, a leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and wife of the head of Montverde Academy. These discussions focus on values essential to both life and golf, including trust, integrity, loyalty, discipline, and motivation.
Final Session of the Year: Lessons in Motivation
The final session of the year, held on Monday, April 14, brought a powerful close to the series. Mrs. Hopman recapped the core lessons learned and welcomed three IJGA champions to share personal insights on what drives their success:
- Hung Le Khanh, member of Vietnam’s winning Nomura Cup team and a Rest of the World player in the Presidents Cup
- Pietro Picolli, a top junior golfer in Italy and Coppa D’Oro champion
- Joshua Hess, who earned victories at the Optimist and Notah Begay Finals and a close second at the Orange Bowl
Their stories highlighted the dedication, mindset, and internal motivation required to succeed at the highest levels of junior golf.
Character Development as Part of IJGA’s Mission
These sessions reflect IJGA’s commitment to holistic player development, blending world-class athletic training with personal growth. Programs like this help students become not only better golfers but also stronger individuals prepared for future challenges.
